#msleg leaders question state property usage, boards and commissions

Lawmakers look at buildings, bureaucracy

Lawmakers looking on Monday to save state tax dollars began delving into the more than 6,400 buildings the state owns and roughly 200 small agencies, boards and commissions that regulate everything from acupuncture to veterans affairs.

“I understand the state owns $15 billion worth of property,” said House Speaker Philip Gunn. “How much are we using, how much are we not using and do we need that much? Can we divest ourselves of some of it?”

Officials with the Department of Finance and Administration provided some details to lawmakers on state-owned property and promised to provide more after members of a special panel asked questions.

Clarion Ledger
8/22/16