Last week, we worked through the week introducing and passing House budget and bond bills in order to meet the deadline on Friday. While there were many issues considered and voted on, there were few controversial items before us during this time period which is often considered to be the calm before the storm.
The Senate versions of the budget and bond bills will likely contain some differences, and these will be ironed out in conference committees close to the end of the session. I’ve always been an advocate of these conference committees being conducted in the cold light of day, with advance notice, so that the public can be aware of the negotiations that take place. Sometimes, a measure will go in to conference committee and come out an entirely different bill —– with no warning of the major changes. Hopefully, this session will mark a time when the leadership insists on open and transparent negotiations.
There have been a number of major construction bond bills passed this year, which I believe is a good thing. Our community colleges and universities, for example, have had to postpone needed work because there was a moratorium on bonds during the past few years. Bonds can be looked at as the equivalent of “mortgages” for government. They provide the big money necessary to complete needed expensive projects, and they are paid off over time. Just like families, government doesn’t always have the money to finance building projects — even though they may be necessary. The bond bills that passed the House during the current session have enjoyed broad bipartisan support.
I co-sponsored House Bill 1497 which authorizes issuance of $10 million of state general obligation bonds to provide funds for small municipalities and limited population counties so that development efforts can proceed in these most needy areas of our state. It has gone to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 1651 provides more bond money for the improvement and revitalization of Mississippi’s railroads. The bill also designates money for a grant that would be awarded to the North Mississippi Regional Railroad Authority. Although not in the headlines as often as roads and bridges, the state’s rail system is a vital component of economic development. Railway availability is one of the first things on the checklist of industries looking for a site. HB1651 passed 109-8.
The House also approved Senate Bill 2043 by a vote of 117-2. The measure removes the prohibition that county veteran service officers may not hold additional elected or appointed positions. Senate Bill 2644, which passed unanimously, allows the executive or deputy director of the State Veterans Affairs Board to be an active member of the Armed Forces.
You can contact me at tmiles@house.ms.gov or 601-469-7886.
