At his speech here to the movers and shakers in the Mississippi Delta's business, agricultural, educational and political circles, Gov. Phil Bryant's remarks were met with more than polite applause. Bryant, the mechanic's son from Moorhead, understands the Delta region's challenges as lessons from his boyhood.
Bryant told the audience at the Delta Council's 77th annual meeting that he understood the interrelationship of higher education and agribusiness in that region. Bryant said: "As always, I am mindful of the impact that agriculture has on the economy of the Mississippi Delta. It is big business, and economists at Mississippi State University estimate that the activities associated with production agriculture in the Delta account for more than 1.5 billion dollars of annual income and employ more than 55 thousand people. We should support this industry, not only by treating it like the major employer that it is, but also by creating a minimal regulatory environment."
Sid Salter
5/15/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 7:21 am
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A businessman who often travels, Jim Fraiser said his out-of-state clients used to joke about being surprised to find him wearing shoes.
Being barefoot is one of the stereotypes Mississippians face from outsiders who unfairly punish current residents for the state's past, some say.
The solution?
Invite the critics to experience Mississippi hospitality.
"People are going to think what they're going to think," Fraiser, 57, of Jackson, said. "All we can do is try to overcome that reputation, which we will do every time someone comes here and sees us."
Clarion Ledger
5/16/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 7:20 am
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North Carolina's governor took a shot at Mississippi on the heels of what she saw as an embarrassing victory at the polls of a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman in her state.
Gov. Beverly Purdue told a crowd in Greenville, N.C., that people around the country must be confused at such an outcome in such a progressive state. "Folks are saying what in the world is going on in North Carolina," Purdue said. "We look like Mississippi."
Clarion Ledger via Hattiesburg American
5/15/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 7:17 am
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Four bills that became law Monday, products of what Gov. Phil Bryant called "the most jobs-friendly legislative session in modern Mississippi history," affect businesses, workers, students and the growth of the health care industry.
Taking effect July 1 are laws that will boost the tax credit businesses can claim on inventory taxes, the creation of "health care industry zones" where medical businesses can cluster, dual-enrollment programs for high-school dropouts or those pondering leaving school and changes to the state's worker compensation laws.
The inventory-tax bill increases the amount businesses can claim in tax credits to offset the cost of inventory like commodities, products, goods and, for the first time, raw materials and works-in-process.
Clarion Ledger
5/14/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 7:15 am
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While Mississippi has been continually ranked on or near the bottom of national lists related to health and economic issues, the state's resilience and core values also have landed it on good lists, state and community leaders say.
For the last six years, Mississippi has been named the most obese state, prompting former Gov. Haley Barbour and current Gov. Phil Bryant to put special emphasis on exercise and nutrition.
Under Barbour, the state instituted a push aimed at getting people to walk and watch their diet. And earlier this year Bryant announced a 5K run to promote exercise. The event is planned for June 30.
Clarion Ledger
5/16/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 7:13 am
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Former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour thinks presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney should focus on President Obama's "failed" economic policies.
"Best thing for Republicans was for this election to be a referendum on Obama's record," the former RNC chairman said on "CBS This Morning" Monday. "Obama's record on economics and jobs, and the policies that he's put in place and how those policies have failed."
CBS News
5/14/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 7:12 am
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The names of four Mississippi law officers who were killed in the line of duty have been added the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington.
Mississippi 's two U.S. senators, Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker , say in a news release that more than 360 names were added to the national memorial this year, including 162 officers killed in 2011.
They are Madison Police Patrolman James G. Brooks Sr., who was killed March 23, 2011; Grenada Police Capt. John W. Haddock, killed Oct. 7, 2011; DeSoto County Sheriff William P. Harris, killed Nov. 25, 1912; and McComb City Marshal Richard M. Cloy, killed July 8, 1891.
AP
5/15/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 7:10 am
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Christensen’s compensation package includes:
◦The maximum amount of money that the state can pay for his salary is $183,000 a year, one-and-a-half times the governor’s salary.
◦A supplemental performance-based bonus of up to $47,000 based on how well Christensen meets Gov. Bryant’s economic development objectives.
◦A $15,000 relocation allowance is also included. Christensen currently lives in Gainesville, Fla.
◦A car is also provided, a historic provision for MDA directors that only Speed rejected.
“If we had not been able to do that then we wouldn’t have been able to pay (Christensen) more than what he was making in Florida,” Barksdale said.
“It was a necessity. Several other states do it this way. We do that within the state for several jobs. That’s how we pay our football coaches so much money in this state.”
MBJ
5/16/12
Posted May 16, 2012 - 6:29 am
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Gov. Phil Bryant has named Brent Christensen as executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority.
Christensen began his career in Mississippi at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg. For the past 10 years, he has served as president and CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce in Gainesville, Fla.
So it looks as if some members of the House Democratic Black Caucus aren't as upset with their Republican counterparts as white Democrats would have you believe.
Democratic Rep. Charles Young attended a Meridian community meeting Monday where WTOK reports that Young said "all of the districts are very well grouped. I think the majority of them are very concise, very compact." Young also stated, "We reduced the number of split precincts from the 400s to down to a little over a hundred. The number of minority districts has been increased."
Notice the term "we."
Young's comments aren't a surprise. Yes, he was one of the Democrats that voted against the House and Senate plans, as did all the Black Caucus members in the House. However, from the talk around the Capitol they overwhelmingly like the redistricting plans, recognize them as fair, and want to see the DOJ approve the maps in short order.
This goes a long way toward taking the sting out of a possible Democratic challenge while strengthening the Republican case that indeed these maps are viable.
Posted May 15, 2012 - 10:00 am
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State Rep. Tommy Woods, R-Byhalia, is retiring from the Mississippi House of Representatives after serving more than 25 years in the state Legislature.
In a phone interview Monday, Woods said he has not officially tendered his resignation to House Speaker Philip Gunn but plans to do so.
"I have really enjoyed doing my job and representing the people," Woods said Monday from his Byhalia home. "It has really been a blessing. I hate to have to step down but my doctor says I have to."
Desoto Times Tribune
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:27 am
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Man pardoned by Mississippi's Barbour charged in fatal crash
A convicted drunk driver pardoned by former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour in January has been charged with driving under the influence, accused of leaving the scene of an accident that killed an 18-year-old woman.
Harry Bostick, a retired IRS agent who had been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol three times previously, was freed from jail on a $50,000 bond after being charged last week with driving under the influence.
Bostick was accused of slamming into a car in Mississippi in October being driven by 18-year-old Charity Smith, then leaving the scene. He is also charged with a death caused by driving under the influence (DUI). He was indicted on the charges by a Mississippi grand jury on May 10, according to a court document obtained by Reuters.
Reuters
5/14/12
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:27 am
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Gov. Bev Perdue has spoken to Mississippi's governor after she criticized the approval of last week's referendum banning gay marriage by saying it made North Carolina "look like Mississippi."
But her spokesman said Perdue didn't apologize for her remarks.
Perdue spokesman Mark Johnson said Perdue had a very good discussion Monday with Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, who said last Friday that he was disappointed with Perdue's comments during a Pitt County visit.
Winston Salem Journal
5/15/12
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:25 am
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The two leaders spoke by phone Monday to clear the air.
"I thought we had a really good conversation about public policy between North Carolina and Mississippi," Perdue said.
Still, she said, her comments were only meant to express confusion about how a state that had stood up to improve race relations decades ago could approve the amendment.
"(It's a fact) that Mississippi, for years, tended to be more conservative and North Carolina tended to be more progressive," she said. "I did tell (Bryant) that, after everybody spent their money in North Carolina, we would encourage them to go on to Mississippi, because it is a great state with great people."
Bryant said his conversation with Perdue was "disappointing" and that her characterization of Mississippi is inaccurate.
WRAL
5/14/12
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:25 am
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Add former Republican National Committee chairman Haley Barbour to the list of people who say Mitt Romney doesn't need to pick a "game changer" to be his running mate.
Barbour, who recently completed two terms as Mississippi governor, told CBS News today that Romney needs to follow the "Hippocratic oath" and select someone who will "do no harm" to his candidacy.
"To pick a VP thinking it's going to be a game changer that would be highly, highly unlikely and unusual," Barbour said. The "threshold question is: is this person qualified to be president" if something should happen to the White House occupant?
USA Today
5/14/12
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:22 am
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With his signature, Governor Phil Bryant inked four pieces of legislation into law Monday, all of them part of his Mississippi Works Agenda.
"This was the most job friendly, business friendly legislative session in modern Mississippi history," said Bryant.
First to get the approval of the governor was the Health Care Industry Zone Act, aimed at expanding the state's healthcare economy and improving access to it. The new law creates health care zones throughout the state and provides tax incentives for health care businesses that create new, permanent jobs.
"I'm very proud of that innovative piece of legislation. I think it's going to create thousands of jobs in the healthcare industry," said Bryant.
WLOX
5/14/12
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:19 am
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However, Ms. Fowler is not done as she moves from Kenneth Stokes civics lessons to using a favorite trick of the liberals: comparing a Republican to Hitler. Yup, Jeff Smith's client compares the Lieutenant Governor to Hitler. Not even Cottonchicken is this bad, or Ricky Cole, and he can engage in some serious histrionics. Here it is:
"Known for his frugality, Reeves served two terms as the state treasurer and based his campaign for lieutenant governor on his financially conservative record. Reeves ran against opponent Billy Hewes on the platform that he would not issue any bonds. However, according to multiple sources in Jackson, Reeves is quickly becoming known for his unwavering political stance, with Democrats and Republicans alike beginning to refer to him as “Hitler.”
