The bill is now sent to Gov. Phil Bryant signed the bill one day before the end of the state’s fiscal years. Bryant stated that it was regrettable that the House Democrats’ grandstanding cost taxpayers $30,000. Bryant said that he was grateful to the Senate leadership and the House Democrats for their work. Bryant made the comment in reference to the fact Republican lawmakers had hoped that the bill would be passed in both houses on Tuesday. However, the House Democrats refused to suspend normal rules to consider the bill that day. Bryant called Jackson lawmakers this week to request a special session to review the bill. The Senate passed it on Tuesday. Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Herb Frierson (R-Poplarville), stated that if we collect $60 millions today and tomorrow, this bill is null. “This is an insurance policy to ensure we can write those checks between now, July 1, and 2020.” After beginning debate, the House entered recess. It was about a quarter hour after Reps. Omeria, D.Laurel, and Bryant Clark (D-Pickens) raised a point-of-order that the bill had not been properly brought to the House to be considered. Scott claimed that the bill was in violation of the Mississippi Constitution and a House appropriations rule. The House counsel rejected Scott’s request for an order, claiming that the bill was not an appropriate bill. Scott tried to file another point-of-order later in the morning, but Gunn refused, claiming that he had requested points of order earlier in morning. Scott asked Frierson, “If we know that the governor doesn’t need more than $60million, why aren’t we writing him a check?” “This body shouldn’t allow for a backdoor play for this person (Rainy Day Fund) unlimited access.” Eight amendments were proposed by House Democrats – all of them failed and were tabled by Republicans – to Wednesday morning’s bill. Baria suggested a cap on the governor’s transfer authority of $100 million. John Hines (D-Greenville) proposed transferring $3 million to Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Adrienne Wooten (D-Ridgeland) proposed four amendments to provide funding for state mental health facilities. D-Plantersville Rep. Steve Holland offered an amendment that would give $10 million to state Board of Health. Holland pleaded with the House to not table the amendment. He indicated that he would file his retirement papers on Thursday at 5 p.m. Holland, who has been a member of the House for 33 year, was emotional about the decision. Frierson stated that the amendments were presented because the bill didn’t appropriate any funds. Accepting the amendments would have not provided funds to the agencies. Frierson encouraged state agency heads to collaborate with the chairsmen of the Senate and House appropriations committees in order to fix budget deficiencies, rather than contacting Attorney General Jim Hood to get his opinion on the legalities surrounding budget cuts. Due in part to the lower-than-expected revenues this year, Mississippi is having trouble balancing its budget. Bryant has already cut budgets for many state agencies twice this fiscal year in an effort to offset shortfalls in revenue. For $45.2 million, he also dipped twice into the Rainy Day Fund. He now has less than $5million available from the Rainy Day Fund unless the Legislature lifts the $50 million limit per fiscal year. On top of Tuesday’s $68,720, Wednesday’s special session costs taxpayers $33,228. Republican leaders criticised Democratic House members Tuesday evening, accusing them of wasting taxpayers’ money by voting to delay the session for another day. Democrats supported their actions, claiming that the Republicans forced the special session. Rep. John Faulkner (D-Holly Springs) stated that while they won’t gain anything, it will bring more media attention about what’s happening. “All that we are trying to do is inform Mississippians about what’s going on in Jackson. … Senators from both sides of the aisle will claim that we are wasting taxpayers’ dollars. We’re actually wasting taxpayers dollars just to be here. Let’s get this done in the regular session, otherwise we wouldn’t have been here.” House Democrats may further delay the process Wednesday if necessary. The normal legislative procedure rules apply. This means that any legislator can present amendments, request points of order, or personal privilege and hold a bill for a motion to reconsider. Rep. David Baria (D-Bay St. Louis) and Rep. John Hines (D-Greenville) indicated Wednesday morning that they would propose amendments. The bill will be signed by the governor if the House passes it without amendment. Bryant also criticised the extra special session day. Bryant has until midnight Thursday to transfer funds from the Rainy Day Fund into the General Fund if necessary. To support this work, you can make a regular donation to us today as part of the Spring Member Drive.
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