The Mississippi Division of Medicaid has announced a significant reduction in their budget deficit.
Drew Snyder, Executive Director of the Division of Medicaid, took to Twitter to announce that they have been able to reduce the department’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget deficit from $40 million to $5 million.
Snyder concluded his tweet by saying that they’ll “continue to responsibly reduce spending” and this means that the department does not plan to request a “deficit appropriation” from the legislature.
This means that Medicaid will not require any additional funds from the state’s general fund when the appropriation process comes around during the next session.
As for what the state could do with the extra funds, Lt. Governor Tate Reeves responded to Snyder with a suggestion.
“With these savings & a strong economy pushing revenue growth, I believe we can invest those resources in Mississippi’s future, our children. It’s time to raise salaries again for teachers & boost pay for CPS caseworkers next year! #teacherpayraise,” Reeves tweeted.
Reeves’ idea quickly got the attention and support of Governor Bryant.
Great idea, Lieutenant Governor. I’m all in. ? https://t.co/IEcedaKSew
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) September 6, 2018
The Governor also praised Snyder’s leadership at the helm of Medicaid. Snyder was appointed to the position back in December following the retirement of Dr. David Dzielak.