Jackson Jambalaya
5/15/12
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:18 am
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An order Weill issued Thursday found that documents Eaton produced last month should have been produced in 2008. Weill also ordered Eaton to produce, within seven days, basically every document Eaton has that is related to the Peters/DeLaughter matter.
Weill also ordered a number of Eaton employees – including CEO Alexander Cutler – and the company’s in-house and outside counsel to provide sworn affidavits that outline why the documents produced last month were previously withheld, and to explain why any documents produced as the result of the order were withheld.
Mississippi could execute men on three consecutive days in June.
Attorney General Jim Hood's office is asking the state Supreme Court to set execution dates for three men, one each on June 12, 13 and 14.
Hood's office made the request Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear appeals of Henry Curtis Jackson Jr., Gary Carl Simmons Jr. and Jan Michael Brawner.
AP
5/14/12
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:15 am
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By Rep. Gregg Harper
Special to Roll Call
May 14, 2012, Midnight
Every day in schools across the United States, students are being subjected to barbaric and potentially deadly treatment in the form of seclusion and restraint.
According to leading education researchers and child trauma experts, as well as the Government Accountability Office, the use of these practices — which include forcibly pinning students to the ground, strapping them to chairs or locking them in closets — is dangerous and traumatic for everyone involved, including teachers, other school personnel and students. Their use has been linked to physical and emotional harm and even death. It is a practice that amounts to institutionalized child abuse, and it has no place in our schools.
Posted May 15, 2012 - 7:13 am
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Suppose you finally receive that call you'd been waiting on. They want you to interview for the job. You need the work and know you have to put your best face forward. You head to the interview and they call you in. You sit down and as your prospective employer is going through your resume, he asks for your Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media passwords you may have so he can "see the real you."
Or suppose you were called into your boss' office and he says it's important that you are representing the company well at all times. He then demands that you turn over your Facebook password or face disciplinary action, even termination.
What would you do?
Most may say they would refuse to provide the information but if you really need the job you may feel like you have no other choice but to comply with the demand.
Such a practice is an invasion of privacy, intimidates jobseekers and employees, and over reaches, especially if these avenues are protected and not readily available in the public domain.
Maryland became the first state to prohibit employers from demanding applicants or workers provide their username and password for social media sites. The bill easily passed the Maryland General Assembly with true bipartisan support. It restricts employers from accessing password-protected content and ends the intimidation factor while ensuring the privacy of citizens.
Mississippi needs to follow suit and pass a Social Media Privacy Bill soon. Legislators should join together - Democrats and Republicans - and protect Mississippians' privacy now before such a practice becomes the norm for Magnolia State workers.
It is far better to be safe than sorry, especially when it deals with citizens' privacy and our freedoms.
Posted May 14, 2012 - 3:03 pm
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With the Republican sweep of the state last fall, District 28 finally got a Republican legislator. Thanks to Rep. Bill Denny of Jackson, the chair of the of House redistricting Committee and and his new-fangled map, District 28 was thrown under the bus and into DeSoto County — 90 miles away. An important Delta seat is now dead.
To be fair, Tommy Taylor was near death’s door when he ran last fall and has been in Jackson less than two weeks this entire session, so his future as a representative has been tenuous. But Republicans, instead of using at least one legislative voice to promote their will in the Delta, are now content to dictate from Jackson what the Delta must endure.
Even Taylor showed up to vote for the redistricting map. Earlier that day he voted “yes” on the Republican’s Voter ID law. But when it came time to vote to save his own district he couldn’t pull the trigger either way. He simply voted “present” and let the state Republican Party do the dirty work of further isolating the Mississippi Delta from the rest of our state.
MS Business Journal Editorial
5/11/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 2:16 pm
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Last November, Republicans finally took control of the House of Representatives here, the final victory of the party’s long Southern strategy. Not since Reconstruction had the GOP controlled every facet of political life. It wasn’t just any ol’ Republicans either; former Governor Haley Barbour is considered a moderate now. Governor Phil Bryant is a creature of the Tea Party. Though this is not a border state, every aspect of political life was aligned to follow in the footsteps of Arizona, Alabama, and Georgia in passing sweeping state laws against illegal immigration.
But something surprising happened in the Magnolia State. While liberals and immigration rights advocates were pinning futile hopes on the Supreme Court invalidating Arizona’s anti-immigrant law, lest other conservative states stampede to pass similar bills, Mississippi conservatives quietly shelved their own version. It now appears that Arizona-type laws are more likely to suffer their demise at the hands of politics rather than judges.
Boston Globe
5/14/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:57 am
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Former Mississippi's governor Haley Barbour weighed in on President Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage on Monday, saying that the decision was all about politics.
“This is about politics. And the gay lobbying, homosexual groups in the Democratic Party are very, very powerful,” said Barbour, a Republican, on CBS' This Morning. “It will be very interesting to see how the gay groups look at President Obama saying, well, I’m for homosexual marriage but we’ll let the states decide. I think that’s unpopular.”
National Journal
5/14/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:56 am
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People in Mississippi will be able to buy stronger beer and get quicker access to marriage licenses. Residents might have to show a photo ID before voting. Students will pay more to earn a university degree.
These are just some of ways everyday life will be affected by decisions Mississippi legislators made during the 2012 session. For example:
— Senate Bill 2878, which becomes law July 1, allows the sale of beer with alcohol content of up to 8 percent by weight, above the current 5 percent limit. A group called Raise Your Pints lobbied for the change for three years, saying thousands of Mississippians have been driving to surrounding states to buy craft beers that aren't available here.
...
AP
5/14/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:55 am
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Gov. Phil Bryant is almost certain to sign a bill intended to crimp the attorney general’s power to hire outside counsel -- private-sector lawyers -- to handle litigation on the state’s behalf on a fee contingency basis (a share of any money damages awarded the state).
The incumbent, Jim Hood, cries politics over the bill and asserts it’s unconstitutional.
The bill is inarguably political, and a court probably will have to decide Hood’s claims of unconstitutionality.
Hood, and his immediate predecessor, Mike Moore, legally hired some of the best trial lawyers in Mississippi to sue on the state’s behalf on a contingency basis. Both Hood and Moore are Democrats and on the opposite side are anti-plaintiffs’-lawyer Republicans.
Daily Journal vis The Sun Hearld
5/13/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:45 am
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MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell conducted a contentious interview with former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour on Friday. Barbour insisted that the Obama campaign will not be about substance but will rely on surrogates have attacked Mitt Romney’s on such issues as his Mormonism. Mitchell replied that his assertion was untrue and a debate about the statements of surrogates would be a “very dark tunnel to get into.”
Mitchell first asserted that President Obama’s execution of American foreign policy has been a “big advantage,” so “why shouldn’t the bin Laden moment be his best argument? As [Vice President] Joe Biden said, Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive.”
Barbour conceded that the killing of bin Laden represents an unequivocal success for Obama and the nation. However, “the idea that foreign policy is Obama’s great streghnth I think actually makes another statement,” Barbour said. “The economy is so bad, his energy policy is so failed, his heatlh care plan is so unpopular that of the four foreign policy looks pretty good.”
Mediate
5/27/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:41 am
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Years ago, when I first met Trent Lott, I was impressed. He was savvy, conservative and unbeatable on the campaign trail. The people of Mississippi elected him to six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and three terms in the U.S. Senate, giving him a career in Congress spanning 35 years. His ability was recognized by his colleagues who elected him to leadership positions in both the House and Senate, which be-speaks of a man of power and influence.
When Lott suddenly announced his intention to resign in 2007, there was much speculation as to why. Certainly being dethroned as Senate majority leader after the Strom Thurmond fiasco; the indictment of his brother-in-law, Dickie Scruggs, and Lott's alleged involvement; and the impending Honest Leadership and Open Government Act which would forbid lawmakers from lobbying for two years after leaving office; could have contributed to his stepping down.
Dot Ward
5/11/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:40 am
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Recent graduates have joined an exclusive group, since only 6.7 percent of the world’s population has a college diploma, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker told University of Mississippi graduates today in the Grove, while rain threatened but never materialized.
"You are part of a very elite group, you have a lot of people to share the credit with and we are expecting a lot from you. In fact, we have a lot riding on your success," said Wicker, R-Tupelo, who has been heralded for his statesmanship and diplomacy at the state and federal level.
Clarion Ledger
5/12/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:36 am
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A Mississippi judge has ordered Eaton Corp. Chief Executive Alexander Cutler to produce a sworn affidavit within seven days explaining why two email strings were withheld from documents the company was supposed to turn over years ago in a tangled trade-secrets case.
Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill also ordered Cutler to come up with a proposed sanction against Eaton for "its most recent failure to comply" with court orders to produce records.
The Cleveland-based global manufacturer said Friday that it gave the emails to the court April 17 after recently learning they were "inadvertently not included" in records it was supposed to turn over. The email exchanges were between Eaton lawyers and a Mississippi attorney whom Eaton hired in the trades-secrets case. Eaton said it intends to fully comply with Weill's order.
Plain Dealer
5/12/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:32 am
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May 12,2012 - Wicker Presses for Long-Term NFIP Reauthorization as Deadline Looms
Miss. Senator Supports Using Data to Help Determine Water Damage from Hurricanes
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) on Wednesday urged action on a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at a Senate Banking subcommittee hearing. A current extension of the program is set to expire on May 31.
“NFIP is in dire need of reform and long-term reauthorization,” said Wicker. “There is bipartisan support in the Senate to reauthorize NFIP, but the Majority Leader has refused to bring this bill to the floor. Short-term extensions lack the changes needed to make the program viable.”
