Legislators React to Coming Budget Cuts

State elected officials will convene in January to put together next year's budget.

With 10 percent less tax revenue than estimated, some Mississippi agencies could have entire programs cut in next year's budget. MPB's Carl Gibson reports...

"We can't just let these agencies slow-bleed to death."

Representative Steve Holland from Planetersville says with more across-the-board budget cuts on the way, agencies could have no choice but to lose entire programs.

We may have to truly look at the meat and potatoes of government and say, 'within this particular agency we can no longer deliver that program, so we're going to sideline it completely.' That's not pretty. Its not fun. It is not acceptable to me. But I think, probably realistically, that's where we are."

An indefinite hold could be placed on several programs next year, according to Tylertown Representative Bill Pigott. He says that might be the only feasible option if lawmakers don't raise taxes.

"There are people who have a hard time paying their utility bill every month. So raising taxes on people, on working people who are sturggling right now with layoffs, that's hard to do."

To best save money, Representative Mark Duvall from Mantachie says Mississippi must reduce it's prison population.

"I think we're second per capita in the nation for the amount of...our prison population. And anything we could do to try to do more rehab or house arrest for non-violent offenders would definitely be great savings for the state of Mississippi."

Agencies could see as much as a 7-percent reduction in Governor Barbour's second round of budget cuts.