Speaker confident of better IHL funding

By Bobby Harrison Daily Journal Jackson Bureau JACKSON - House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, said Wednesday he is confident that a special committee he named will provide solid recommendations on ways to provide more consistent, enhanced funding for Mississippi's eight public universities. "I think we can make a difference in funding the Institutions of Higher Learning," McCoy said. "The universities of this state are great economic development engines. "Without them reaching their full potential, the state misses so many opportunities, especially in the present global climate, business climate and industrial climate." McCoy, as chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, which also includes Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, formed the special committee to develop a five-to-10-year plan to adequately fund and maintain the... [read full story]