Barbour: Budget process should be transparent

BILOXI — Republican Gov. Haley Barbour says Mississippi needs to be honest and transparent in its budget process.

The Mississippi Press reports Barbour discussed the budget process yesterday before an audience of about 50 in Biloxi.

It was the final of three farewell speeches for the two-term governor, who leaves office Jan. 10.

Yesterday, Barbour touched on many points he has made the past several years about the budget. He says school systems should spend some of their own financial reserves and cut administrative expenses.

He also says the state can save money by having more home-based care rather than institutional care for mental health patients.

Next week, Barbour will release his proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.