Governor Haley Barbour’s statement on new federal spending bill

GOVERNOR BARBOUR’S STATEMENT ON THE FEDERAL EDUCATION, JOBS AND MEDICAID ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION

“The Bill as passed the Senate will force Mississippi to rewrite its
current year (FY11) budget. Preliminary estimates of the Mississippi
Department of Finance and Administration show that we will now have to
spend between $50-100 million of state funds – funds that must be taken
away from public safety, human services, mental health and other state
priorities and given to education – in order for an additional $98
million of federal funds to be granted to education. There is no
justification for the federal government hijacking state budgets, but
that is exactly what Congress has done. ”

Governor Haley Barbour
8/9/10