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Rep. Noah Sanford
The legislative session is getting down to the short rows. Sine die is officially scheduled for May 5, but it is possible that we finish as early as April 26.
Over the last few weeks, we have taken up bills that originated in the House but were amended in some way by the Senate. The Senate’s changes, returned to the House, must either be concurred with (in which case they go to the Governor for his signature or veto) or sent to conference for final negations between the two chambers.
The major bills in conference involve education funding and Medicaid.
In addition to the bills which were concurred or sent to conference, the House passed dozens of appropriations bills before that deadline. Appropriations bills fund every state agency, from the Department of Mental Health to the Department of Insurance. Some agencies are special fund agencies, which means they only receive funding from outside (non-taxpayer) sources. Others are general fund agencies, which means they are funded by taxpayer (general fund) dollars. Both special funds and the general fund are ultimately appropriated by the legislature.
Almost every agency also receives federal funding, which flows through the State, with certain requirements for how it is spent. The Departments of Mental Health, Human Services, Rehabilitation Services, Health, Medicaid, and Transportation are among the agencies which receive the highest proportions of federal dollars.
The final numbers for most state agencies will not be decided until the last week of session. The total number for all expenses must first be set, and then funding for the various agencies is divided afterwards. It does seem clear, at least at this point, that the Department of Child Protective Services will see a large increase in its budget, in order to help improve the foster care system.
With less action on the floor, we have had the opportunity to honor a handful of special guests, including two World War II heroes—one from Jackson County and the other from Lee County—both age 100.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve. Please contact me if I may be of assistance or if you have questions or concerns.
Noah Sanford represents parts of Covington, Simpson, Jefferson Davis, Forrest, and Jones Counties in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He can be reached at NSanford@house.ms.gov.
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