Senator Flowers supports U.S. Troops and Law Enforcement
The Mississippi Senate recently passed several bills that I thought might be of interest to you. There are also a few other measures that have been adopted at the Committee level that will be considered by the full Senate in the coming weeks.
Senate Bill 2117 provided that professional licenses will not expire while military personnel are on federal active duty. Our men and women in the armed services are all heroes, and this is the least we could do for those hard working people that are serving our country. This legislation will provide assurance that when they return to the civilian sector, their careers will not be delayed due to unnecessary and burdensome bureaucratic paperwork.
Senate Bill 3093 authorized a new highway patrol training class for the Department of Public Safety. Many of our troopers have been called to active duty in the U.S. military, and many others are nearing retirement age. Public safety is paramount, and this new trooper school will provide a much needed boost to our highway patrol. In addition, we passed Senate Bill 2688 which increases the benefits paid to law enforcement that die in the line of duty.
Senate Bill 2549 imposes additional criminal charges on an existing felon who uses a firearm in the commission of a felony. Any individual who has been previously convicted of a felony, and is convicted of another felony crime involving a firearm, may be sentenced to an additional ten years of imprisonment. This bill should send a message to criminals that Mississippi is serious about punishment for crimes committed against our citizens.
The Senate Public Health Committee adopted Senate Bill 2795 that would ban abortion in the State of Mississippi. I co-authored this legislation because I believe life is sacred and begins at conception. This legislation will produce a very emotionally charged debate when it reaches the Senate floor. I have always opposed any provision of state funds to groups that provide abortion services, even if they do not use state funds directly for abortions. I have also opposed any efforts to allow human cloning and opposed state funding for research purposes that requires the killing of human embryos. I support the passage of a human life state constitutional amendment, and I have worked hard to improve the opportunities for adoption in Mississippi.
Several bills that I co-authored are still pending in the Senate Rules Committee, including: Commending the Southaven High School “Chargers” Girls Volleyball Team for winning the State Championship; Commending Ole Miss All-American Linebacker Patrick Willis; Broadcasting the proceedings of the Senate live on the internet; and, commending State Treasurer Tate Reeves for his election as President of the National Association of State Treasurers.
I am honored to represent your interests in the Mississippi Senate. Please continue to send me your thoughts and ideas. Have a great weekend!
Senator Merle Flowers
P.O. Box 750
Southaven, Mississippi 38671
Phone: 662-349-3983
Fax: 662-349-3985
Email: merle@merleflowers.com
Website: www.merleflowers.com
Magnolia Tribune
