Today, Governor Barbour presented his executive budget for 2011.  The budget recommendation for the state’s top law enforcement agency:  MHP - $45,434,998 FY11 request, ($3,950,869) reduction from 2010 budget, 8% less than last year; DPS - $3,526,425 FY 11 request, ($480,876) reduction from 2010 budget, 12% less than last year; MBN - $10,900,450 FY11 request, ($947,865) reduction from 2010 budget, 8% less than last year.  Here is a snapshot of what is outlined in his 27 page report that was presented to the legislature and public; much of what is requested requires legislative approval.   “…agency heads (given) maximum flexibility to manage and right-size their agencies including lump sum budgeting for all. State agency heads need the ability to streamline their departments free from the encumbrances of the State Personnel Board for two years.” “We can save up to $18 million by suspending for one year the “STEP” salary increase teachers automatically receive based on years of service. …Also by holding STEP pay for a year, we can continue to fund the National Board Certification program ($60,000 over 10 years for teachers who pass the boards) to prevent those teachers from taking an additional pay cut.” “The Department of Public Safety will reduce its non-law enforcement workforce and contract employees. I propose shifting the Department of Transportation Enforcement Division to DPS. Officers in both agencies perform similar functions, and there is no reason for such duplication. This will improve the public’s safety on the state’s highways and roads. We have as many troopers at the highway patrol as when I took office in 2004. As much as I would like to increase the number of new troopers, I do not believe the state can afford a trooper school in the coming year.” “My budget exempts district attorneys and trial judges from any cuts…  we cannot shortchange the state judicial system and its mission to help law enforcement entities put criminals behind bars.”  “To weather these budget constraints, every agency should be allowed out from under the restrictions of the State Personnel Board for at least two years, which will allow directors to right-size their organizations.”  Also included in the report were school district consolidations, university consolidations, suggested changes to PERS employee contributions, Medicaid, Mental Health, and other recommendations.  Please keep in mind that the budget and most all other recommendations will require legislative approval.