LEGISLATIVE BUDGET RECOMMENDATION REDUCES SPENDING
Proposal for FY 2017 reflects modest growth
JACKSON – The proposed spending in the state’s Fiscal Year 2017 general fund budget would drop by almost $38 million compared to the current year, under a recommendation adopted by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee today. The plan considers modest revenue growth for the next budget year.
The Legislative Budget Recommendation provides more than $5.7 billion and projects revenue growth of 1.9 percent over the current year. The school funding formula, the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, is funded at current levels while other major agencies could see slight cuts of 3 percent or less. The next fiscal year begins July 1, 2016.
“Once again, your elected leaders have recommended a balanced budget that does not spend one-time money on recurring expenses,” said Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, chairman of the budget committee. “Today’s proposal is a starting point. As we see revenues come in over the next few months, we will be better able to see how the final budget will shape up.”
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee is comprised of six senators and six representatives. The committee’s recommendation is considered the basis for budget talks in the 2016 session.
The 2017 budget proposal includes raises for troopers at the Department of Public Safety as approved by the Legislature this year. It also includes funds for new judicial positions, which were created to reflect population growth across Mississippi.
12/15/15
Magnolia Tribune
