State tax collections lagging

The Clarion-Ledger, 10/10/8

Mississippi tax collections are lagging this year as the national economy sputters. Yet in a poor state with relatively modest spending, budget writers say they’re not worried that they’ll be forced to cut services.

The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Democrat Johnny Stringer of Montrose, said he is accustomed to cycles of good and bad economic times.

“I’ve farmed for close to 30 years. I’ve been through dry weather and rain and hail,” Stringer, who grows wheat and soybeans, said in an interview Thursday from his home.

“The budget seems to be the same way as farming. I’m concerned, but I can deal with it.”