AG Questions Legislative Use Of Special Funds

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Mississippi’s attorney general says in newly issued opinions that the Legislature cannot legally “sweep” some special funds collected by state agencies – including his own – into the state’s main account to plug holes in next year’s budget.

But Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves’ office says Jim Hood is just trying to protect his office’s “off-budget” spending and that the elimination of many agencies’ special funds collections and accounts will provide more transparency and accountability for taxpayers.

The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/1UQrPqo) state agency directors, some still working to determine exactly how badly their budgets will be cut for the fiscal year that begins July 1, may have to choose whether they’ll follow the advice of Hood or legislative leaders.

Hood’s advice doesn’t carry weight of law, but it provides legal cover for agencies that follow it.

HOOD