Budget Talks Focus On Services Vs Administrative Expenses

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – During budget hearings this week, Mississippi lawmakers are asking agency directors the same set of questions.

How much tax money is directly providing services to people? And how much is being spent on administration?

Some, including Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, are also challenging directors who have spoken publicly about the effects of budget cuts.

Reeves says the Mississippi State Department of Health has received millions more dollars over the past five years.

The state health officer, Dr. Mary Currier, says the department has reduced some services, laid off some employees and increased some fees because of budget cuts for the year that started July 1.

Currier says the department will work within the budget that legislators approve and will be mindful of its main mission of protecting public health.