$5B budget deal still needs Barbour’s approval
Barbour has said he will only schedule a special session for the full Legislature to vote on the budget after an agreement has been reached between the House, Senate and himself. Barbour’s spokesman could not be reached for comment on Sunday’s proposal, which includes a Medicaid funding plan with provisions that the governor has objected to.
House and Senate negotiators said their proposed budget relies on a $60 million hospital tax to help pay for the health-care program and assurances that hospitals will not face future cuts. Barbour, a Republican, objects to the protections and prefers a $90 million tax to help plug Medicaid’s yearly shortfalls.
“There are still some technical issues, all related to Medicaid … so I don’t know if the governor’s ready to (call a special session),” Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, said after announcing the agreement late Sunday night.
Clarion-Ledger
6/22/9
Magnolia Tribune
