2010/2011 Legislative Budget Hearings Begin

State Capitol Building, Jackson, Mississippi

Top lawmakers are starting to plan spending for the fiscal year that begins next July 1st. MPB's Patty Davis has more.

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has a tough job ahead of them, balancing state tax revenue projections with the needs of state agencies. Lt Governor Phil Bryant, who chairs the Committee this year, feels it is too early to know what lawmakers will have to work with.

Bryant: Here it is the 21st of September,and we are trying to determine what the budget ought to be in January and February of next year. What revenue projections we might have. What expenditures we are going to need. And truth of the matter is, we just don't know. It's a beginning, and it's traditional for Government to do these things, but I'm just not so sure it's beneficial.

Because Mississippi relies on federal dollars for so many programs for low income residents, Representative Diane Peranich of Pass Christian, says the health of the Nation's economy will have a large impact on the budget.

Peranich: We are the largest recipient of transfer of payment than any state. Consequently so goes the Nation, so go Mississippi. And sometimes we fail to realize that.

House Speaker Billy McCoy expects state agency budget requests to reflect needs - not economic trends.

McCoy: Based on history, they'll come in, even knowing the tight times, and some will shoot for the moon anyhow.

based on Some state agencies will send their budget requests electronically, but Senator Dean Kirby of Pearl, says an in person presentation has it's advantages.

Kirby: There are some real critical needs that are brought out each time. But I think it gives them an audience to listen to, of the leadership of the House and the Senate at the same time. And would save them time which, you know, would save us money.

If all goes as planned, the full House and Senate will finish the budget by early April.