State Senator Tony Smith tells the Picayune Item that he is looking closely at a possible run for Southern District Public Service Commissioner in 2015. In an article to preview upcoming issues in the 2015 Legislative Session, Smith said that he was "considering running for public service commissioner next year." He added: "I haven’t made … Continue reading Sen. Tony Smith says he’s looking “very seriously” at run for Southern District Public Service Commissioner.
Even Conservative Rep. Andy Gipson thinks ban on gay marriage will be overturned.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Mississippi, could provide the catalyst for the Supreme Court to decide the gay marriage issue once and for all, nationwide. And it's likely, many legal experts believe, bans on gay marriage such as Mississippi's will fall. RELATED>>>PLUNKETT: The “Marriage Equality” myth. "I am opposed to same-sex marriage, … Continue reading Even Conservative Rep. Andy Gipson thinks ban on gay marriage will be overturned.
Mississippi Dept. Of Ed. wants $6 million more from taxpayers to expand pre-K.
Education officials are looking for ways to expand Mississippi's state-funded early education program. The Department of Education is asking lawmakers for an increase in funding. State funded pre-k has been a reality in Mississippi for nearly two years, but to date only 11 local programs have received financial backing. Yet, efforts are underway to expand … Continue reading Mississippi Dept. Of Ed. wants $6 million more from taxpayers to expand pre-K.
State Economist: Mississippi economy growing but struggling.
Mississippi's economy is gradually growing stronger, but the state still has 44,000 fewer jobs now than it did before the recession, state economist Darrin Webb told legislative budget writers Friday. Employment numbers in the state have been up in some months and down in others. "What you see is sort of sputtering growth in employment," … Continue reading State Economist: Mississippi economy growing but struggling.
McDaniel Challenge comes down to interpretation of 1986 Election Law rewrite.
Cochran attorney Phil Abernethy on Thursday made the same argument (before the Mississippi Supreme Court) he did weeks ago in circuit court -- that McDaniel's challenge, which was filed 41 days after the runoff, came too late. Abernethy cited a 1959 Mississippi Supreme Court ruling that a candidate must challenge election results within 20 days. … Continue reading McDaniel Challenge comes down to interpretation of 1986 Election Law rewrite.
Universities and Community Colleges request a combined increase of $150 million from taxpayers for FY 2016.
The two systems that run Mississippi's public universities and community colleges each want lawmakers to increase their budgets by more than $75 million, arguing more state spending on higher education will help residents earn higher incomes and bolster the future of the state. State agencies are presenting requests to the 14-member Joint Legislative Budget Committee … Continue reading Universities and Community Colleges request a combined increase of $150 million from taxpayers for FY 2016.
Mississippi lawmakers question whether local school districts spending money wisely
State education officials making their legally-mandated push to support Mississippi's school funding formula were questioned Tuesday in a budget hearing about rising spending on administrators and whether lawmakers should spend more money on programs not included in the formula. The Legislature would have to add an estimated $311.7 million to the Mississippi Adequate Education Program … Continue reading Mississippi lawmakers question whether local school districts spending money wisely
Legislative changes to DUI law go into effect on Wednesday.
Changes in Mississippi's DUI law that are due go into effect on Wednesday are getting mixed reviews from some in the judicial system. The Mississippi Legislature drafted the new laws in 2013, with the stipulation that the changes would take effect this year. Legislators also made some changes during the 2014 session. According to a … Continue reading Legislative changes to DUI law go into effect on Wednesday.
House passes #HB424 to provide free community college tuition.
A plan to pay community college tuition for recent Mississippi high school graduates who are not covered by other financial aid is advancing. Representatives passed House Bill 424 Tuesday by a vote of 115-4. It now goes to the Senate for more debate. The bill would set up a two-year pilot program at all of … Continue reading House passes #HB424 to provide free community college tuition.
#7for7: In a word, Guns.
This weeks seven top posts are all about the ongoing back and forth over Hinds County Judge Winston Kidd's ruling to halt enforcement of Mississippi's concealed carry law, HB2. The reaction from conservative lawmakers was as similar in message as it was swift. Off the record many conservatives had a simple question: Who the hell … Continue reading #7for7: In a word, Guns.
Mississippi PEP 