NFIP was last authorized in 2004. The program has been operating under a series of short-term extensions since 2008. This Congress, five-year reauthorizations have passed the full House and the Senate Banking Committee, but they have been stalled since committee passage last September. These bills include reforms designed to restore the program’s solvency and protect taxpayers.
During Senate markup, an agreement was reached with the Banking Committee Chairman and Ranking Member to add an amendment Wicker authored, known as the COASTAL Amendment, when the bill is considered by the full Senate.
The COASTAL Amendment would use hurricane data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in conjunction with engineering formulas to be developed by FEMA to double check flood insurance claims for total-loss, “slab” properties.
Use of the COASTAL formula will help prevent the inappropriate shifting of wind claims to the flood program and will empower consumers by providing a better estimation of wind versus water losses.
Wicker News Release
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:30 am
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Gov. Phil Bryant said Friday that he supports a new levee to protect a flood-prone rural area along the Yazoo River north of Vicksburg that was damaged in last year's Mississippi River flood.
Bryant made the pledge to the annual meeting of the Delta Council, held at Delta State University.
The west bank of the Yazoo, running north through parts of Warren, Yazoo and Humphreys counties, is unprotected by levees, as is a section of the east bank in Yazoo County. The area floods when the Mississippi River rises and water backs up the Yazoo. In 2011, 200,000 acres in the region were submerged, officials say. Most of that was farmland, but hundreds of structures were also damaged.
"The plan is designed to hold back the floods that occurred along the Yazoo River and around Carter and Rocky Bayou," Bryant said. "We stand with you to avert these disasters."
AP
5/11/12
Posted May 14, 2012 - 7:27 am
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North Carolina Democratic Governor opens mouth, inserts liberal left foot
by Frank Corder
North Carolina's Democratic Governor Beverly Perdue opened her mouth and inserted her liberal left foot.
This week North Carolina became the latest state to enact a ban on same sex marriage, frustrating liberals everywhere and forcing President Obama off his own fence regarding the issue.
North Carolina voters approved the constitutional amendment with 61% of the vote.
In the wake of such an overwhelming moral victory for conservatives, Perdue offered this to the media:
"People around the country are watching us and they're really confused to have been such a progressive forward thinking economically driven state that invested in education and that stood up for the civil rights people including the civil rights marches back in the '50s and '60s and '70s," Perdue said. "People are saying, 'What in the world is going on with North Carolina?' We look like Mississippi."
Look like Mississippi, eh?
North Carolina would do well to look like Mississippi on such conservative ideological fronts. After all, the same sex marriage debate should rightfully be handled by the states and if voters in North Carolina, Mississippi, or any other state want to enact such a ban by an overwhelming majority, then by all means, the elected officials in those states should follow the lead of their voters and abide by their wishes, not deflect the issue for personal political cover while attempting to demean a sister state's residents.
The reaction was swift from Mississippi's top two officials.
Governor Phil Bryant offered this:
"I am certainly disappointed by Gov. Perdue's statement regarding North Carolina's 'looking like Mississippi.' Apparently, North Carolina's voters are much more in line with Mississippi's traditional values on marriage than those of Gov. Perdue."
Lt. Governor Tate Reeves went further with his disdain for the remarks:
“Governor Perdue should know that her administration has a lot of work to do to make her state’s business climate ‘look like Mississippi.’ We are creating an environment which encourages the private sector to invest capital in Mississippi, and I would invite any North Carolina-based company wanting to move to a lower-taxed, less-regulated state to look at our business-friendly opportunities.
“In fact, the Tax Foundation ranks Mississippi as the 17th best in the country in its latest State Business Tax Climate Index, while Governor Perdue’s policies have dropped her state among the six worst in America. The business-friendly policies enacted in Mississippi have reduced our unemployment rate to 9 percent, according to the latest numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, Governor Perdue’s home state’s unemployment rate remained significantly higher than Mississippi’s at nearly 10 percent.”
Joe Nosef, Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party added:
"Thirty-two states have voted on the issue of defining marriage. Thirty-two states have voted in favor of traditional marriage. Gov. Perdue is obviously out of touch with the voters of her own state and is trying to change the subject by attacking Mississippi. We are proud to stand with North Carolina and the majority of other states in our country who have supported traditional marriage."
Perhaps Governor Perdue should listen to her voters in North Carolina more than the whims and political rhetoric coming out of her national political party of choice.
But Democrats in Mississippi have the same problem - they just can't break away from that liberal noose around their necks.
Posted May 11, 2012 - 4:22 pm
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There is, of course, an argument that our modern world is awash with heroes, but we know better.
Politicians, athletes, movie stars and pop singers all command attention as never before. And although many people gush over the famous, there is something distinctly un-heroic about most.
In an age of celebrity, real heroes and role models are difficult to identify. We often lack proper examples, it would seem.
But even today, by dint of character and integrity, some have a superior claim on our respect and admiration.
A man of quite intensity, Dr. James Moye was one of those people – an unsung pioneer, a relic of a noble era, among the last of his kind.
He was born on February 9, 1921, as an only son. His mother’s little friend, he had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Raised in Laurel, Mississippi, he then entered the Army Air Corp, becoming a commissioned pilot in 1943. After serving 14 months as a flight instructor, he was assigned to the 451 Bomb Group in Italy during World War II.
No doubt, he was a man of courage.
Later that year, on Friday, October 13 at 1300 hours, he was shot down over Vienna, Austria while flying his 13th combat mission.
No doubt, he was a man of bravery.
After being captured by German soldiers, he spent eight months in prison camps, moving from location to location. Then, after two failed escape attempts, he was successful on the third, returning to the Allies just prior to the war’s end.
No doubt, he was a man of determination.
Just prior to entering the war, he married his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Mae Eleanor Freeman. They were married for 68 years.
No doubt, he was a man of loyalty.
Upon his discharge from the service, he enrolled in the Southern College of Optometry, graduating in 1947. He and his wife returned to Laurel where he began his optometric practice. He worked until his 80th birthday in 2001.
No doubt, he was a man of devotion.
Active in numerous organizations, he served his state and nation in many capacities. He was President of the Mississippi Optometric Association for two years. He was both Chairman and Member of the American Optometric Association Practice Administration Committee and worked on the American Optometric Association Interprofessional Relations Committee, just to name a few. He also served on the State Board of Health.
No doubt, he was a man of sacrifice.
Determined to thank the Red Cross for its help when he was a prisoner of war, he served as a Board Member and Chairman of the Red Cross of Jones County, working with the group for more than 50 years.
No doubt, he was a man of compassion.
A member of the Republican Party for 60 years, Dr. Moye is recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Mississippi GOP. He was a delegate to national conventions in 1964, 1968 and 1980. He likewise served as a Republican National Committeeman and a member of the National Republican Executive Committee.
No doubt, he was a man of conviction.
He was active in the Presbyterian Church, serving as a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and later Covenant Presbyterian Church. He taught Sunday School continually for more than 60 years.
No doubt, he was a man of faithfulness.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, two daughters, two sons-in-law, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
No doubt, he will be missed.
By any definition, he had all the qualities of an storybook hero -- a person of honor, by instinct, by inevitability.
He never admitted it, never thought of it; but through his life, he has won a glorious name, along with the everlasting remembrance wherein his renown is enshrined -- within the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. Such is the whispered promise of immortality reserved for a fortunate few.
To those who say modernity will bring nightfall to the age of heroes, you underestimate our resolve and the legacy of our friend.
If you are still looking for a role model, then look no further.
And if you are seeking hope in a culture corrupted by cynicism, then take this fine man for your example.
***** State Senator Chris McDaniel
Posted May 11, 2012 - 4:15 pm
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Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef responds to comments from North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue:
"Thirty-two states have voted on the issue of defining marriage. Thirty-two states have voted in favor of traditional marriage. Gov. Perdue is obviously out of touch with the voters of her own state and is trying to change the subject by attacking Mississippi. We are proud to stand with North Carolina and the majority of other states in our country who have supported traditional marriage."
Posted May 11, 2012 - 4:13 pm
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GOV. PHIL BRYANT STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO GOV. PERDUE'S DEROGATORY REMARKS ABOUT MISSISSIPPI
JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant issued the following statement in response to the derogatory remarks about Mississippi made by North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue:
"I am certainly disappointed by Gov. Perdue's statement regarding North Carolina's 'looking like Mississippi.' Apparently, North Carolina's voters are much more in line with Mississippi's traditional values on marriage than those of Gov. Perdue."
Gov. Phil Bryant Press Release
5/11/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 2:53 pm
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STATEMENT OF LT. GOV. REEVES ON GOV. PERDUE’S DISPARAGING COMMENTS
“Governor Perdue should know that her administration has a lot of work to do to make her state’s business climate ‘look like Mississippi.’ We are creating an environment which encourages the private sector to invest capital in Mississippi, and I would invite any North Carolina-based company wanting to move to a lower-taxed, less-regulated state to look at our business-friendly opportunities.
“In fact, the Tax Foundation ranks Mississippi as the 17th best in the country in its latest State Business Tax Climate Index, while Governor Perdue’s policies have dropped her state among the six worst in America. The business-friendly policies enacted in Mississippi have reduced our unemployment rate to 9 percent, according to the latest numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, Governor Perdue’s home state’s unemployment rate remained significantly higher than Mississippi’s at nearly 10 percent.”
LG Tate Reeves Press Release
5/11/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 2:52 pm
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North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue had strong words Friday when asked about Tuesday's vote on Amendment One.
"We look like Mississippi," the governor told reporters during a visit to Greenville this morning.
Unofficial returns show the amendment - which defines marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman - passed with about 61 percent of the vote to 39 percent against.
