On January 2, 2018, the 132nd Mississippi State Legislature began the third session in its four-year term. As I enter my second year as Mississippi State Representative for House District 29 (Bolivar and Sunflower counties), I am filled with hope about our state on several different fronts. Until I see the desired outcomes, I plan to use my vote to positively impact my constituents and shed attention on important topics. 

During the first week of session, there were a couple of bills passed through committees and introduced on the House floor. All of the bills deal with the maintenance and repair of roads and bridges. Please click the bill links below to view the bill in it's entirety.

One measure introduced was House Bill 354, which aims to set aside any state revenue growth of more than two percent for the repair and reconstruction of state, county and municipal roads and bridges. This measure passed by a vote of 119-1. I was the only no vote for the Appropriation bill. Appropriations Chair John Read cordially and inquisitively asked me why I voted no. I told him "I voted no because I believe we can do more to solve the critical infrastructure issue." He respected my position and then asked me about my family.

Another was House Bill 357, legislation that would authorize the issuance of $50 million in bonds to cities and counties for bridge improvements. This passed by a vote of 116-4. I voted yes on this bill because it is a realistic goal to garner the funds from a potential bond bill. This particular bill came through Ways and Means.

Finally, House Bill 359 would prohibit the construction of any new roads that have not already acquired right-of-way. The bill passed by a vote of 71-42. This bill originated in the Transportation Committee. Though I respect Transportation Chairman Charles Busby, I couldn't support this bill so I voted against it both in committee and on the House floor. Supporters of the bill say this will help the state maintain the roads it already has before starting any new projects. In it's current form, the legislation states that if road or bridge construction is not happening at the time the bill goes into effect, no funds will be allocated towards the project. A caveat of the bill is that new construction can be considered if it is deemed a economic development project. I believe this would further stall economic development in rural parts of the state like the Mississippi Delta while other areas continue to flourish.

***Important Note: All three bills were held on a motion to reconsider, which means they will be brought up again in the future.

Economic Outlook