Gov. Gordon warns lawmakers to prepare for hard times, despite surplus of state dollars

JACKSON — Gov. Mark Gordon warned lawmakers of the cuts they will need to make in the upcoming budget session, despite a surplus of state revenue.
Before the Joint Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, Gordon presented his vision for how billions of state dollars should be spent over the next two years. Although the Legislature doesn’t have to adhere to every recommendation, it is often a guiding light through the 20-day session that starts in February.
The cuts he proposed stem from the end of a federal funding boom. American Rescue Plan Act dollars and other care packages dealt out during the pandemic can no longer prop up programs and services in the same way for senior citizens, long-term care facilities and mental health services.