North Carolina is the 30th state to adopt such a ban on gay marriage.
State law already prohibited same-sex marriages. Supporters said they wanted to write it into the constitution to further protect traditional marriage.
WWAY
5/11/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 12:28 pm
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Earlier today, Rep. Earle S. Banks announced he will be a candidate for the Mississippi Supreme Court. Banks intends to begin visiting the twenty-one counties that comprise Supreme Court District 1 this weekend.
“For far too long, our Supreme Court has acted as if its sole purpose is to protect big corporations and out-of-state interests,” Banks said. “I am entering this race because I want to be part of a judicial system that treats every Mississippian with fairness and dignity.”
Rep. Banks is a lifelong resident of Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Jackson State University in 1977 and Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law in 1981.
Rep. Banks believes his decades of experience as the president of a large Mississippi business, Peoples Funeral Home, helps give him a balanced perspective on the law. While running his Mississippi business, Banks has also served as a partner in the law firm of Dockins, Turnage & Banks, utilizing his thirty-one years of legal experience in both ventures.
Consistent with the non-partisan values which govern judicial elections, Banks withdrew as a member of the Mississippi Democratic Party Executive Committee this afternoon.
Rep. Banks is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association and Magnolia Bar Association. His civic affiliations include the American Red Cross, YMCA, 100 Black Men, Georgetown Community Association, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association and the International Cemetery and Funeral Association.
Rep. Banks has represented Hinds County in the Mississippi House of Representatives since 1992. He currently serves as a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary A, Public Property and Public Utilities committees as well chairman of the House committee for Enrolled Bills.
Rep. Banks has three children, Kimberly, Earle, Jr. and Yve and two grandchildren. Banks is a cousin of former Supreme Court Justice Fred L. Banks, Jr. who is currently in private practice at Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P.
Rep. Earle Banks Press Release
5/11/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 8:13 am
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“Competent” is perhaps the word admirers use most frequently to describe Jindal after “brilliant,” and his ability to get things done was a trait he demonstrated throughout the crisis in the Gulf region. For weeks, Jindal was a near-constant figure at the frontlines of the spill, and he hit the right political notes with Republicans by frequently butting heads with the Obama administration, demanding that federal officials be more proactive in their response and taking matters into his own hands when he deemed doing so appropriate.
“The difference between him after the BP oil spill and his Democratic predecessor [Gov. Kathleen Blanco] after Katrina could hardly have been more stark,” Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour -- whose neighboring state suffered a lesser impact from the most recent environmental disaster in the Gulf -- told RCP. “He was decisive, he was knowledgeable, and he was working hard for his people. There was never any question -- there was no uncertainty.”
Real Clear Politics
5/11/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 7:39 am
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Gov. Phil Bryant says he is happy with the most recent legislative session, which wrapped up last week.
"It was the most business- friendly session in modern history," he said Thursday during a visit to Hattiesburg for the College of Business groundbreaking at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Bryant made his comments during a media briefing with local reporters after the groundbreaking.
Hattiesburg American
5/10/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 7:11 am
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The U.S. Postal Service, under pressure from lawmakers, including Mississippi’s U.S. senators, is proposing cutting back retail hours at post offices instead of closing them altogether -- a boon to more than 200 post offices in the Magnolia State including three communities in Coastal counties, McHenry, McNeill, and Nicholson.
The U.S. Postal Service projects losses of $14 billion this year and is asking Congress for the go-ahead for a comprehensive overhaul law. But while the bill is still being considered on Capitol Hill, the Postal Service wanted to close 3,700 little-used post offices by May 15.
Lawmakers balked, with 43 senators, including GOP Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, writing the postmaster general asking for a moratorium.
Sun Herald
5/10/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 7:08 am
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Speaker Gunn wishes to share his thanks and appreciation to those involved with helping to bring a terrible matter to a final resolution:
"Our local law enforcement, highway patrol, and wildlife and fisheries officials put an end to a horrible situation in North Mississippi tonight. Their fine work should not go unnoticed. Our prayers go out to the families affected by these horrific crimes, and we are thankful that these two children's lives were saved in the end." - Philip Gunn
Posted May 11, 2012 - 7:05 am
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Wicker played SuperPAC Man -- which meant he carried a checkbook -- who was auditioning for the role of Prince Escalus.
When Wicker’s character tells the director that he runs a conservative SuperPAC called “Prosperous Americans for a Prosperous Future for Prosperous Americans,” two lawmakers playing a Tea Party Republican and a Senate Republican freeze.
“Watch this,” Wicker tells the director as he claps twice. The members drop to their knees.
“God bless America,” grinned Wicker.
Sun Herald
5/10/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 6:59 am
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As part of a national trend towards states adopting voter ID laws, about 62 percent of Mississippi voters approved a referendum in 2011 that would require voters to show a photo ID before being allowed to vote. But the failure of similar laws in other states to be approved by the U.S. Dept. of Justice (DOJ) has led to questions about whether Mississippi’s new law will receive clearance from the DOJ and, if so, if it will be in time for the November presidential elections.
Sec. of State Delbert Hosemann said careful planning has been done in drafting legislation to implement the state’s voter ID requirement to address the kinds of concerns that led to voter ID laws in others states such as Texas and South Carolina not being approved by the DOJ.
Hosemann met with representatives of the DOJ to review the history of states where voter ID bills were approved. He said he told the DOJ the State of Mississippi wants to adopt a voter ID bill that meets all constitutional requirements at minimal cost to the taxpayers.
Delta Business Journal
May 2012
Posted May 11, 2012 - 6:55 am
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"The difference between him after the BP oil spill and his Democratic predecessor [Gov. Kathleen Blanco] after Katrina could hardly have been more stark," Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour -- whose neighboring state suffered a lesser impact from the most recent environmental disaster in the Gulf -- told RCP. "He was decisive, he was knowledgeable, and he was working hard for his people. There was never any question -- there was no uncertainty."
Barbour, who considered a presidential bid last year and remains one of the most well-connected members of the national Republican establishment, said he had "no idea" whom Romney would pick as his running mate but praised Jindal as "extremely capable" and "genuinely knowledgeable about public policy."
"Plus he's a very nice guy -- pretty family and a good person," Barbour said. "He's just got a tremendous capacity."
Barbour was one of several Republicans interviewed for this story who downplayed apprehensions about Jindal's communications skills -- concerns that continue to simmer as Romney's eventual running mate will be called upon to inject new energy into his campaign.
"I remember people saying in 1992 about Bill Clinton, 'The only thing anybody really knows him for is that terrible speech he made at the Democratic convention in 1988,' " Barbour said. "That didn't turn out to be the only thing they knew about him. The same's true with Bobby."
Real Clear Politics via CBS News
5/10/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 6:51 am
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The Mississippi NAACP is asking federal officials to block what will likely become the state's new voter ID law, contending it will violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act by diminishing the voting strength of minorities.
Because of Mississippi's history of racial discrimination, the state is required to get federal approval for any changes in election laws or procedures.
Supporters of the voter ID law say it's needed to protect the integrity of elections. Opponents say it could suppress turnout among poor, elderly or minority voters.
"The presumption is because of Mississippi's history of discrimination against black citizens and denying black citizens the right to vote, any voting change could not be pre-cleared unless the state proves it does not discriminate," said Carroll Rhodes of Hazlehurst, an attorney for the state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. "We feel certain the state cannot meet that burden of proof."
AP
5/10/12
Posted May 11, 2012 - 6:50 am
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Wicker and Cochran Push Student Loan Rate Extension Without Tax Hikes on Small Businesses
Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-MS) News Release
May 10, 2012 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today encouraged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to allow a vote on a proposal they support to extend the current interest rate for student loans.
Cochran and Wicker on Tuesday opposed a Democrat-backed measure to pay for the legislation with tax increases on small businesses. The Mississippi Senators called for a vote on an alternative they cosponsored, the Interest Rate Reduction Act, S.2366. This plan would extend the temporary Stafford-subsidized student loan rate of 3.4 percent without raising taxes.
"Many recent college graduates are facing a higher interest rate but have no way to repay their student loans because they have not been able to find a job," said Wicker. "Both sides agree that we should extend the current rate, but the President and Senate Democrats have decided to play political games first. Republicans introduced sensible legislation that would help these recent graduates without hiking taxes on those who are trying to create jobs. Senator Reid should allow us to vote on it."
"The students who rely on these loans are being used for political gamesmanship, which is regrettable. The slow economic recovery and rising college costs represent burdens for college students and their families," Cochran said. "It is important that we find a reasonable solution to this situation. There is broad support for extending current interest rates on student loans. I am hopeful we can soon reach an agreement to do just that."
A Senate vote has not been allowed on S.2366, which would offset the cost of the student loan interest rate extension by tapping $6 billion from a fund created by the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law enacted in 2010. This fund has been used previously to offset the costs of other government spending. S.2366 is identical to a House-passed measure.
The 2011-2012 Stafford-subsidized student loan rate, 3.4 percent, is set to double to 6.8 percent because the College Cost Reduction and Access Act which temporarily lowered rates, expires on July 1. Approximately 7.4 million undergraduate student borrowers would be impacted.
The rate increase comes as many recent college graduates encounter a difficult job market. According to a recent analysis by the Associated Press, over half of Americans under the age of 25 with a bachelor's degree are jobless or underemployed.
Voter fraud is a BIG problem in our state. Election Commissioners can correct the problem by ensuring honest elections by removing dead or otherwise non-qualified voters from the rolls. We need Mississippi Tea Party patriots serving as Commissioners each of our counties.
Qualifying deadline is June 4.
