After a delay caused by Rep. Bryant Clark (D-Pickens) protesting a school-district consolidation within his legislative district, which he claimed his constituents opposed and on which he wasn’t consulted, the House closed its business on Thursday morning. On Wednesday, the Senate closed its regular session. Philip Gunn (R-Clinton), House Speaker, stated that he was proudest of having passed bills to expand charter schools and increase the rigor in the 3rd Grade Reading Test, as well as requiring appointed superintendents, and religious-objections legislation. “Last summer, when they made their decision on gay marriage, I knew there would be a clash between religious liberty and gay rights. After the House adjourned, Gunn said that this bill was merely an attempt to balance these interests. The most controversial bill in the session was the religious freedom law. Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves reiterated his support for the bill, stating that he would continue to pass it through the Legislature, despite opposition from celebrities, politicians, and other states. Reeves stated that he was proudest of the passage of “a comprehensive tax Reform” package by the legislature, which is one of his personal legislative goals. Reeves stated that the Republican supermajority was responsible for the tax cuts. Reeves stated that “Expanding the majority in both houses led to the possibility of passing (the tax cut bill).” Governor. Phil Bryant announced additional budget cuts for the mid-year on Wednesday. He said that he was still uncertain whether he will sign the tax cut. Gunn celebrated the passage of the tax-cut plan. He also noted that the Legislature approved a bond bill to fund capital projects in the state, and renewed funding for historical tax credits. Reeves boasted that the Legislature passed three bills that will “reform public education in Mississippi for many years to come”. These include a bill mandating school district superintendents to be appointed and not elected. A bill that expands charter school enrollment opportunities for children from broader categories within public school districts. Gunn stated that his disappointments included the inability to vote on the Mississippi state flag’s change. This was due to renewed scrutiny over the Confederate battle emblem. Gunn stated last year that he supported a change. Gunn stated, “It takes at least 62 votes to make any change in this country.” Gunn stated that he was open to all options to change the flag. Both the Senate and the House passed a number of bills without the need for members to vote up or down. Gunn said that he was also surprised that a bill on campaign finance reform, which he helped to write, was defeated on the House’s floor with an unrecorded voice ballot. Reeves attributed the defeat of the election reform bill which would have restricted how politicians spend campaign funds, as well as the death the Capitol Complex bill for Jackson, to the difficulties that come with being a legislator. Reeves stated that legislating is difficult and requires compromise. “You must compromise between the political parties, the House of Representatives and the Senate. “To pass legislation, you have to get the votes to do it.” Jarvis Dortch (freshman from Raymond), said that partisanship sometimes prevented members from negotiating solutions on issues they agreed to. Dortch stated that if members could just talk about the issues they agree on, instead of having bitter partisan fights dictating how things are done up here, it would be much better. Surprise visit by La’Porsha Renae from McComb to the House marked the morning. She performed “Amazing Grace” and was a finalist in American Idol. House members also honored Rep. Herb Frierson (R-Poplarville), who presided over the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He is retiring to lead the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Frierson was the honorary speaker and adjourned the House for the year. A GUIDE TO THE KEY NEW LAWS. Support this work today and make a recurring gift to celebrate our Spring Member Drive. This will help us continue important work such as this story.