Reeves sees Mississippi’s positives

The Sun Herald, 7/18/8

State Treasurer Tate Reeves said tough economic times are coming, but he believes Mississippi is in a good position to deal those challenges because of revenue growth and job creation over the last five years.

Reeves said the state’s revenue was $3.6 billion in 2004, but had grown to $5.1 billion in fiscal year 2009. He said about 70,000 jobs have been created within about the same time frame, for which he credited Gov. Haley Barbour. But layoffs could be a reality as the economy softens.

Sales-tax collections are slowing significantly, and $4-per-gallon gasoline is hurting Mississippians and the economy.