Miss. Agencies Being Budget Requests for FY16

BY EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS
Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — Leaders of Mississippi government agencies are appearing before lawmakers this week to request money for the budget year that starts July 1.

Among those seeking an increase in funding are three big departments: Health, Human Services and Corrections.

Dr. Mary Currier, the state health officer, is requesting an additional $27.2 million for the Department of Health. That includes money for the state health laboratory and for efforts to reduce infant mortality.

Human Services director Rickey Berry says the state needs to spend an additional $12 million to meet requirements of a foster-care lawsuit.

Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps is requesting an $8.2 million increase for prisons.

Budget hearings started Tuesday and run through Friday at the Woolfolk state office building near the Capitol.

Legislators will adopt a budget next spring.