Geoff Pender’s article “Legislature has adjourned sine die” is an interesting look at the politics between the Mississippi House and Senate. The House rejected the MDOT budget bill due to it being loaded with pork projects voting 121-1 on Monday, March 31st which all but killed funding for MDOT.
However, Gov. Bryant called a special session during the regular legislative session that allowed the Senate pass the bill last night and then adjourn for the legislative session. This left the House no alternative but to pass the bill if they were to fund MDOT at all.
The $927 Million MDOT budget included $22 Million of pet projects the House did not like. One of those projects is the $10 Million Mississippi-25/Lakeland Drive project which happens to be in Rankin County and near the home county of Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves.
While much of the House was up in arms, the project had its defenders. Rep. Mark Baker (R-Brandon) said the project has been planned for years to relieve congestion northeast of Jackson.
For more information:
- House Kills MDOT Budget Bill, No Funding for Next Year
- Governor expands call of special session to include MDOT budget
- Legislature has adjourned sine die
