Jackson Free Press

Red Alert
Dr. Warren Jones, the executive director for the Division of Medicaid, held a press conference Monday and sent Gov. Haley Barbour a letter saying that he regrets to inform everyone that Medicaid only has enough money to benefit its beneficiaries until March 11. That's it.

There is still a need to fund the $268 million deficit for the program supporting 780,000 people. He explained that his initial announcement on Feb. 3 that they only had money to pay through Feb. 28 caused a ruckus in the healthcare field. Many people cancelled surgeries, medical appointments and dental procedures. The House has thus far passed a bill providing for about $50 million. The Senate has passed one for approximately $200 million. The Medicaid Division interpreted this as an intent to at least provide $50 million more, so they requested that advanced credit line from State Treasurer Tate Reeves, thus justifying the extended deadline. By Wednesday, Feb. 23, all original floor action on appropriations and revenue bills originating in each own house must have taken place or it's too late for 2005.

The Scent of Faith
On Monday, Feb. 21, both chambers at the Capitol recognized country singer and Mississippi native Faith Hill with HC 72 for her successful music career and civic dedication. Faith was born in Jackson and raised in Star, Miss. Having sold more than 30 million records worldwide, Hill is using her fame to become the moving force behind the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center in Meridian. The House and the Senate congratulated her with an audience at the top of both chambers that definitely beat out any number of people in the House for any of the Medicaid wars, thus far. To add to the craziness at the Capitol on Monday, House Speaker Billy McCoy did his usual spiel before a vote comes up, but with the Faith Hill commendation he said, "If you're opposed, vote 'no.' And you better not vote 'no'!"

Oleta Sez Hurry!
Oleta Fitzgerald, the southern regional director for the Children's Defense Fund, held a press conference Monday to plead with the Legislature to take action to fund state programs soon. She believes they are going to have to increase taxes and revenue in order to take care of the deficit this year. She declared: "There is no way to cut $1 billion in programs from this state. They need to move off the dime and fully fund Medicaid and the Mississippi Adequate Education Program."

No More Sunday Picnics
House Bill 1657 contains the greatest reduction in funding in the history of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The bill would call for a reduction of nearly 90 percent of last year's budget—costing the department more than $16 million. If this passes in both chambers and the governor signs it, 75 percent of state parks, lakes and wildlife management areas in Mississippi will be shut down and more than 250 jobs will be lost. Critics say passage of this bill will cost the state money in tourism, outdoor enthusiasts and further business development. Those critics will be happy to know that Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck says the Senate will not support the bill as it stands. However, supporters of the bill such as House Appropriations Committee Chairman Johnny Stringer, D- Montrose, say that the cost-saving measure could provide for the mental-health services deficit to the tune of almost $20 million. This would prevent more than 1,400 mental employees from losing their jobs and help hundreds of patients across the state.

B.B. is Back in Town
In 1925, Riley B. King was on a plantation in Berclair, outside of Itta Bena. His nickname "B.B." stands for Beale Street Blues Boy, which he earned while trying to spread his Delta Blues around in Memphis. The state Legislature named Tuesday, Feb. 15 as "B.B. King Day" at the Capitol inside a standing-room-only service inside the Senate chamber. The legend cried tears of joy as he was honored for his famous blues riffs that stemmed straight from his famous guitar Lucille.

Decking Haley's Halls
The Governor's Mansion has sat on Capitol Street for more than 150 years. For the first time since Gov. Ray Mabus was in office from '88-'92, the legendary building is receiving a major renovation. Tours of the landmark will stop as the $300,000 facelift begins in the next month. It should take about 60 or so days to overhaul the 22,800-square-foot mansion with two stories, including 52 rooms and a basement. Mississippi first lady Marsha Barbour is heading up the re-do. Rumors that Queer Eye's "Fab Five" are heading to Dixie to help with the makeover are greatly exaggerated.

Previous Comments

ID

64532

Comment

BWAHAHAH! Could you see Carson and Haley shopping at Express Men in Metrocenter? Carson says to Haley, "Hon, you'll be the talk of the town at your next fund-raiser. Black pin-striped pants and a fitted, pink polo-style shirt are on every metrosexual's list this year. And look at your butt in them!" Pan to Kyan freaking out about where to start the hair/body make-over as he throws his hands up, sighs, and twirls from the set... "Dude, just lay off the ribs and get to the gym." Jai walks in and gives a speech lesson before the next ball hosted by the First Lady since he still can't understand what Haley's saying after a full day of "whats" and "huhs" directed at the governor... "Open your mouth, shooog. Speak like a proud man and not a spineless politician. Here, try this tutu on; it'll loosen you up a bit." Seriously, where the hell did a budget of $300,000 come from to enhance the mansion? Aren't people losing their meds and medical support? New wallpaper or someone's grandmas getting needed meds? Hmmm. Brett, any clue what the renovations are for specifically? The news about the parks system is frightening to me since I enjoy them from NE MS to Natchez and like to do so that my tax dollars actually go to something civil, hospitable and recreational. GRRRRRRR. "It's my Mississippi too!"

Author

kaust

Date

2005-02-24T16:05:11-06:00

ID

64533

Comment

The renovation specifications were kind of vague. Some of the $$ goes towards plumbing....some towards updating "hardware" etc. etc. etc. I'm sure NONE OF IT will go towards decor....YEAH RIGHT....you know the first lady has decorators lined up from here to Chunky, MS to do that place. Have you met her? She's a good old southern girl....a debutante if you will...I seriously doubt she will be heading out anything involving plumbing, hardware or manual labor. As far as the parks stuff, I can't agree more. Unfortunately, unless they do something to generate more revenue then they will be forced to make MANY MANY cuts. Can we say tobacco taxes, updated income tax brackets, internet taxes, etc. etc.

Author

Brett Potter

Date

2005-03-02T01:05:42-06:00