Ex-AG: Tapping fund is 'a shame'

"I think it's a betrayal. It's a betrayal of the trust of the people and it's a shame," said Moore, who orchestrated that battle with tobacco litigator Dickie Scruggs. (YP Note: Scruggs is in federal prison for 7 years for bribing 2 judges)

Today, lawmakers are using tobacco settlement funds to balance the 2010 budget, and plans are to draw down the rest over several years.
Even Gov. Haley Barbour, who consistently preaches against spending one-time money on recurring expenses, said the state might as well tap the account dry since it has been raided year after year.

There is $220 million in the principal fund balance, down from more than $650 million in 2004.


Clarion Ledger
2/27/10