LT. GOVERNOR PHIL BRYANT RELEASE STATEMENT ON LEGISLATIVE BUDGET HEARINGS
Thursday marked the end of a four-day hearing where state agencies asked for more than $1.3 billion in new money for the new fiscal year beginning July 2011. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant released the following statement:
“These are tough economic times that we continue to face here in Mississippi. In just four days, state agencies have requested $1.3 billion in new money, and while there are some very compelling cases, the fiscal reality is state government cannot operate as it has in the past.
The legislative hearings also prove that we must fix this broken antiquated system of budgeting taxpayer money. I intend to reintroduce the ‘Smart Budget Act,’ a performance-based budgeting system where resources are allocated based on results in this next legislative session.
I will continue to work with the Governor, the Speaker of the House and leadership in the Senate to prioritize and fund state government efficiently and effectively. Let me emphasize, this would be the worst possible time to increase any taxes on small businesses or the hardworking people of Mississippi.”
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Bryant release
9/23/10
Magnolia Tribune
