Lawmakers pass $7 billion state budget, rely on governor to fix legislative errors

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While reviewing the budget for the state health department passed by the House, Senate leaders realized a $1.9 million appropriation to Methodist Rehabilitation Center in the bill violated federal rules and put over $1 billion in Medicaid funding at risk. 

Fixing that mistake and addressing concerns Senators had with other bills would’ve been possible had the House not ended its special session shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday morning. That move frustrated many Senators who were then stuck with the choice of leaving state agencies unfunded or voting in favor of bills they didn’t like. 

“The people of Mississippi expect us to come up here and work together,” Sen. Jeremy England, R-Ocean Springs, said. “Well, we can only work together if we're all here, when we say we're going to be here. There's really no race up here. Gaveling in at 12 and getting out at 2 o'clock, I'm not sure what was accomplished there.”

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and other Senate leaders met with Gov. Tate Reeves throughout the afternoon, with Reeves promising to use his veto powers to fix the Medicaid issue. Reeves also said he’d block appropriations from the House that fell outside the agreements legislative leaders made before the special session was called. 

With those guarantees, Senators decided to pass the bills rather than extend the special session. As the chamber adjourned, Hosemann said it was the right call and thanked members for "putting the state first.” 

“You finished a prudent, conservative, budget and it positions Mississippi for continued positive financial growth,” Hosemann said.

Over 100 bills that fund Mississippi’s state government are now headed to Gov. Reeves' desk for final approval.