JACKSON - With several state agencies facing funding cuts next fiscal year, some lawmakers criticized the extra money approved in the governor's budget.
The House and Senate approved $2.4 million for Gov. Haley Barbour's staff and $760,577 for the Governor's Mansion. Both amounts are above recommendations made by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
Several House members also decried a $3.5 million appropriation for the purchase of a new state plane. The appropriation was in a legislative expense bill that was approved by both chambers.
"This reminds me of when Marie Antoinette said let them eat cake," said Rep. Jamie Franks, D-Mooreville.
"The governor of this state is asking us to increase the Governor's Mansion budget by 95 percent. Just think what would happen to the education system in this state if we gave them 95 percent instead of cutting them tens of millions of dollars," said Franks, who tried unsuccessfully to send the bill back to conference.
Charlie Williams, Barbour's chief of staff, said that Barbour's budget increases were warranted.
Williams said Barbour inherited a deficit in the governor's office he took over in January after defeating then-Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.
In fiscal year 2002, Musgrove received $2.4 million for his staff, and $617,000 for the mansion. In fiscal year 2003, Musgrove requested $2.1 million for his staff.
Williams also said it was more costly to operate the mansion since it had not been used much in the last few years.
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