Blocking state flag amendment

A top Mississippi lawmaker is blocking an effort to punish universities that refuse to fly the state flag, a symbol that critics see as racist.
The state House passed a bill earlier this week saying public universities could not receive certain tax breaks unless they display the flag. The bill was held for more debate.
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jeff Smith says the flag has caused animosity and he will kill the bill by not bringing it up for debate. However, the fight is expected to continue.
Lawmakers could seek to put a flag provision into other bills.