JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi lawmakers are still trying to finalize a budget for the next fiscal year. Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) is waiting on both chambers to reach an agreement ahead of a special session.

State House and Senate leaders are responsible for making sure a budget is in place for the next fiscal year. As of Friday, May 2, it’s uncertain when a budget will be finalized.

“If there is a disagreement on other items, they need to set those items aside and be willing to fund the annual operating budget,” said Reeves.

The governor is not pleased that lawmakers could not reach an agreement before May 1, but he is prepared to call them back for a special session.

“For the taxpayers to spend $100,000 a day for the two chambers to come to Jackson and stare at each other, well, that’s just not a very good idea,” Reeves said.

House Speaker Jason White (R-Miss.) and Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R-Miss.) said they’re continuing to hammer out a deal.

“Senate leadership has been meeting regularly with the House and made progress on the budget. We hope to finalized it expeditiously,” said Hosemann in a statement to WJTV 12 News.

White said most budget items are ready, but one issue remains. He said the Senate is not agreeing with the House to use capital expense funds for local infrastructure projects across Mississippi.

“We can have debate on any expenditures of the capital expense fund. But the annual operating budget will not be used as leverage going forward by anyone,” the governor stated.

“If we cannot agree on this particular issue, the House is willing and prepared to pass a budget,” said White.