You must have at least 50 signatures on the Registration form and the signatures must reside in your supervisory district of your county. Download the form from the Secretary of State's website.
It costs you nothing
Questions or need assistance?
Contact Janis Lane, President of the Central MS Tea Party at 770-367-7888 or janisdlane@gmail.com
Or, contact Amanda Frusha with Delbert Hosemann's Office, Elections Division, at 601-359-5213.
Gay rights advocates cheered Obama's declaration, which they had long urged him to make.
But for Obama supporter the Rev. Ronnie K. Moore, whose large Baptist congregation in Jackson does not support gay marriage, the president's revelation is "troubling."
"It makes for much prayer. It caught a lot of us off guard," said Moore, pastor of the 1,100-member Stronger Hope Baptist Church.
Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Jamie Franks has never supported gay marriage. "But this president has created jobs," Franks said.
"When the president took office, the economy was in shambles. Now jobs are being created every day, unemployment is down, productivity is up and we still have General Motors."
Clarion Ledger
5/9/12
Posted May 10, 2012 - 2:45 pm
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Why would Mississippi students need those advantages and why would parents want those opportunities for their children when they already have a high performing school? I hope with charter school legislation such schools would be available, but grants and foundations that support nonprofits dedicated to charter schools typically seek a different geography.
It is that geography that likely motivates Espy to support charter schools. He knows just across the Mississippi River in the Arkansas Delta, students and parents are achieving in the KIPP Delta Public Schools - a charter school network.
Students are improving their grades above their regional peers, and in many subjects equaling or surpassing the state average.
Their ACT scores exceed the state and national average. As a result, not only are high school graduation rates increasing for these charter school students, but so is college admittance and attendance.
These public charter schools bring in additional funding beyond tax dollars to benefit students and create a community of learning. There are failures of course and they have not solved all the education problems of Arkansas. But because of charter schools in Arkansas, hundreds of students are getting a better education and have a brighter future in regards to college and career.
On our side of the Mississippi River, charter school opportunities do not exist in the Mississippi Delta and they will not for at least another year. That, according to the Mississippi Democratic leadership, is their principal success of the 2012 legislative session.
Brian Perry
Madison County Journal
5/10/12
Posted May 10, 2012 - 8:21 am
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As Hurricane Ike neared the Texas coast in 2008, hundreds of hospital patients and nursing home residents were in harm’s way, facing a difficult escape from the storm’s path. That’s when the C-130s of the 136th Air- lift Wing, based in Fort Worth, Texas, went into action. That year, for the first time in U.S. history, C-130s were used to help move patients to safety ahead of a storm’s arrival. In all, between Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, also in 2008, 800 people were airlifted to safety.
The same planes were among the first to arrive following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, bringing much-needed supplies and National Guard troops to areas devastated by the storm.
If a plan being put in place by the U.S. Air Force is allowed to go into effect, that sort of mutual assistance among our Gulf Coast states could be a thing of the past.
Phil Bryant Rick Perry
5/9/12
Posted May 10, 2012 - 6:57 am
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Leadership matters. Specifically, who is in a position of leadership, and who is not, matters.
One of the most far-reaching accomplishments of the recently concluded 2012 session of the Mississippi Legislature is also one that received relatively little fanfare. In the waning hours of the session, legislators overwhelmingly approved redistricting plans.
The change in leadership from the Democrats -- who were in charge of last year's redistricting fracas -- made a pronounced difference on the House side, and as a result, in the whole process.
Cory Wilson
Gulf Live
Posted May 10, 2012 - 6:54 am
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Mississippi's top election official questioned Tuesday whether the U.S. Justice Department will fairly consider the state's voter ID law after a department employee criticized the state on Facebook.
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, said Stephanie Gyamfi, a civil rights analyst for the department, posted Mississippi should change its motto to "disgusting and shameful."
The chief of the Justice Department's voting section, T. Christian Herren Jr., said the department reviewed Gyamfi's remarks and found they were personal and not work-related. He said she made them after some University of Southern Mississippi students chanted "Where's your green card?" to a Puerto Rican basketball player at a game in March. One of Gyamfi's Facebook friends posted a comment about the chant, and she responded to that post.
AP
5/8/2012
Posted May 10, 2012 - 6:53 am
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Folks, the Tea Party Movement is just three years old. We are a grass roots movement which means that we started with nothing but ourselves, passionate concerns, and a willingness to do what we had never done before. That meant that we also did not have any experience starting organizations, putting on rallies, or lobbying. But, in spite of all we did not have and in spite of many mistakes and missteps we have accomplished a lot right here in Mississippi. It's time to take a look at what we have accomplished, with YOUR help. Here is a partial list:
Formed at least 20 grassroots Tea Parties throughout the state
Moved the House
Stopped state funding for Healthcare Exchanges
Passed the Voter ID ballot initiative
Passed the Eminent Domain initiative
Have a constant presence at the Legislature
Through Action Alerts focused citizen influence on a number of issues
Earned the respect and partnership of Governor Bryant
Earned Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann’s trust
Were invited participants in the S.O.S.’s working committee for implementation of the Voter ID law (we were 3 of 21 there)
Group meeting with the Governor on our legislative agenda
Group meeting with the Lt. Governor on our legislative agenda
Have a solid working relationship with the Speaker of the House
Important player in stopping Billy McCoy’s redistricting plan
WON in the Federal Redistricting Case (all the way to the Supreme Court)
Developing working relationships with some Democrat Legislators
Marshall Ramsey has done two cartoons on us
Staged Healthcare Forums around the state
Participated in Immigration Forums in the state
Held joint press conference on illegal immigration with the Governor and MFIRE
Formed coalitions with other groups on various issues
Bill board campaigns around the state
Formed a state wide Tea Party organization (Mississippi Tea Party)
Made citizens and politicians aware of Agenda 21 and its dangers.
Won many Delegate positions to county GOP Caucuses
Have Delegates to the GOP State Convention
Gave the citizens a vehicle to stay aware of critical issues in the state
Gave the citizens a vehicle to organize their voice and influence the state government
Have several websites where you can be informed and communicate with each other
Though first ignored, then scoffed at, and then attacked the Tea Party is now an recognized part of the political landscape and is making a difference.
Those are just some of the things that YOU have done. I say you because you are the Tea Party. And, because you are becoming more aware of what is going on and because you are participating more and more in our political process the Tea Party’s influence continues to grow. Stay involved, visit our site often, run for office and keep up the great work. Congratulations to you the Citizens of Mississippi.
Roy Nicholson
Chairman, Mississippi Tea Party
5/9/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 12:12 pm
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In a letter obtained by FoxNews.com, the Justice Department wrote back Hosemann on Tuesday clarifying that the Facebook post "does not represent the views of the department regarding Mississippi."
Further, Voting Section Chief T. Christian Herren Jr. assured Hosemann that the department had "taken steps to ensure that this employee will not be assigned to matters involving the state of Mississippi for the time being." Herren said that while the employee reviews voting rights issues, the assistant attorney general in charge of the division makes the final call in those reviews -- and Mississippi wasn't in this employee's "regular area of responsibility" anyway.
Fox News
5/9/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 11:10 am
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Mark Mayfield, board member of the Mississippi Tea Party says it isn't fair that Mississippi is subjected to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act after 50 years of progress.
Election Law Center
5/9/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 11:08 am
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A congressman has asked federal authorities to investigate a shootout involving investigators from the Mississippi attorney general's office and two men allegedly hired to kill a divorce lawyer.
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, said on Tuesday he asked the FBI, the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate the April 28 shooting in Greenwood attorney Lee Abraham's office.
AP
5/9/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 7:46 am
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Gov. Phil Bryant's legislative agenda fared about as well in the 2012 regular session as the Mississippi Constitution would allow -- which is to say that the political stars have returned to their historic alignment after the anomalies of the two terms Haley Barbour served as governor.
Barbour, the longtime national GOP political force of nature, enjoyed an outsized amount of power and influence during his two terms in office, despite the fact that the 1890 Constitution calls for a "weak governor" system.
Back in 1950, constitutional scholar William N. Etheridge Jr. wrote: "The governor is given the chief executive power and a mandate to faithfully enforce the laws. However, that obligation does not carry with it a corresponding grant of power."
Sid Salter
5/9/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 7:45 am
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But Hosemann said in a statement before receiving the letter, "I do not believe an employee who makes such statements should review any voter identification application by the state of Mississippi, or, for that matter, any state subject to (the department's approval)."
Herren wrote that Gyamfi is not currently assigned any responsibilities regarding the state and that "to address any possible concerns about objectivity and fairness," she will not be assigned any Mississippi-related responsibilities in the near future.
Because of Mississippi's past of racial discrimination, any changes to voting legislation must be approved by the department under The Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Clarion Ledger
5/9/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 7:42 am
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A Jackson attorney owes two former clients a combined $600,000 from more than $4. 5 million in attorney fees he received in a diet drug settlement case dating to the early 2000s, a judge has ruled.
And whether Herbert Lee Jr. owes former clients Deborah Dixon and Gloria Thompson additional money will be up to a Hinds County Circuit jury.
The women's breach of contract lawsuit began this week before Circuit Judge Jeff Weill.\
Clarion Ledger
5/8/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 7:40 am
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Roy M Cox, Roy M Cox, Jr., from Santa Ana, California is owner of Castle Rock Capital Management, Inc., Castle Rock Capital Management, S.A., Capital Solutions Group, S.A., Transfers Argentina, and Marketing Strategy Group which have violated the law by using robocalls to contact consumers without their written permission and called telephones listed on the Mississippi Do‐Not‐Call Registry.
