Lawmakers unveil their proposed FY 2014 budget

JACKSON — Top Mississippi lawmakers are recommending most parts of education, from kindergarten through college, receive the same amount of state funding next year as this year.

House and Senate leaders today released their proposed $5.5-billion budget for fiscal 2014, which begins July 1.

It recommends spending slightly less state money, overall, than in the current year. It does not recommend tax increases or state employee pay raises.

Lawmakers propose saving money by eliminating state jobs that are vacant at least 60 days and by reducing travel and contract services.

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant released his own budget proposal last month, recommending most agencies take a 1.5 percent cut.

Lawmakers will consider the two plans, and other ideas, as they face an April deadline to adopt a state spending plan.