JACKSON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Hob Bryan says House and Senate negotiators have signed an agreement in principle for a hospital tax, which is key to reaching a deal on the state budget.
Bryan of Amory said Sunday the agreement calls for a $60 million hospital tax that could increase to $90 million once the state stops receiving federal stimulus money in 2010. In return, the hospitals could save nearly $100 million through the reversal of previous budget cuts and the prohibition of future cuts.
Lawmakers say the tax is needed to help cover the cost of Medicaid, a government funded health program.
Bryan and House Medicaid Chairman Dirk Dedeaux signed the agreement. Bryan said draft legislation will be given to other lawmakers so they can add their input or suggest modifications.
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NEW - Mississippi hospital tax deal may be near
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Police investigate several burglaries on Euclid Avenue
The Laurel Police Department has taken two people into custody as the police department continues to investigate several burglaries which have occurred in the Euclid Avenue area.
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Rotarians see huge success
The Laurel Rotary Club saw a great turnout as they sold hundreds of spaghetti plates Saturday during its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser.
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Arrest made in ‘fire victim’ scam case
Local law enforcement authorities have arrested the man suspected of a number of scams in Jones and neighboring counties.
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Council to discuss pay increase
The Laurel City Council next week will once again consider granting a change concerning the city’s building inspector.
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Agriculture is big business in Miss.
Business and industry leaders, as well as Jones County Junior College students, gathered at Ronald E. Whitehead Advanced Technology Center Thursday for the college’s 7th Annual Economic and Technology Symposium.
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American Red Cross looking for local volunteers
The East Central Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for a few good men, women, boys and girls to join its team of disaster volunteers.
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Annual Rotary Club Spaghetti dinner Saturday
The Laurel Rotary Club will conduct its annual Spaghetti dinner this weekend at the YWCO.
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Officials pleased with Chancellor’s appointment
At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Lance Chancellor became the new executive director of the Jones County Emergency Management Agency.
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Get ready for control burns in the area
Area motorists and residents may notice a lot of smoke coming from some of the county’s heavily wooded areas in the coming weeks.
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Heidelberg has a new police chief
A longtime Jasper Countian has been named the head law enforcement official in this Jasper County town.
Huey Powe is now the Police Chief for the Town of Heidelberg. - More Local News Headlines
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