To make it difficult for consumers to identify the seller, the defendants' robocalls transmitted caller ID information vaguely identifying the caller as "CARD SERVICES" or “PRIVATE OFFICE.”
“I applaud the work of our staff for their ongoing work to crackdown on deceptive robocallers,” said Central District Commissioner Lynn Posey.Jr., from Santa Ana, California is owner of Castle Rock Capital Management, Inc., Castle Rock Capital Management, S.A., Capital Solutions Group, S.A., Transfers Argentina, and Marketing Strategy Group which have violated the law by using robocalls to contact consumers without their written permission and called telephones listed on the Mississippi Do‐Not‐Call Registry.
To make it difficult for consumers to identify the seller, the defendants' robocalls transmitted caller ID information vaguely identifying the caller as "CARD SERVICES" or “PRIVATE OFFICE.”
“I applaud the work of our staff for their ongoing work to crackdown on deceptive robocallers,” said Central District Commissioner Lynn Posey.
WJTV
5/8/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 7:35 am
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This legislative session was a historic one with Republicans controlling both the House and the Senate for the first time in 140 years and you can be proud of the legislation that has been signed into law. Mississippians are fortunate to have leaders like Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, and Speaker Philip Gunn, who have shown a commitment to conservative, pro-business, pro-family policies.
The legislature has passed multiple bills that will make Mississippi a more business-friendly state. The inventory tax, long a burden on businesses in Mississippi, will be replaced with an income tax credit which will be phased in over the next few years. Mississippi is one of just nine states that still have an inventory tax. Workers compensation reform will create a new, balanced system for workers compensation which may reduce employers’ premiums for workers’ compensation insurance, while unemployment fraud reform is designed reduce instances of unemployment fraud and creates an entrepreneurial mentoring program for unemployed Mississippians.
Two new pieces of legislation will help Mississippians gain access to health care, while also having a positive effect on the local economy. The Health Care Industry Zone Act will provide incentives for health-care-related businesses to create new full time jobs in areas where hospitals exist, while the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has been established to increase the number of medical residency programs offered throughout the state.
Dual enrollment legislation will allow high school dropouts and potential dropouts to earn work skills certification at community colleges while completing their high school education.
The Sunshine Act will give agency heads flexibility in the hiring of outside counsel when necessary and it will also bring transparency to the Attorney General’s process of hiring outside counsel.
New legislation will also protect children in Mississippi, including the unborn. The Child Protection Act requires immediate reporting by health care practitioners, clergy members, teaching or childcare providers, law enforcement officers or commercial image processors when faced with a reasonable suspicion that a sex crime against a minor has occurred. The measure also requires preservation of DNA evidence resulting from abortions performed on children under 14 years of age where there was a suspicion of sexual assault. And HB 1390 will require all physicians performing in abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a local hospital; a necessity to protect life in case of an emergency during an abortion.
New voter ID legislation, implementing the ballot initiative supported by 62 percent of Mississippi voters last fall, will reduce voter fraud throughout the state.
And both the House and Senate successfully completed legislative redistricting this year. The new maps in both Houses are significantly more compact then those drawn 10 years ago, feature fewer split precincts while protecting communities of interest, increasing the number of majority-minority districts, and accounting for population shifts in the state over the past decade.
Finally, the budget was written and adopted without the fanfare of years past. Lawmakers agreed to a budget of more than $5.5 billion that is responsible and saves money for future reserves, while increasing K-12 education spending at the same time. Last year Republicans campaigned on a promise to live within their means in Jackson, just as families in Mississippi have been doing for years- and the Fiscal Year 2013 budget does just that.
This session has been a long one, but thanks to the hard work of Gov. Bryant, Lt. Gov. Reeves, Speaker Gunn, and your Republican Senators and Representatives, we have made great progress over the past four months.
Mississippi Republican Party
5/8/12
Posted May 9, 2012 - 6:37 am
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Late last week, a Department of Justice staffer named Stephanie Celandine Gyamfi was reported by a blogger from PJ Media as having posted to her personal Facebook account about Mississippi. For some random out-of-stater to have a negative opinion about Mississippi is, unfortunately, nothing new. However, when that person is a key figure in regulating Mississippi with authority over current regulatory matters at the Department of Justice, it takes on another level of importance.
Mississippi has two issues that need regulatory approval from the Department of Justice. First is Mississippi’s voter ID statute. Mississippi has joined several other states in creating a constitutional voter ID statute, and it is subject (as any change to voting law) to DOJ approval under the Voting Rights Act. Also, Mississippi’s legislative redistricting is subject to similar scrutiny and approval.
To have a person listed as a lead analyst at the DOJ openly airing derogatory comments about the entire state regarding areas of which she has input is beyond-the-pale scary.
Even more troubling is the fact that Gyamfi appears to have played a pretty overtly political role regarding confidential information. According to the PJ Media and a columnist who was a career DOJ employee, Gyamfi had some role in leaking confidential DOJ information to liberal media sites for political use during a DOJ Inspector General investigation in December 2011:
The genesis of Ms. Gyamfi’s perjury is apparently rooted in political attacks on the Bush Justice Department. Throughout 2005-2007, numerous attorney-client privileged documents, confidential personnel information, and other sensitive legal materials were leaked from inside the Voting Section to the Washington Post and various left-wing blogs.
One of the most prominent leaks involved the Voting Section’s privileged, internal analysis of the 2003 Texas congressional redistricting plan, submitted to the Civil Rights Division in October 2003 for review under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. The contents of the internal memorandum appeared on the front page of the Washington Post on Dec. 2, 2005, to great fanfare from Democrats on Capitol Hill and their surrogates in the liberal blogosphere.
…
According to numerous sources within the Section, Ms. Gyamfi had been asked in two separate interviews whether she was involved in the leaking of confidential and privileged information out of the Voting Section. Each time, she flatly denied any knowledge as to who was responsible for the leaks. In a third interview, she was once again questioned about her role in the leaks. At first, she adamantly denied involvement. Then, however, she was confronted with e-mail documents rebutting her testimony.
At that point, she immediately broke down and confessed that she had lied to the investigators three separate times.
Gyamfi is one of those people who will have influence over DOJ approval and the possible power to disenfranchise literally millions of Mississippi voters. Voter ID was passed in a ballot referendum and subsequent law. Redistricting was ordered in accordance with Mississippi law and its constitution. Particularly in the Mississippi House, where the redistricting process is difficult just by the sheer numbers involved, the House leadership did a masterful job of achieving a bipartisan result. Both measures could be waived away by a few good soldiers for the Obama administration.
Response to the Gyamfi incident has been strong. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann condemned the remarks in no uncertain terms. Congressmen Gregg Harper, Alan Nunnelee and Steven Palazzo signed a joint letter to DOJ Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez.
To put it simply, Gyamfi needs to be investigated and removed from any action related to Mississippi now.
Although this has received virtually no traction on Mississippi newspapers of record or on their Op-Ed pages, we will certainly be staying on top of it here at Y’allPolitics.
Posted May 8, 2012 - 3:27 pm
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Secretary of State addresses Derogatory Comments allegedly made by Department of Justice Employee
Remarks are Irresponsible
Jackson, MS—Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann addressed the comments allegedly made by a Department of Justice (DoJ) employee, calling her remarks irresponsible.
Allegedly, United States Justice Department employee Stephanie Gyamfi posted the following statements on the social networking site, Facebook:
“They never do…disgusting and shameful. Hey, that should replace the state motto! “Mississippi: Disgusting and Shameful.”…forget the magnolia state motto.”
“I find these comments unprofessional, unwarranted, irresponsible, and misguided, particularly with Mississippi’s pending voter identification submission before the Department of Justice,” says Secretary Hosemann. “I respectfully request the Department of Justice take appropriate disciplinary action against Ms. Gyamfi and to publicly clarify its own position that such a statement does not reflect the opinions of its department.”
“I do not believe,” adds Hosemann, “an employee who makes such statements should review any voter identification application by the State of Mississippi, or, for that matter, any state subject to Section 5.”
Federal law requires any voting change in Mississippi to receive preclearance from the United States Department of Justice. Gyamfi’s job description for the Department of Justice includes reviewing whether these voting changes meet the requirements of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.
In a conversation with Secretary Hosemann, Gyamfi said the statement was taken, “out of context.”
“A Justice Department employee stating our state is ‘disgusting and shameful’ is another indication Mississippi’s voter ID submission will not receive fair consideration,” says Secretary Hosemann. “The real problem is not the current culture of Mississippi, but the current culture of the Justice Department.”
“Our Agency has taken great strides to educate voters on the implementation of voter ID. During the initiative process, we held nine public hearings on the issue in geographically dispersed areas of the State, when State law required we only hold five,” adds Hosemann. “Those hearings were transcribed and are currently on our website, along with written comments submitted by the public. Overwhelmingly, voters expressed concern over the integrity of the election process, voter impersonation, and inaccurate and inflated voter rolls.”
Voter roll maintenance is conducted at the county level.
Congressman Steven Palazzo, conservative Republican candidate for re-election in Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District, issued the following statement after receiving the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
“I am honored to have been endorsed by the largest pro-business organization in the country. After more than 3 years of President Obama’s failed economic policies, I am pleased to stand with the Chamber in supporting pro-growth policies that remove the obstacles for job creation. The best way to get our country and economy working again is to create a business friendly environment that encourages the private sector to hire and expand.”
Representative Steven Palazzo is a former small business owner and CPA from Biloxi. He was rated as one of the most conservative Members of Congress and serves as Assistant Majority Whip.
Posted May 8, 2012 - 9:27 am
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Some are without humility, insisting that if only they utilize the power of government, then they could miraculously establish a perfect society by setting price controls, deciding which energy should power our homes, compelling the purchase of healthcare insurance and dictating which industries should survive or be left to failure.
