Lawmakers Might Bypass Governor On Stimulus

Governor Haley Barbour's refusal to accept all $2.5 billion of Mississippi's federal stimulus money could lead to a showdown at the state Capitol.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: February 26, 2009

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Gov. Haley Barbour's refusal to accept all
of Mississippi's federal stimulus money could lead to a showdown at
the state Capitol as lawmakers consider an attempt to bypass his
decision in coming weeks.
On Wednesday, Barbour said he wouldn't accept about $50 million
in unemployment compensation that Mississippi could receive as part
of its $2.5 billion share of the federal stimulus package.
House Speaker Billy McCoy has said he would push to overturn
Barbour's decision.
Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who presides over the Senate, said he
would oppose any attempt.
The governor said changing the state laws to give part-time
workers unemployment benefits would result in a higher tax on
employers once the federal money runs out in about two years.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)