JACKSON, Miss. – State budgets could be cut later this year, if a ballot initiative to fully fund the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), a formula for public school spending, passes in November.
Lawmakers and the leaders of various state agencies came to the Capitol Tuesday for a brief meeting, during which they were told to come up with plans to either reduce budgets by almost 8 per cent, or increase fees to operate in the coming year.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Herb Frierson said its important agencies prepare for cuts that could total up to $250 million. Frierson also said he would not recommended a tax hike to eliminate any shortfalls. Instead, he would agree to using “one-time” money, including some from the BP settlement, or the state’s “rainy day” account.
