WLOX – Gov. Reeves to deliver first State of the State address Monday
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves will deliver his first State of the State address Monday night.
One of the big issues Reeves is likely to focus on is the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Since this time last month, at least 10 inmates have died, including nine at Parchman.
WJTV – School Choice Celebration to be held at the Capitol
VICKSBURG POST – Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs returns to the White House
The city of Vicksburg issued a release Friday afternoon announcing Mayor George Flaggs Jr. at the White House for a discussion in the East Room.
The subject of the meeting is focused on transforming America’s communities with President Trump, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Senior Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway and other senior Trump Administration officials.
The Friday discussion in the East Room marks Flaggs’ first meeting of 2020 with President Trump at the White House.
NA NEWS – NA Mayor Tim Kent switches to Republican Party
New Albany Mayor Tim Kent, who has always run as a Democrat, has said he is changing to the Republican Party…
…”I’m gonna be the same either way,” he said. “But that national stuff has drifted down to here,” he continued, referring to the more extreme polarization between some party views.
Other local candidates have either changed from Democratic to Republican affiliation, or at least have been considering it. This past week Ward Two Alderman Johnny Anderson said he is changing parties after long consideration, adding the Republican Party more accurately reflects his views.
President Trump signs bill authored by Congressman Thompson into law
Chairman @BennieGThompson‘s bill (HR 2476) becomes law today. Now churches, synagogues, and mosques will have access to federal grants to help secure their facilities against a potential terrorist attack.
No one should feel threatened when they pray.https://t.co/XaXvjkEs8x
— House Homeland Security Committee (@HomelandDems) January 24, 2020
MERIDIAN STAR – Analysis: Leadership team will shape the lawmaking process
Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn has completed one of his most consequential tasks of the four-year legislative term — choosing House committee members and leaders.
The assignments were announced Thursday. They are crucial because committees get the first shot at deciding which policy proposals live or die. A chairman can quietly kill a bill by deciding not to bring it up for debate.
Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announced committee assignments for the 52-member Senate on Jan. 10, during the first week of the legislative session.
YP – Sen. Wicker checks in from the US Senate Impeachment Trial
Y’all Politics checks in with @SenatorWicker during a break in the Impeachment Hearings…
Sen. Wicker on Impeachment: “This is a narrow attempt to remove Donald Trump from office in an election year” #mssen#impeachment READ MORE>> https://t.co/6vIxdzpRjn pic.twitter.com/raeAuouo5V— Yall Politics (@MSyallpolitics) January 24, 2020
WCBI – Circuit Court Judge for first district announces retirement
A judge who has served the First Circuit Court District for 13 years announced his retirement.
James L. Roberts Jr. will retire on February 29.
Roberts said he is retiring due to health reasons.
YP – State Rep. McLeod benched in the House
State Rep. @DougMcLeodMSRep was benched by @MSHouseOfRep Leadership when Committee assignments were handed out this week, signaling displeasure with the George County lawmaker. #msleg https://t.co/2IAK9Ppr36
— Yall Politics (@MSyallpolitics) January 24, 2020
NEWSMS – PSC supports FCC proposal to expand rural broadband access
The Chairman of Mississippi’s Public Service Commission has been in Washington this week, voicing his support for an FCC proposal that could expand broadband access in Mississippi.
PSC Chairman Dane Maxwell has met with White House and FCC officials to discuss the ‘Rural Digital Opportunity Fund’, which if passed, would use over $20 billion to target areas that lack access to 25/3 Megabytes per second broadband services.
YP – Prison Reform rally held at the State Capitol
Wrapping up the work week on Friday, hundreds rallied at State Capitol for prison reform #msleg READ MORE>> https://t.co/Sey2sOv31k pic.twitter.com/abQnU1J2Mq
— Yall Politics (@MSyallpolitics) January 26, 2020
MBJ – Bill Crawford: Will there really be a “coming together” in Jackson this year?
In his inauguration speech new Gov. Tate Reeves promised, “This will be an administration for all Mississippi,” as reported by the Clarion-Ledger. “Governing is about coming together,” he said and proclaimed a new motto for his first term, “For. All. Mississippi.“
Faced with his first crisis as governor – prison rioting, deaths, and deplorable conditions – Reeves appeared to be on track with his promise. He appointed a bipartisan committee to lead a national search for the next prison commissioner with the Mayor of Vicksburg, former state Rep. George Flaggs, as chairman. He also included a former attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens. Both are Democrats and African-Americans.
