Lawmakers Accomplish Little as Session Resumes

After a two-week break, lawmakers returned to the Capital this week with the hopes of finalizing a budget in only a few days. After the first day back it looks like that’s a long shot. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Lawmakers hoped to gavel in at the capital ready to vote on budget bills. But on their first day back, they accomplished little. Budget negotiations broke down last week. On the chamber floor, House speaker Billy McCoy of Rienzi voiced his disapproval of the slow progress, blaming Senate conferees.

“I’m frustrated on behalf of the citizens of this state and on behalf of the member of the House and Senate. It’s time to get in a room and confer. We’ve got all the facts we need. I’m sure more facts will come, but we’ve delayed, we’ve delayed, we’ve delayed.”

On the Senate floor, Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo said work was being done on the budget outside of conference meetings. Senate budget negotiator Bennie Turner of West Point, also believes the conferees have been working hard.

“There’s been tremendous efforts. We’re dealing with complex issues. There are varying firm and serious concerns about how to address those issues, and that ‘s not something you just quickly and easily gloss over.”

The main disagreement is over saving 60 million dollars for the 2011 fiscal year, when federal stimulus money will run out. Lawmakers will continue negotiations today.