State Rep. Shirley tries again to push #msflag amendment regarding universities but House continues to reject it

Flag amendment voted down again

Rep. William Shirley, R-Quitman, is running out of options to amend legislation to force the state’s eight public universities to fly the state flag, replete with the controversial Confederate battle emblem as part of its design.

On Tuesday, the House defeated via voice vote a Shirley amendment to a bond bill that would have required the universities to fly the banner in order to get bond proceeds to finance long-term construction projects.

Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, said that not enough members stood to demand a recorded vote on the amendment. House rules require 10 percent, or 13 members, to stand to require a recorded vote on an amendment. It did not appear they did.

Daily Journal
3/15/17