Lawmakers Propose Spending Cuts for 2017

Top lawmakers are proposing a Mississippi budget that would be three percent smaller for the coming year.
House Speaker Philip Gunn says most state agencies should plan to operate on the leanest levels possible during fiscal 2018, which begins July 1st.
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee met today. Members adopted a recommendation for the state to spend almost $6.2 billion, a reduction of just over $195 million from the current year.
The committee recommends an increase in funding for schools that show academic improvement. Among programs that could see spending cuts are Medicaid, universities, community colleges, mental health and prison.