Saturday, December 9, 2023

Lawmakers fail to sumbit budget

With weeks until the start of the 2024 legislative session on Jan. 2, Mississippi lawmakers have declined to submit a budget recommendation for the upcoming fiscal year. 

On Dec. 6, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee adjourned without releasing a starting point for the state’s budget going into the 2024 session. Committee members were unable to reach a deal with Gov. Tate Reeves in November.

According to state law, a budget has to be adopted by the committee and Reeves in order for the governor to submit the annual Executive Budget Recommendation (EBR) before Jan. 31.

The two parties will have to work through a $113M difference as Reeves wants to see the state’s personal income tax reduced further or eliminated. (SuperTalk Mississippi 12/07/23) 


Simmons calls for MS fuel tax increase

As the 2024 legislative session approaches, Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons is calling for Mississippi lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at increasing the fuel tax. 

Mississippi's fuel tax, according to Simmons, has been untouched for over 30 years, leaving the transportation commission with a lack of funds to make improvements to the state's roads and bridges. 

The fuel tax customers pay is 18 cents at the pump, Simmons said on The Gallo Show

He called the pump tax "antiquated" and put into place in 1989. "That’s a problem.” (SuperTalk Mississippi 12/07/23) Transportation commissioner calls for fuel tax increase to fund road construction projects - SuperTalk Mississippi


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