Lawmakers still at odds over funding; will House walk out?

The Clarion-Ledger, 7/3/8

Medicaid funding negotiations between House and Senate lawmakers produced no results Wednesday, and some House members suggested the chamber might walk out today.

“The (discussions) caved in, and we’re not making any progress,” said House Majority Leader Tyrone Ellis, D-Starkville. “We don’t need to stay here and continue to waste the taxpayers’ money.”

But Rep. Dirk Dedeaux, the Democrat who chairs the House Medicaid Committee, said late Wednesday that adjournment isn’t a sure thing.

And Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton, said he hopes negotiations continue. “When there’s dialogue, there’s always a chance for a solution. It would be a mistake to stop that dialogue.”