Barbour says budget impasse continues
Gov. Haley Barbour says the impasse continues in budget talks at the state Capitol.
Barbour told reporters Thursday with no agreement on the $5 billion spending plan, particularly for Medicaid, he won’t set a special session date. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
Barbour says talks are continuing but he wouldn’t discuss what options are being discussed. He says differences remain on the Medicaid deficit for this fiscal year and the budget for the next.
AP
6/25/9
Impasse continues as it heats up
Mississippi’s Democratic and Republican leaders traded jabs Wednesday over Gov. Haley Barbour’s out-of-state fundraising while the deadline for a 2010 budget swiftly approached with no compromise in sight.
Barbour “helped create a budget mess, and despite an agreement over the weekend, he refused to call a special session. Instead, he’s still out of state, gallivanting around to raise money for other politicians,” state Democratic Party chairman Jamie Franks said in a statement.
“That’s why we’re asking the people of New Hampshire to send Haley home.”
Not to be outdone, state Republican Party chairman Brad White responded, “The last time Jamie Franks described his vision for the lieutenant governor’s office, Mississippians overwhelmingly rejected it and nothing has changed.
“Democrats need to tell their own House leadership to create a fair, responsible, sustainable budget. Once they do, I’m sure Governor Barbour will call them in to session so they can pass it.”
Desoto Appeal
6/24/9
