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Saturday, February 20, 2021

Historic winter weather brings legislative action to a near halt

Season 2, Ep. 6

Severe winter weather caused lawmakers in the House to convene via ZOOM for the first time in state history. Senators met in-person, despite the ice and snow, to pass a bill that would purge some of Mississippi's voter rolls. The Senate voted unanimously for a plan they hope will simplify tax incentives in the state. Senate bill 2822 is the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act, also called MFLEX. The House is considering a proposal to allow voters to decide whether to temporarily increase the state's gas tax. Revenue from the increase would go to improvement projects on highways and local roads and bridges.

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Saturday, March 27, 2021

Final days of the 2021 session

Season 2, Ep. 11

Lawmakers are ironing out final details on legislation. Lawmakers are approaching the final week of the session. Members of the Senate and House are conferencing on key measures such as the income tax phase out plan and a state medical marijuana program. The Legislature is also making another attempt at a parole eligibility bill they hope the Governor will sign into law. Mississippi surpasses one million doses of coronavirus vaccines.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Lawmakers continue squabbling over the House tax reform plan

Season 2, Ep. 10

The Senate allowed the income tax elimination bill to die. The House revived it. Both chambers killed each other’s Medicaid bill on deadline day. Plans to revive those bills and go to conference are in the works. The legislature passed a $1,000 teacher pay raise. A 17-count federal indictment is released against Nancy New and son Zachary New who allegedly laundered millions of dollars from the state. Mississippi residents 16 and up are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Gov. Reeves signs bill limiting transgender athletes

Season 2, Ep. 9

The House and Senate argue over a medical marijuana bill on deadline day.Gov. Tate Reeves signs the Mississippi Fairness Act into law, even though it could be later challenged. After the House killed a bill, the Senate revived a plan for an alternative medical marijuana program if Initiative 65 is struck down. Clergy in Mississippi delivered letters to the Capitol this week urging lawmakers to expand Medicaid.