WICS Live: Around the States

Mississippi: More Budget Cuts as State Budget Revenue Continues to Fall. Governor Haley Barbour (R) made a second round of budget cuts in early December, totaling $54.3 million. The latest round of cuts includes a 5% reduction to most state agencies and programs, including Medicaid, which will be effective in February. Overall, the Governor has cut $226 million from the state budget this year. However, there is a $160 million budget shortfall remaining. Barbour has said that he has made all the cuts he can under existing law and it will be up to legislators when they return to session in January to address the shortfall in order to have a balanced budget.