Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula among 3 voting against preliminary borrowing plan
JACKSON, Mississippi — Lawmakers moved forward Wednesday with plans to borrow tens of millions of dollars to help fix leaky roofs, invest in economic development and repair worn equipment.
The Senate passed a bill that would allow the state to borrow a total of $95.9 million, including $63 million for the eight universities and $22 million for the 15 community and junior colleges.
That amount is likely to grow if lawmakers agree to money for a new medical school building at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. House lawmakers have passed a separate bill seeking $31 million to continue work on the building on UMMC’s Jackson campus.
Members of the Senate’s Conservative Coalition, which sometimes opposes the priorities of Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and other members of the majority Republicans, questioned why it was necessary to borrow that much.
“Why would we not use some of that new revenue instead of putting another charge on the credit card?” Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, asked, noting the state’s improving financial picture.
“We’re doing some of that,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Joey Fillingane explained, saying some capital needs would be satisfied through spending current revenue rather than borrowing.
Only Watson, Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, and Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, voted against the bill.
Gulflive
2/26/14
Magnolia Tribune
