In a Facebook post, the governor of Mississippi said he supports smaller government, favors infrastructure investments as a core government function and opposes what he described as wasteful expenditures.
“I am a Republican. I am for LESS government…not duplicative programs! I am for infrastructure investments – as that is a core function of government,” the governor wrote, adding that he is “NOT for spending YOUR money on golf courses.”
He criticized giving public funds to entities that he said have “wasted millions on lawyer fees” that could have gone to infrastructure improvements, particularly in cases involving lawsuits against the state. He also rejected what he called handing money to private companies without increased job requirements, measurable metrics or accountability measures.
The governor said he ran for treasurer 23 years ago on the same principles and that he continues to follow them in his current role. The post closed with the line, “May God continue to bless Mississippi!”
State officials and political observers often debate the appropriate balance between targeted economic incentives and stricter accountability for public spending. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
