Budget Makes Slow Progress

Alan Nunnelee (R-Tupelo) On the Senate Floor

Lawmakers have made some progress towards completing a budget, but not enough wrap up the session. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Most lawmakers spent Wednesday going in and out of session, and that’s about it, said Republican Senator Terry Brown of Columbus. He questioned Senate Appropriations Chair Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo on the chamber floor.

“We’re staying up here, we’re drawing money. I want the taxpayer to know I’m doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. Get us out of here and when y’all come to some agreement on this thing, call us back, let us vote on it and be through with this thing.”

House members have said this week Senate negotiators were to blame for conferees not meeting enough to hammer out an agreement. Here's House Speaker Billy McCoy yesterday on the House floor.

“We expect our conferees to be available not just 12, but 24 hours as day, and the staff also. So let’s get with it.”

Nunnelee countered these criticisms saying there had been significant progress made on the budget. He says funding for many state agencies had been agreed on, and the general fund budget was getting closer. Nunnelee also said he wasn’t to blame for any lack of meetings.

“I’ve been available. I was here from Monday though Sunday of last week. And I‘ve been here since Monday of this week. So I’m available any time the House wants to meet.”

Budget negotiators did meet in private Tuesday and Wednesday. Today they’ll continue trying to top one roadblock, agreeing on saving money for the 2011 fiscal year, when federal stimulus dollars run out.