Video: Gov. Bryant Stands By Budget Cut Proposal

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Mississippi’s top leader talks with WCBI about his recent budget cut proposal.

Governor Phil Bryant announced the proposal last week, which would cut $40 million to most state agencies.

He blames lower tax collections for the cuts.

The Mississippi Adequate Education Program, Medicaid, university students’ financial aid, and the Department of Public Safety would be exempt.

Bryant tells WCBI he stands by his proposal.

“We pulled about $3.5 million cut of the rainy day fund, that’s what it’s there for, so it is to balance the budget,” Bryant said. “My job is to make sure we have a good and balanced budget in the state of Mississippi. I’m going to exercise that authority.”

This is the first time Bryant has proposed midyear budgets cuts while in office.