Entering his sixth year as Mississippi governor, Republican Haley Barbour says some of the biggest issues he’ll tackle in 2009 are still tied to recovering from Hurricane Katrina, which struck nearly 3 1/2 years ago.
Barbour also is setting his agenda for the three-month legislative session, which begins Tuesday. During a recent pre-session interview with The Associated Press, Barbour said he’ll revive his efforts – unsuccessful in 2008 – to enact a hospital tax to help pay for Medicaid, a government health insurance program for the needy.
He said he’s also urging lawmakers to be cautious with state spending during these uncertain economic times. He said he’s not asking lawmakers to set aside state money for Katrina recovery; instead, he’s hoping for more federal money to help restore the coastal barrier islands.
Magnolia Tribune
