Seeking to address concerns raised by Gov. Haley Barbour, the Mississippi Senate has approved a bill that would continue funding of a tobacco-prevention program but increase state oversight of the project, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported March 8.

The measure would preserve the $20 million allocated from the state's share of the  nationwide tobacco settlement to the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, but gives lawmakers more say in how the money is spent. Barbour has been seeking to defund the program, citing lack of accountability and a desire to reallocate the money to other uses.

The Senate approved the measure, sponsored by Sen. Terry Burton, by a 25-23 vote. "(If it becomes law) this bill would continue the good work of the Partnership and have accountability to the Legislature," Burton said.

But former Mississippi Attorney General Mike Moore, who negotiated the tobacco settlement and now chairs the Partnership, says that Barbour is still threatening to veto the bill. "It's hypocritical. The governor's only complaint has been that he wanted the money appropriated by the legislature rather than the courts," Moore said.