Jackson Free Press logo

This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Gov. Phil Bryant says he’s looking at calling Mississippi lawmakers back for a special session in August to earmark money for transportation.

However, key House members say they’ve had little communication with senators and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. That raises questions about whether lawmakers’ differences will be resolved.

Bryant says Friday that he aims to increase transportation spending by $200 million a year.

The Republican governor says still wants to use money from tax collection on internet sales, newly legalized sports betting and a state lottery.

He also says he wants a spending plan for $700 million in oil spill damage payments.

House members say Speaker Philip Gunn of Clinton still opposes a lottery, but say they believe Gunn will allow a House vote for the first time.

Since 1846, The Associated Press has been breaking news and covering the world's biggest stories, always committed to the highest standards of accurate, unbiased journalism. The Associated Press was founded as an independent news cooperative, whose members are U.S. newspapers and broadcasters, steadfast in our mission to inform the world.