/Education and road funding dominate on Day 1 of 2018 legislative session

Education and road funding dominate on Day 1 of 2018 legislative session

The majority of legislative leaders–Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) and Lt. Governor–are in agreement. Tate Reeves – focused on the key issues to be addressed this session by focusing on unresolved problems from last year. These include the adoption of a new formula for education funding, the improvement of roads and bridges in the state and the reform of how the Division of Medicaid works. Gunn stated that the Legislature did not pass or produce a new school funding formula during the 2017 session. However, a new bill was being written using recommendations from EdBuild (a New Jersey-based consultant) to help the Legislature create options for a new funding model. Gunn stated that they are looking for a formula that is predictable and understandable. Gunn stated that the new bill will “basically take those recommendations and put them into bill format” once it is complete. However, he added that lawmakers might not use every recommendation. EdBuild recommends that lawmakers switch to a formula that increases weights for students with low incomes and English language learners. Several lawmakers from larger school districts criticized EdBuild’s report and said that less funding from the state would lead to municipal tax increases. Reeves stated Tuesday that although there is no set time for the new formula, it will be available to lawmakers in priority if the formula “rears its head”. This indicates that a rewrite may not be possible this year. Reeves stated, “One of our obligations to our members and to the people of Mississippi is to ensure that every member fully understands the implications of (a final formula) for their district in terms relative funding from last to this year and relative financing over a period. The education committee in the House is currently without a chairperson after the resignation of former Rep. John Moore from Brandon amid allegations of sexual harassment. Gunn stated that he hopes to have a replacement chairperson by the end this week. The House also sent three bills to Gov. The House also sent three bills Gov. Bryant to their respective committees last session. House Bill 1502 concerns appropriations to the State Department of Education. House Bill 1033 would prohibit incarceration for failing pay a fine, court costs or penalty. House Bill 1447 would allow certain counties to sell alcohol. Leaders are looking to push for another type of roads bill after last year’s failure to raise money for infrastructure. Many Republican leaders and business leaders from the state have called for more funding for the Mississippi Department of Transportation in order to improve the current state of Mississippi’s roads and bridges. To increase MDOT’s appropriations, some lawmakers suggested raising the fuel tax and tobacco tax. Reeves stated that it was unlikely that either a tobacco tax increase or a gas tax increase would get the support needed to pass. Reeves stated, “I believe roads and bridges should be core functions of government. We should spend more money in Mississippi on them.” It’s not like we haven’t spend any money. Reeves stated that it’s a matter of whether we should spend more. Reeves, second-term lieutenant governor who is considering a run as governor in 2019, stated that while he opposes a state lotto and doesn’t believe it will generate significant new revenue, he believes there are enough votes in the Senate and House for the lottery to be implemented. Gunn appointed a panel consisting of business and legislative leaders to examine the merits of a state lottery. Experts presented mixed results of the game on the state at the last meeting of the commission. These effects ranged from economic to moral. Reeves stated, “I think you’d see some people that are spending 100 per cent of their disposable income. Instead of going to the grocery store and buying a coke or a pack of nabs they would rather go buy lottery tickets in hopes of hitting it big.” Reeves said, “But there might be some additional revenue there. I think that both the House of Congress and the Senate would love to discuss this.” On Tuesday, the newly elected Senator Joel Carter, R.Gulfport was sworn into office. Carter was elected in a special election to replace the seat held by Sean Tindell (an ex-Senator who Bryant had appointed to the state court on appeals). Rep. Steve Holland (D-Plantersville) used his privilege to speak to the House about the dementia diagnosis that he disclosed to the chamber in hushed last year. Holland revealed to his colleagues on the House floor that he had been diagnosed with dementia in March 2017. He also said that he planned to retire from the House at the end his term in 2020. Holland stated that he is no longer suffering from memory loss on Tuesday. Holland stated, “I stand today with great vigor & a strong mind.” Holland said, “I am here to tell you that I feel great and have a lot of passion about the work my people sent to me.” To support this important work, make a regular donation to our Spring Member Drive today. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story