Reeves has maintained for weeks that he was the sole spender of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds. The Legislature met weeks ahead of schedule on Friday to pass a bill that would remove the governor from sole spending authority for the coronavirus stimulant funds. Reeves has criticized legislators in press conferences and on national television interviews. He accused them of engaging in “petty political differences” and said that people would die if they did not follow the legislative action. Gunn, the third-term Republican Speaker from Clinton, sent the Monday letter which was obtained from Mississippi Today. Gunn wrote to Reeves, “Since Senate Bill 2772 was passed, you have made statements which are completely incorrect or misleading, and have attacked my House Members and the legislative process.” “In your Friday comments, you painted legislators as thieves or killers. You claimed that we’stole money’ and that people would die. These cheap theatrics, and false personal insults, were not appropriate for your office. They were not in your personal style.” Speaker Letter to Gov 5-4 20 (Text). This letter is the latest in a series of back-and-forths between Republican leaders about who should have federal spending authority. Lt. Gov. Lt. Gov. Gunn, a Clinton Republican serving his third term, detailed 12 points on which he disagreed with the governor in his letter. These included the handling of unemployment benefits and who has the authority spend these funds. Also, whether the governor requires access to these dollars to address any emergency that might arise. Reeves stated that the Legislature’s actions could lead to people being laid off to handle unemployment claims. These workers were to be paid with federal funds and the Legislature might have the authority to stop the money from going to unemployment claims. The money that is meant for unemployment claims is held in a separate fund, which has not been affected by the Legislature’s actions. Gunn’s letter rebuffed the idea that the Legislature’s actions were part in a political struggle and encouraged Reeves’ to work with legislators. Gunn requested that Gunn stop sensationalizing the situation and instead work with the Legislature on the solutions. This is how our government has operated since 1817. It shouldn’t end today. We ask you to stop waging a media war against the legislative branch and work with us to provide checks and balances necessary for the $1.25 billion in spending. Reeves replied, “Wouldn’t you veto this bill?” “Wouldn’t you fight for Mississippians to get money now, not May 18th?” Reeves said. The governor has five working days to veto any bill passed by the Legislature. However, members can override a governor’s veto with a second-third vote. He said, “I have been involved in the legislative process for a long time and I know that the first vote does not guarantee the second vote.” Reeves suggested that a court fight was possible if legislators voted against his veto. “I cannot tell you what we will do…but we feel that if (legislators are successful in maintaining that this continues), then it is possible that the courts would weigh-in and… break the tie.”