General Funds; FY2024 appropriation to City of Cleveland for installation of Robert Johnson statue on Highway 8 in city limits.
Impact
The passing of SB2972 will enable the City of Cleveland to undertake this project without straining its local budget. By utilizing state funds, the bill underscores the state's role in supporting initiatives that enhance local communities. This appropriation could also set a precedent for similar funding in the future, potentially empowering other cities to request state assistance for cultural or historic installations.
Summary
Senate Bill 2972 proposes an appropriation of $75,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Cleveland, Mississippi for the fiscal year 2024. The funds are earmarked specifically for the installation of a statue honoring Robert Johnson along Highway 8 within the city limits. This bill aims to celebrate the cultural legacy of the musician and contribute to local heritage and tourism efforts.
Contention
One notable point of contention may arise regarding the allocation of state funds for local projects, particularly when balancing the needs of various communities across Mississippi. Critics might argue that while the statue installation is worthy, funds could be better spent in areas requiring urgent attention such as education, infrastructure, or healthcare. Proponents, however, may counter that cultural projects enhance community identity and tourism, which ultimately benefit local economies.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.