MS HB1623

Appropriates $5,913,653.00 from the State General Fund and $5,897,987.00 from special funds to the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television for fiscal year 2011 (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011), totaling $11,811,640.00.

Authorizes 121 permanent full-time and 11 time-limited full-time positions, with a maximum of $6,392,787.00 to be expended for salaries, wages, and fringe benefits.

Prohibits salary increases through reallocation, reclassification, or other means unless specifically exempted (teacher increments, career ladder advancement, CPA certifications, emergency health care positions, or ARRA-funded positions).

Establishes performance measures for fiscal year 2011 including 60 locally produced TV programs, 50 locally produced radio programs, 8 active transmitters, and 99% on-air reliability for television.

Restricts use of appropriated funds to broadcast educational and instructional programs, prohibits transfer to other agencies for public relations purposes, and requires $1.50 per square foot payment for utility costs to the State Board of Institutions of Higher Learning.