Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Gov. Phil Bryant wants to cut income taxes for low-earning Mississippians as part of his 2016 budget proposal.

Bryant, a Republican, said Monday that he's seeking a $78.7 million tax cut for families earning less than $50,000 a year.

It's the centerpiece of his spending plan for the 2016 budget year, which begins July 1. Bryant is expected to seek re-election next November.

Bryant also wants to spend $3 million to pay community college tuition for students who graduate high school with a technical diploma, saying Mississippi needs more skilled workers.

Officials estimate Mississippi will have $6.2 billion to spend.

Legislative leaders will release their own proposal in December, and both will be considered when lawmakers convene in January. They have an April deadline to adopt a budget.