Well, here we are.
It's not a good position. In fact, some longtime lawmakers have said the state has never pushed it this close to the wire. With less than three days to go, the state lacks a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Wednesday.
What that means: state services would go unfunded after the clock strikes midnight Tuesday.
The good news: the governor has called lawmakers back to the Capitol today for a special session that begins at 2 p.m. It is still unclear, however, if there is a compromise between House Democrats and Gov. Haley Barbour on Medicaid.
As lawmakers head back to Jackson, we demand they put taxpayers ahead of petty politics. Medicaid is a tough issue. A $90 million shortfall is not easy to overcome. And state revenues, much like those in homes and businesses throughout the country, are down. These things taxpayers understand.
The thing taxpayers can't understand is how state leaders have yet to agree on a sustainable funding mechanism for the Medicaid shortfall. And, more importantly, they can't understand why lawmakers have been posturing politically for so long that the state is merely hours away from a fiscal year without a spending plan to account for the first dollar.
The Medicaid problem didn't happen over night. This is an issue the state has been dealing with for years. Yet here we are, still without a plan.
The bottom line: it's time for sound leadership; it's time to put partisan politics aside and get to work for the hardworking taxpayers of this state.
Editorials
Past time for compromise
- Editorials
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- Military cuts and BRAC to challenge leaders
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Governor takes lead on state budget
Sound, principled leadership is needed in times of economic uncertainty.
- A tiny little straight line fracture – the show must go on!
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Fruits of investments becoming evident
Investments by Mississippi State University and the Riley Foundation continue to breathe life into downtown Meridian.
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Questionable decision by outgoing governor
When former Gov. Haley Barbour left office last week he was supposed to enjoy a comfortable legacy as one of Mississippi's most popular governors.
- East Mississippi's position in House should strengthen
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Election day is right around the corner
Tuesday will be here before you know it.
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East Miss. welcomes new plant with open arms
If you haven't driven north of the Lauderdale County line on Highway 493 into Kemper County lately you need to.
- Incomplete arrest reports a problem
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The public deserves answers
Sometimes in life we drive down the same road in the wrong direction for miles, too stubborn to admit we need to change course or turn around. Doing so, we believe, will only serve to make our passengers question our ability to drive. They should just trust us.
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