2020 Legislative Update
Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 | Week 2
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yesterday, we commemorated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Most people remember him for the "I Have a Dream Speech." One of my favorite quotes is "that even Mississippi will be changed, into an oasis of freedom and justice." While I know we have work to do, these words inspire me to keep pushing to create this idealistic place Dr. King spoke about so passionately.
Mississippi Agriculture Overview

Agriculture is Mississippi’s number one industry, employing approximately 29% of the state’s workforce either directly or indirectly. Agriculture in Mississippi is a $7.72 billion industry. There are approximately 34,700 farms in the state covering 10.4 million acres. The average size farm is composed of 299 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 82 counties. Please CLICK HERE to read more about the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
What is a Heart Attack?

Every 39 seconds, someone dies from heart and blood vessel disease - America's number 1 killer. Since most of those deaths are from coronary heart disease - over 400,000 each year - it's important to learn all you can about heart attacks. The average age for women to have a heart attack is 70, but many women have them before 50. Heart attacks can occur anywhere at anytime. Some studies say they're more likely to happen on Mondays, in the morning, in public areas, in bed, and, interestingly enough, at sporting events.

Most important, some of the symptoms for a heart attack are:

  • Chest pain (pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in center of chest)
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort, cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Educating The Youngest

According to the Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning at the University of Mississippi, the State of Mississippi appropriated $6,7 million in 2019 which resulted in 3,016 four-year-olds being enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K). Investment in high quality Pre-K education pays off. Research results indicate that a high quality birth through five programs for disadvantaged children can deliver a 13% per year return on investment. Please consider neighboring states’ investment compared to Mississippi. We have to continue to prepare our kids so they can compete in the marketplace.

Amount Neighboring States Invested in Pre-K on a Per Child Basis in 2017

Arkansas - $5,472
Louisiana - $4,706
Tennessee - $4,624
Alabama - $4,594
Mississippi - $2,436
From time to time, we all need things to encourage us. This is one of my go to tracks. Check out this song entitled "Optimistic" that has video clips from Jackson, Mississippi. While I represent two counties in the Mississippi Delta, I have immense love and admiration for the Capitol City.
2nd Week of Mississippi Legislative Session
On January 7, 2020, the Mississippi State Legislature began the first session of the new four-year term. Per the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, the first session of every term is scheduled to last 125 days, as opposed to 90 days. This is done to accommodate inaugurations, new committee chairmanships and procedural matters like choosing parking spaces and offices. 

House members took the oath of office on the first day before the election of Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore. As part of the House Rules, both of these positions and the House Clerk are elected by the members and are sworn into office the first day of session. Representative Philip Gunn was elected to his third term as Speaker of the House. Representative Jason White was elected as the Pro Tempore after previously serving as Chairman of the Rules committee. Andrew Ketchings was also re-elected as House Clerk for the third time.

Although it is early in the session, the House has already taken up one bill. On Wednesday, January 8, House Bill 1 passed with a vote of 121-1 and has since passed the Senate floor. The bill would fully fund last year’s teacher pay raise after a miscalculation in the number of teachers led to a deficit.  By appropriating an extra $18.4 million of the General Fund, teachers will now receive the $1,500 pay raise as promised last session.

On Thursday, January 9, six of the statewide elected officials were sworn into office by Chief Justice Michael Randolph before a joint session of the House and the Senate. The joint session also re-elected Steven Parks as state librarian.

Speaker Philip Gunn announced leadership of two important House committees. Representative John Read (R – Jackson) will return as the Chairman of Appropriations, while Representative Trey Lamar (R – Tate) is the new Chairman of Ways and Means. Representative Karl Oliver (R – Montgomery) was named the new Vice Chairman of Appropriations, and Representative Jody Steverson (R –Tippah) will be the new Vice Chairman of Ways and Means.

House members also had to elect fellow representatives to serve on the both the Management and Rules committees. All members split into the four Mississippi Congressional districts and nominated members to serve on these committees. 
Both committees are comprised of two members from each of the four Congressional districts, as well as the Speaker and the Pro Tempore.

On Tuesday, January 14, the inauguration ceremony of Governor Tate Reeves was held in the House Chamber due to the inclement weather outside. A packed chamber filled with legislators, statewide officials, Mississippi Supreme Court justices and other notable individuals watched as he took the oath of office.

The Capitol was overflowing with guests for the last two weeks because several swearing-in ceremonies were held. Visitors are always welcome to come to the Capitol to visit with their legislators and witness the legislative process.
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Former Legislator, Tommy Taylor, named interim Corrections Commissioner
Governor Tate Reeves has named the interim commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).
Reeves announced the appointment of Tommy Taylor, who is closing out his duties as Boyle’s mayor to begin serving as interim commissioner right away. 


Mississippi Delta Tornadoes
Thanks to all those that assisted in helping many Mississippi Delta residents who were without power last weekend. As the PHOTOS will show, it was quite a disaster. The National Weather Service in Jackson has confirmed four tornadoes touched down during this past weekend in Bolivar and Sunflower Counties.

Photos of the Week
Here, I am photographed with UMC Psychiatric Residents. It includes (from left to right) Dr. Yolanda Ross, Dr. Finn Perkins, Dr. Sovanarak Lek, Dr. Jennie Katherine Ellis, Dr. Cesar Cardenas and Dr. Hunter McLendon. Thank you for taking the time to tell me about the fascinating work you are engaged in.
I am so proud of the students from Bolivar County that participated in the Epsilon Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 24th MLK oratorical breakfast in Clarksdale, MS. Semaj Daniels (Northside High School), Nathan White (Shaw High School), and Zamira Jones (Cleveland Central High School) competed with other kids from around the Mississippi Delta for scholarship money for college. CLICK HERE for more photos.
Shorlone Green is a Bolivar County native who lives in Renova, Mississippi. She was a stellar basketball player at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi where she helped win a National Championship. This weekend, she had a birthday bash that I got to attend. I was glad I got to enjoy my constituents while at home.
After Governor Tate Reeves was sworn in last week, Senator Sarita Simmons, Representative Otis Anthony, Representative Tracey Rosebud, and Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons got a chance to discuss some items of importance to the Mississippi Delta Region. I am excited about working with each of them this legislative session.
In this photo, Representative Lataisha Jackson and I were walking to our vehicles after gaveling out of session for the day. She represents both Panola and Tate counties.
Chrissy, Carmen, Pam, and I were all in attendance at the Governor's Ball. While in Jackson, it’s always good to see folks from Bolivar County while simultaneously meeting new acquaintances that can help me with the work I am executing in the Mississippi Delta (Bolivar and Sunflower Counties).
Senator Derrick T. Simmons and Attorney Trey Hairston are always full of positive energy. I value and appreciate the work that each of them put into improving Mississippi.
While attending the Audubon Mississippi reception, I met Dr. Jason Hoeksema. He is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Mississippi, where he conducts research on the ecology and evolution of trees and symbiotic fungi, and teaches courses in Ornithology, Mycology, Statistics, and Microbiology. He is also board member for Delta Wind Birds . Thanks for your work in helping to maintain natural habitats.
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