Ellington

With a proposal on the table for an increased cigarette tax, the Mississippi Legislature is turning its attention to funding the $90 million Medicaid shortfall. Yesterday, a conference committee containing members from both chambers could not reach an agreement, reports the Commercial Appeal.

The committee, consisting of three House and three Senate members, is tasked with reaching a compromise to present to the entire Legislature on Tuesday. All of the state's lawmakers will reconvene May 5 to hammer out next year's budget for the state.

On the table is a recommendation from Gov. Haley Barbour to revive a tax on hospital beds, which would ultimately put the burden on hospital patients.

"It appears that the Senate leadership intends to allow the Medicaid program to repeal if they can't have their way on taxing hospitals into oblivion," Appropriations Committee Chairman Johnny Stringer, D-Montrose, who heads the House conferees, said in a statement.

"The House of Representatives does not believe that the public health is being served if the Division of Medicaid is not extended."