Lawmakers Go On Break, Major Issues Unresolved

Mississippi lawmakers wrapped up the first part of the 2009 legislative session yesterday, leaving some of the most important issues unresolved. MPB’s Stephen Koranda has more.

The last days were filled with passing bills and attempting to negotiate solutions on a few key issues. Members from the House and Senate failed to agree on increasing the state’s cigarette tax, currently one of the lowest in the nation. Representative Percy Watson of Hattiesburg is one of the House negotiators.

“I think we probably need to put some distance between us and the state capital, perhaps get back and talk to the local people. It’s not beneficial for us to continue to stay here in session addressing this issue.”

While they haven't agreed on an amount, the negotiators seem to have agreed on putting some of the money in a fund to keep car tag costs from increasing. Dean Kirby of Pearl Chairs the Senate Finance Committee.

“We’re just too close to let this go by. We’ve got to find some money for the car tags and we need for people to quit smoking and this is the solutions.”

During the break lawmakers will also be working on the budget, gathering information on how stimulus money will come to Mississippi, and looking at solutions for funding a deficit in the Medicaid program. They’re scheduled to return to the capital in early May or June.