PETTUS – Agency mergers in Barbour’s proposal
On Monday, Barbour called for a 12 percent budget markdown for most agencies in his $5.5 billion budget recommendation for fiscal 2011.
Some of the governor’s targets include:
The Department of Banking and Consumer Finance. It would fold into the secretary of state’s office.
The Department of Agriculture and Commerce. It would absorb the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Board of Animal Health, Mississippi Forestry Commission and more.
Oakley Training School near Raymond, the only state-run juvenile correction center. It would close.
“I believe the governor and his staff are out of touch with the reality when it comes to requirements for the detention of children,” said state House Juvenile Justice Committee Chairman Earle Banks, D-Jackson. “These are federal requirements, and Oakley offers them, including psychological counseling, educational courses, trade courses.”
Clarion-Ledger
11/22/9
Magnolia Tribune
