AP – Miss. Legislature passes 1st group of budget bills
JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Tuesday and began passing dozens of non-controversial budget bills to fund state government, even as their most contentious debate on the general fund looms later this week.
Discussions were mostly subdued because the House and Senate dealt first with special-fund agencies that generate their own money through fees or specific taxes. Those include the state Gaming Commission, the secretary of state’s office and smaller agencies such as the Board of Massage Therapy and the Funeral Services Board.
“I’m glad to see there are no questions on that,” Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant joked as senators quickly passed the $74,805 budget for the Egg Marketing Board.
“I am, too,” said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo.
AP
4/20/10
Magnolia Tribune
