Barbour adds ‘new dynamic’ to difficult budget talks
Gov. Haley Barbour was back for less than 24 hours from his economic development trip to Paris before he added a new obstacle Friday for House and Senate budget negotiators.
Previously, Barbour had said he would call a special session for the full Legislature to take up a budget proposal when House and Senate leaders reached an agreement.
But during a news conference Friday afternoon, the Republican Barbour said, “It takes three to agree – the House, the Senate and the governor. When there is an agreement, I will call a special session.”
Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, said the governor was essentially saying he would call a special session when the Legislature agrees with him.
Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who presides over the Senate, said the governor’s comments add “a new dynamic” to the negotiations.
“Our responsibility is to maintain our principles and get together a reasonable budget…and then present it to the governor,” Bryant said. “Then it is his decision.”
House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, said, “no governor has a right to be a dictator in this state. Gov. Barbour is seeking to be a dictator.”
Daily-Journal
6/20/9
Magnolia Tribune