But their plans always fail with predictability.
As to why, perhaps Leonard Read’s delightful story, “I, Pencil,” will shed some light. With apologies to his genius, I offer an abridged version:
I am a lead pencil -- the ordinary wooden pencil familiar to all boys and girls. Writing is both my vocation and my avocation; that’s all I do. But my story is interesting.
My genealogy begins with a tree. Now contemplate all the saws and trucks and rope and the countless other gear used in harvesting and carting the cedar logs to the railroad siding. Think of all the the skills that went into their fabrication: the mining of ore, the making of steel and its refinement into saws, axes, motors; the growing of hemp and bringing it through all the stages to heavy and strong rope; the logging camps with their beds and mess halls, the cookery and the raising of all the foods.
The logs are shipped to a mill. Can you imagine the individuals who make flat cars and rails and railroad engines and who construct and install the communication systems incidental thereto?
Upon arrival, they are cut into small, pencil-length slats less than one-fourth of an inch in thickness. The slats are waxed and kiln dried again. How many talents went into the making of the tint and the kilns, into supplying the heat, the light and power, the belts, motors and all the other things a mill requires?
Once in the pencil factory, each slat is given eight grooves by a complex machine, after which another machine lays leads in every other slat, applies glue, and places another slat atop.
My lead itself is also complex. The graphite must be mined. Consider the miners and those who make their many tools and the makers of the paper sacks in which the graphite is shipped and those who make the string that ties the sacks and those who put them aboard ships and those who make the ships.
The graphite is mixed with clay in which ammonium hydroxide is used in the refining process. Then wetting agents are added such as sulfonated tallow -- animal fats chemically reacted with sulfuric acid. After passing through machines, the mixture finally appears as endless extrusions and is cut to size, dried, and baked for several hours at 1,850 degrees. To increase their strength and smoothness the leads are then treated with a hot mixture which includes candelilla wax, paraffin wax and hydrogenated natural fats.
My tiny bit of metal -- the ferrule -- is brass. Think of all the persons who mine zinc and copper and those who have the skills to make shiny sheet brass from these products of nature. Those black rings on my ferrule are black nickel. What is black nickel and how is it applied? The complete story of why the center of my ferrule has no black nickel on it would take pages to explain.
Then there’s my crowning glory, my eraser. An ingredient called “factice” is what does the erasing. It is a rubber-like product made by reacting rapeseed oil with sulfur chloride. Rubber, contrary to the common notion, is only for binding purposes.
Thousands had a hand in my creation, no one of whom even knows more than a very few of the others.
None performed a singular task because they wanted me. Each one wants me less, perhaps, than does a child in the first grade. Their motivation is other than me.
I am a combination of wonder: a tree, zinc, copper, graphite, and so on. More importantly, I am a configuration of creative human energies -- thousands of tiny know-hows configurating spontaneously in response to human desire and in the absence of any government control.
What is my lesson? I am a pencil -- built with the invisible hand of capitalism, too complicated for centralized micromanagement.
I stand as proof of the great possibilities of cooperation without coercion.
I am the child of dispersed knowledge and the role of the price system in communicating information that will motivate individuals do desirable things without government having to tell them what to do.
And I am elated to prick the egos of those who would use force to govern the affairs of others.
***** State Sen. Chris McDaniel
Posted May 8, 2012 - 9:07 am
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House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, and Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, who presides over the Senate, ended the 2012 session with differing ideas on how to deal with two key issues – charter schools and bonds to finance long-term construction projects.
Gunn sounds as if he’s looking to compromise on the issues. Reeves, on the other hand, indicates he believes he already has compromised enough.
The 2012 session ended without a a charter school bill and without a bill to authorize the issuance of bonds for long-term construction projects, especially for work on university and community college campuses.
djournal.com
5/7/12
Posted May 8, 2012 - 6:46 am
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The state College Board Monday has finalized worst-case scenario tuition increases for the state's eight public universities.
Final rates are the highest university officials presented to the board for preliminary approval April 19, accounting for further cuts in state appropriations and increased costs.
"I asked campuses to look at every way they could minimize, and they felt that these rates were the best they could offer," said Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds. "Unfortunately, it just can't be prevented."
Clarion Ledger
5/7/12
Posted May 8, 2012 - 6:42 am
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Mississippi Republicans were quick to celebrate their successes in the 2012 Legislative session, and there were victories.
Enjoying majorities in the Senate and House for the first time since Reconstruction, the GOP pushed through bills restricting abortion, creating new Republican-leaning election maps, approving a $5.6 billion budget and increasing reporting requirements involving sexual abuse of minors.
Clarion Ledger
5/7/12
Posted May 8, 2012 - 6:40 am
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In March, a 13-year-old operating an ATV with three other children aboard drove it onto a road in Lee County where it collided with a truck. One of the four children on the all-terrain vehicle, a 2-year-old girl, was killed.
Steve Holland of Plantersville was the funeral director for that little girl. He is also a member of the Mississippi Legislature, which year after year refuses to impose tighter safety regulations on ATVs.
"It's a culture we operate in in Mississippi," Holland, a Democrat, said. "It's hard to get those laws passed, but the time has come for a serious discussion about the time, place and purpose of four-wheelers in this state."
Closing 252 post offices won't fix U.S. Postal Service
It's going to take more than closing a couple hundred rural post offices to fix what's wrong with the U.S. Postal Service. That's why we are happy the U.S. Senate decided to halt closing about half the mail processing centers the Postal Service wants to close. It would also bar any shutdowns before the November elections and protect most rural post offices for at least a year. The service would also give it a one-time $11 billion cash infusion to keep it running. ...
5/7/12
Posted May 8, 2012 - 6:37 am
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Gov. Phil Bryant has appointed Brandon Payne of Gulfport to serve on the Statewide Crime Stoppers Advisory Council for a two-year term that will start July 1.
The state Senate approved his nomination by unanimous vote last week. It is the first time in years that the Coast has had a representative on the five-member council.
The Coast’s Crime Stoppers chapter had been disbanded after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Payne helped revamp efforts in 2010 under the new name of Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers.
Sun Herald
5/7/12
Posted May 8, 2012 - 6:35 am
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With the amendment attached, the bill was sent back to the Mississippi Senate.
"It was thought the amendment would fit well. Although, in doing that, the Chairmen of Judiciary B decided that he did not like it. There for he would not risk bringing it back to the Senate and the bill just died in his pocket. Like a pocket veto," said McDaniel.
While Chairman Hob Bryan may have disagreed with the amendment attached to the law, Senator McDaniel wishes he would have taken different action.
"With all due respect to him, had he just simply invited conference on the bill. By inviting conference on the bill, if there are problems constitutionally speaking, or problems statutory. At that point in the conference committee. Three Senate members, three House members get together; we can adjust the bill and make it work. And had he done that, Karen's Law would still be alive today," said McDaniel.
WDAM
5/7/12
Posted May 8, 2012 - 6:32 am
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Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant will offer the keynote address for the 77th annual meeting of Delta Council on Friday, May 11, at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the Delta State University campus in Cleveland, Miss.
Bryant, a native of Moorhead, Miss., served as the featured guest for the Delta Honor Graduate Event in past years.
Bryant has been active in industrial recruitment, workforce training, and flood control activities in the Delta during recent years.
Delta Farm Press
5/7/12
Posted May 8, 2012 - 6:27 am
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The 2012 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature brought many historic changes to the Magnolia State. For the first time since 1976, there would be a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House, all taking office for the first time. And, for the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans would control not only the Governor’s Mansion, but also both chambers of the Legislature as a result of the November, 2011 general elections.
In the House, the Session began on January 3, 2012, with the historic election of three-term Rep. Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) as the first Republican Speaker of the House in 140 years, and the election of four-term Rep. Greg Snowden (R-Meridian) as the very first ever Republican Speaker Pro Tempore. Additionally, former Rep. Andrew Ketchings, of Natchez, was elected Clerk of the House. Speaker Gunn noted in his acceptance speech that Mississippians too long have been separated by opinion, age, race, region, and party, and he pledged to do his best to promote a new spirit of unity. “Let us work together to make Mississippi better than it has ever been before,” Gunn said.
Although Republicans undeniably enjoyed a narrow 64-58 majority in the House, Democrats were not shy in advancing their own ideas and programs. Under the leadership of Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Bobby Moak (D-Bogue Chitto), as joined by such stalwart veterans as Rep. Steve Holland (D-Plantersville), Rep. Cecil Brown (D-Jackson), Rep. Johnny Stringer (D-Montrose), and Rep. Omeria Scott (D-Laurel), the Democratic Party’s perspective was generally well-represented in full and fair floor debate of many issues of importance to all Mississippians. By Session’s end, Democrats had eschewed open warfare because, as Rep. Moak aptly put it, “[J]ust because you can do it doesn’t mean you should do it.” Speaker Gunn agreed: “I believe we worked very well together,” he said of the partisan give-and-take in the House. “I think as the Session progressed, there was a good spirit, a very good atmosphere.”
The Session brought many new faces to the Legislature. The House welcomed 32 freshman legislators (out of 122 members total), while the Senate welcomed 14 new members (of 52 members total). The new lawmakers jumped right in by authoring bills, presenting them in committee and on the floor, serving on committees and actively stepping into various important leadership roles. With a committed focus to transparency and accountability, the new House leadership featured a bipartisan makeup, including both Democratic as well as Republican committee chairs and vice-chairs. Although from time to time there were some partisan disagreements, as is natural and to be expected, much major legislation addressed during the Session received solid support from both sides of the aisle.
