CL – Budget compromise closer

CL – Budget compromise closer

Talks between the state House and Senate about how to repair critical cuts to the current fiscal year’s budget moved a little closer Wednesday toward a compromise.

The House Appropriations Committee approved an amended Senate bill that would tap $79 million, mostly in tobacco settlement funds, to offset Gov. Haley Barbour’s midyear cuts.

“We think this will be a good compromise that Democrats and Republicans can agree to,” said House Appropriations Chairman Johnny Stringer, D-Montrose.

Because revenues have not matched expectations, Barbour so far has cut $458.5 million from the fiscal 2010 budget.

Clarion-Ledger
2/11/10