Some of Mississippi’s most prominent policymakers defended a spending plan that was under attack for being too balanced, despite intermittent rain showers. The governor called an earlier session of the Legislature for a correction to the imbalance. Cecil Brown (Democrat representing the Central District for Public Service Commission) called the state’s financial condition “a mess.” Brown is a former state representative who was chief of the department finance and administration. He said that the Legislature’s $6.2 billion budget this year was off by at most $136 million. The way they altered the budget system will cause us to lose millions of dollars in federal funds. He stated that this change would lead to a reduction, if not complete termination of services for public safety, mental health and public health. Brown also criticised the $415 million tax cut and pointed out several areas in which Mississippi’s business climate is already high. Brown stated, “Why do we need to make another big cut in corporate taxes?” “Big businesses don’t need more tax cuts.” Gov. Phil Bryant refuted the notion of a state in chaos. Bryant stated that Mississippi is a top ten state for economic growth. This has been achieved by attracting large employers like Yokohama Tire Co. and Continental Tire, which plans to build a plant in western Hinds County with thousands of employees. Bryant, who was a former Hinds County deputy sheriff, said that he was trying to find the last time such an event occurred in Hinds County. “The answer is never.” Bryant and his fellow Republicans, who comprise the state’s leadership, praised the passage of the religious freedom bill, which allows county clerks to refuse to provide marriage-related services to people based on their religious beliefs. Federal courts are currently reviewing the constitutionality of this legislation. Bryant stated, “(Opponents to the bill) sued me, but we didn’t sue.” Bryant also listed the education awards that the state had received for innovation. R-Clinton Speaker Philip Gunn said that many of the achievements made by the Legislature, including the religious freedom law, are reflective of Mississippi’s values. Gunn stated, “We don’t need a poll for us to know that all lives matter, and not just a few — and not to mention those who are still unborn.” While social issues received the most applause, incumbents and candidates talked about the challenges facing their agencies. Lynn Fitch, state treasurer, stressed the importance of her office’s financial education work. This literacy is essential to combat Mississippi’s status as the poorest state in America, she stated. She said that women with heads of households earn 70% less than men, making it difficult for them to plan and save their money. She said, “It’s vital we empower all Mississippians, but it’s also important that we figure out how we empower our women.” Fitch has been critical of the state budget, as well as legislation that took special funds from the general fund and put them in the state’s budget. She also demanded a constitutional amendment to require lawmakers to approve a balanced budget every year. Delbert Hosemann was the secretary of state and chief election officer. He encouraged people to vote in November, and to bring their IDs. Hosemann, who championed Mississippi’s voter ID law, said that while other states have had their laws overturned by courts, Mississippi’s has not. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker rallied Republicans to back Donald Trump in November’s election over Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State. “So much of the things you and I care about are in jeopardy.” Wicker, who is the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, stressed the importance of having a GOP majority within the Senate. Wicker challenged conventional thinking regarding the dysfunctional nature of Congress and stated that President Barack Obama signed 31 Senate bill, including a tax cut, and a multiyear highway bill. Cindy Hyde Smith, the commissioner for agriculture and commerce, spoke about the importance of agriculture in the state’s economic growth. “We do everything possible to support the American farmer. She said that next time you eat a good meal, thank God first and then thank the farmer. Many of the themes were repeated from Wednesday’s first day, which featured speeches by Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves and Attorney General Jim Hood were joined by state Senator Jenifer Branning (R-Philadelphia). Branning, who supported the Senate’s religious-liberties legislation on the Senate floor, said that he knew there was a legal battle. I will continue to stand for the district’s values, regardless of what happens in court.” Wednesday’s remarks by Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves took a strongly political tone when he attacked state Attorney General Jim Hood (a Democrat), as well as President Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. He also criticised the U.S. Supreme Court as well as what he called “the liberal media”. Reeves stated that Hood was perhaps preparing for a head-to-head race in the state. It sounds like Hood is auditioning to become Hillary Clinton’s next (attorney General).” Dick Hall, Transportation Commissioner, addressed the fair and demanded a highway bill. To support this work, you can make a regular donation to our Spring Member Drive today. 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