Speaker Pro-Tem Greg Snowden
5/6/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 1:28 pm
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Nearly 40 years ago, Mississippi spent federal revenue sharing money on a wide range of new construction at universities, community colleges and public facilities, including renovation of the state Capitol.
When revenue sharing ended during Ronald Reagan's presidency, state lawmakers began issuing bonds for construction projects. That is, until the 2012 session ended this past week.
For the first time in as long as people can remember, there is no bond bill. The philosophical lines are drawn, even with Republicans leading the House and Senate.
Finger pointing? Oh, yes, there's plenty.
Commercial Appeal
5/6/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 7:11 am
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House Bill 1410 didn’t make a lot of headlines or newscasts statewide this legislative session, but the measure, the first major structural change to state homeowners insurance laws since Hurricane Katrina, was one of the most important to South Mississippi in years.
The bill, authored by Rep. Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi, will for the first time, starting in 2013, tie home fortification against storms to discounts on insurance premiums. For instance, if a homeowner strengthens his roof and installs window shutters according to set standards, he will get a discount, and can check up front what it will be.
The amount of discounts are not set by law, but the insurance companies have to provide “actuarially sound” discounts.
Sun Herald
5/5/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 7:08 am
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Gov. Phil Bryant is almost certain to sign a bill intended to crimp the attorney general's power to hire outside counsel -- private-sector lawyers -- to handle litigation on the state's behalf on a fee contingency basis (a share of any money damages awarded the state).
The incumbent, Jim Hood, cries politics over the bill and asserts it's unconstitutional.
The bill is inarguably political, and a court probably will have to decide Hood's claims of unconstitutionality.
Hood, and his immediate predecessor, Mike Moore, legally hired some of the best trial lawyers in Mississippi to sue on the state's behalf on a contingency basis. Both Hood and Moore are Democrats and on the opposite side are anti-plaiintiffs'-lawyer Republicans.
One of the lawyers hired by Mike Moore, Dickie Scruggs of Oxford and formerly of Pascagoula, and who is a brother-in-law to former GOP Sen. Trent Lott, had spectacular success suing tobacco companies for damages to states financially for health care costs.
Daily Journal
5/4/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 7:02 am
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Democrats filled the 2012 legislative session with impassioned speeches in opposition to the conservative Republican agenda, and they say their efforts did not fall on deaf ears.
"We mostly prepared to play defense," House Minority Leader Bobby Moak said of the House Democrats' strategy after finding themselves in the minority for the first time since Reconstruction. "We watched the issues and had as much input as we possibly could," he said.
Moak and other House Democrats cite the defeat of the charter schools legislation as their principal success, as the original Senate bill died in the House Education Committee on a 16-15 vote.
Clarion Ledger
5/5/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 7:00 am
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The 2012 session of the Mississippi Legislature wrapped up with Republicans crowing about their accomplishments and Democrats, who were in a minority for the first time in 150 years, stumbling home and wondering how they can slow the GOP train.
House members, despite grumbling from Democrats who complained that two of their state senators were placed in the same district by a redistricting map drafted by Republicans, approved the Senate map Thursday and went home.
"We're proud of that map," House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, said in a post-session news conference in his Capitol office. "Redistricting is a big, big topic."
Commercial Appeal
5/6/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 6:58 am
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Pass an on-time, balanced budget with rainy-day funds set aside: check. Limit attorney general's power to hire outside counsel: check. Target the state's only abortion clinic: check. And the list goes on.
Not bad for the "Republican Revolution," as the political power shift in the Mississippi Legislature has been dubbed for the 2012 session.
But while the big picture suggests the GOP takeover was successful - many of the Republicans' priorities will become law - a close look at the session's successes and failures shows competing agendas defy party unity and underlying animosity infiltrates the legislative process.
Clarion Ledger
5/5/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 6:53 am
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Republicans, after years of fighting against Democrats who controlled the state House of Representatives, took complete control of Mississippi's government in January for the first time in 140 years.
Newly-elected Gov. Phil Bryant, among others, cast the transition as epochal.
"In my lifetime, there has never been such an historic change as we are witnessing in our state government," Bryant said in his State of the State address Jan. 24. "In the few weeks since January began, Mississippi welcomed a new lieutenant governor, speaker of the House and inaugurated a new governor. For the first time in generations, all three share a common conservative philosophy about how best to move our state forward."
AP
5/5/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 6:52 am
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Mississippi and DeSoto County officials said Friday they would appeal a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to keep parts of the county grouped with Memphis and Crittenden County, Ark., on an air-quality "non-attainment" list for ozone.
"This irresponsible decision defies logic and makes it clear that EPA bureaucrats in Washington ignored our information based on the scientific data presented by DeSoto County and the state," Gov. Phil Bryant said.
The outcry bounced back to Washington, where U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, both R-Miss., in addition to fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo, also blasted the EPA.
Commercial Appeal
5/4/12
Posted May 7, 2012 - 6:50 am
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Let the Democrat wailing and gnashing of teeth begin
by Frank Corder
With the historic 2012 Mississippi legislative session wrapped up, Republicans and conservatives have a whole lot of good to hang their hat on.
Among the successes: redistricting sailed through both sides without a discouraging word; state budget negotiations (yes, including education and healthcare) were the quietest, most effectively managed in years; and the first step toward curtailing the Attorney General sweetheart deals was approved. There are other highlights but these three alone are enough to set many conservative minds at ease.
Once out of session, these Republicans legislators will be met with support and appreciation by most Mississippians. Just as the voters intended last November, change came to the Capitol and it has been positive for the state, that is if you're a conservative.
This has to be frustrating to those in the old Democratic guard. They have gone from starter to riding the pine in just two election cycles showing that a majority of Mississippians now understand that Mississippi Democrats are really no different from California Democrats; Mississippi Democrats just ride the fence a little better.
Thankfully, the voters are not allowing “Southern Democrats” to have it both ways. Voters are insisting that they shoot straight on policies and be forthright on where they actually stand, something they're not accustomed to doing.
Senate Democrats have mostly fallen in line with the conservative majority under the leadership of Lt. Governor Tate Reeves. The tension between liberals and conservatives in the Senate has been far less than in years past. The only true drama in the Senate this session came from within the majority party as residual effects of a tough election year still had some jockeying for power and influence. While I'm certain some still hold a slight grudge, they have learned to play nice. Reeves has proven conclusively that he’s the most powerful man in Mississippi politics.
As far as redistricting, most Democrats are pretty happy with their redrawn districts and none of them want to run again anytime soon. However, you can bet your last peso that a redistricting lawsuit will be filed, most likely by an outside sympathizing organization. House Democrats are unlikely to lead that fight though they might half-heartedly chip in. However, the fact that the plan fully complies with the Voting Rights Act, increases minority representation, and makes more compact districts while significantly reducing split precincts gives such liberal challenges a slim to none chance of gaining any ground outside of seeking to stir animosity and score cheap political points.
We'll now see just how closely knit Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood, Congressman Bennie Thompson and House Democrats are with the Obama administration. The Department of Justice will have to review the redistricting plan as well as Voter ID. What transpires will be a lesson in influence and political favoritism any political science professor could appreciate. The problem for everyone is that if the DOJ jumps into a fight over redistricting and voter ID, it’s actually good politics for both Obama and Mississippi conservatives. The most likely scenario is a lot of “huffing and puffing” but at the end of the day, it won’t be much of a fight.
Hood has also said that he will sue to oppose the limitations imposed by the Sunshine Bill. He'll surely have House Democrats' support in doing so. But given Hood’s last performance in front of the Supreme Court on his pardon arguments, perhaps he ought to put out a RFP to find lawyers to represent his office on this one.
Here are a few predictions in true Y’all Politics fashion:
1) Outside groups will challenge the redistricting plan and lose.
2) There will not be another legislative election this year.
3) Voter ID will stand up to the challenges after some sort of legal skirmish.
4) Democrats will continue to try and improve on their political ground game and organization. However, the fact remains that it’s their policies that have relegated them to second tier status. Only when they figure that out will they start to come back.
5) Republicans will control both chambers of the legislature for at least the next decade.
6) Tate Reeves will be the next Governor of Mississippi in 8 years barring any major missteps (and there's likely not to be any).
7) House Republicans will tweak their leadership structure slowly but methodically.
8) Charter Schools will eventually pass. Governor Phil Bryant may well call a special session to address this item but only if the votes are assured.
9) No bond bill will come in a special session or the next regular session unless the House and Governor Bryant reach Tate Reeves' number. If it does come, it will be a low number ($100 million or so).
10) Any illegal immigration legislation will wait until the federal Supreme Court rules. If it's positive, the legislation will pass next session, if not sooner in a special session.
Top 5 2012 Legislative Session Winners:
1) Tate Reeves
2) Senate
3) Phil Bryant
4) House Republicans
5) Merle Flowers and Bill Denny (Senate and House redistricting heads)
Posted May 4, 2012 - 8:03 am
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Conservatives did not get everything they wanted this legislative session, but they got a lot. The Republican controlled House of Representatives led by Speaker Phillip Gunn, and the Senate under Republican Tate Reeves, achieved significant legislative victories.
The Child Protection Act which requires reporting of a sex crime against a minor (including DNA evidence from an abortion conducted on a child less than 14 years of age to determine the father) passed - an achievement on the agendas of Gunn, Reeves and Republican Governor Phil Bryant. In the battles between employers and lawyers, reminiscent of the tort reform struggle, major workers compensation reform was passed and (at column deadline) Attorney General Sunshine reform seemed imminent.
AP
5/2/12
Posted May 4, 2012 - 6:46 am
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Thursday, May 17, 2012
