/Budget details remain unclear

Budget details remain unclear

Although the state budget for next year will be approximately $6 billion, details have been slow to emerge. This has left legislators, media members, and the public unaware of specific spending levels. Debbie Rubisoff, Director of the Legislative Budget Office, said that the office was still compiling appropriations adoptions to publish a post-session bulletin. Laura Hipp is the spokesperson for Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves stated that Reeves’ office had not yet received a breakdown of the cuts made to different departments. A variety of general bills were approved Tuesday after being discussed by conference committees that included lawmakers from each house. Some bills were recommitted to conference for further discussion. The House made the biggest move, when a bill to limit politicians’ access to campaign finance funds was recommitted for conference. This move more than likely ended the bill entirely given the time remaining in the session. Nine bills were recommitted by the Senate to conference, including one that would allow domestic violence to be grounds for divorce. Another bill would create the Capitol Complex District. This would include Jackson State University, downtown Jackson, and other state buildings. It would also set aside funds for infrastructure maintenance, police and fire protection within the district. The bills are now waiting for the governor to sign them before they become law. The following notable bills were adopted by both houses: House Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) stated just before adjourning Tuesday, that he expected the House would finish its work on Wednesday. It is not clear if the Senate plans to complete their work on Thursday or by Wednesday. A motion to reconsider a bill could be filed by lawmakers from either house. This would delay any further action and move the last day of work back a day. To support this important work, you can make a recurring contribution today to celebrate our Spring Member Drive.