Democrats Want Special Session To Change Mississippi Budget

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Democrats are saying again that Republican Gov. Phil Bryant should call a special session so lawmakers can change parts of Mississippi’s $6.3 billion budget.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman David Baria of Bay St. Louis said Wednesday that the state Health Department will lose about $4 million, or 11 percent of its budget, for the year starting July 1.

The head of the Senate Democratic Caucus, John Horhn of Jackson, says the department will lose 79 jobs for people who inspect facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.

Democrats previously raised concerns about the Department of Mental Health budget.

Bryant spokesman Clay Chandler did not immediately respond to questions Wednesday about a special session.

Republican budget writers say they had to balance a wide range of requests from state agencies.