Jump to full article: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 2008-07-12
Author: BOBBY HARRISON Daily Journal Jackson Bureau
Intro: Gov. Haley Barbour said Friday that tough economic times could make it hard to implement any tax cuts recommended by his study commission.
Barbour also said the state's cigarette tax might be increased in either a special session later this year or during the 2009 regular session, without any corresponding reduction in other taxes or without designating the increased revenue from the cigarette tax to a specific purpose.
The remarks came during a editorial board meeting with the Daily Journal on Friday.
During the meeting and at a later airport press conference, Barbour reiterated that he would begin the process of cutting the state's Medicaid program. . . .
Barbour, who has blocked an increase in the cigarette tax in recent years, reiterated he would not oppose the anticipated recommended hike in the tax by the study commission he formed earlier this year, which is scheduled to make its recommendations in August.
Evolving position
Barbour's position on the cigarette tax is evolving. For several years, he opposed any hike, but said last year he might support an increase as part of a package of tax cuts in other areas.
But during his meeting with the Daily Journal, he said, "Get ready for a tough budget year. . . .
"I would rather if the Legislature chose to raise the cigarette tax to see it go in the general fund," Barbour said.
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