YP – House and Senate override Reeves Education budget veto
The Mississippi House and Senate returned to the Capitol on Monday to address several vetoes made by Governor Tate Reeves. By the end of Monday night both chambers had overridden Governor Reeves’ veto of the Education budget.
Right off the bat, the House of Representatives voted to override the veto on HB 1700, passing the original appropriations bill by a vote of 109 to 7.
Shortly after, a Rules committee meeting was called in which they brought forth a resolution that would suspend the rules in order for both chambers to take up the Education and Department of Marine Resources budgets. DMR’s budget was never set before Legislators adjourned in July.
HCR 85 required a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate in order to pass. The House voted 114 to 2, and the Senate passed it unanimously.
Several hours later, the Senate also passed the override of HB 1700 by a vote of 41 to1.
Governor Reeves: The veto worked – Teachers will receive incentive pay
Great news for teachers—our veto worked! The legislature agreed with us that merit pay works. They reversed course and will no longer cut teacher pay by $28 million! Despite efforts to end what Dems called a “failed program,” teachers will receive incentive pay they have earned.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) August 11, 2020
YP – Robinson sworn in to represent House District 88
Robin Robinson was sworn in Monday as the newest State Representative from House District 88.
Robinson replaces Ramona Blackledge who resigned from the seat mere weeks into her freshman term over not being able to draw state retirements through PERS and a legislative salary at the same time.
A special election was held in June to fill the vacancy with Robinson winning with over 65% of the vote. While special election candidates do not run under a party label, Robinson is a Republican and will caucus with the House majority party.
Dobbs: 49 lawmakers have had COVID-19
According to @TCBPubHealth on a Capitol Press call, 49 members of the #msleg have had #COVID19 following the last convening of the Legislature. That does not include another dozen or so of staff and others working at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/SYbY9TNeDK
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) August 10, 2020
YP – Governor Reeves says efforts are working to slow the spread of COVID-19
Governor Tate Reeves held a press conference today to discuss COVID-19.
“Mississippi’s COVID-19 numbers give us confidence that we are slowing the spread,” Reeves said. “Your efforts are working—keep it up! There is hope. Be smart, not panicked. Cautious, not fearful. We can do this, Mississippi.”
Reeves: No decision yet on if MS will participate in enhanced unemployment assistance
Governor @tatereeves: We have not made a decision yet on if Mississippi will participate in the enhanced unemployment assistance (the additional $100).
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) August 10, 2020
WLOX – MDHS providing millions to help child care providers and parents during pandemic
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has dedicated more than $50 million to help families in need of child care in a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MDHS’ Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) made child care providers a priority when the pandemic caused many child care centers to close.
“Providers have been working tirelessly, often putting themselves at risk, to offer the safest possible care for children and families. DECCD is using all its available resources to support these child care centers in this fight and help working Mississippians by providing a safe place for their children,” said Dr. Chad Allgood, Deputy Director of DECCD.
MSDH daily COVID-19 reporting
Today MSDH is reporting 476 more cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, 16 deaths, and 175 active outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The total of #covid19 cases for the year is now 67,649, with 1,912 deaths. Case details and prevention guidance at https://t.co/QP8mlJ41AN pic.twitter.com/OyTZtJBTBa
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) August 10, 2020
YP – Flag Commission makes first round of picks out of over 3,000 submissions
The State Flag Commission has completed Phase one of their framework in selecting a new flag for the state of Mississippi. They narrowed down their choices to 147 designs out of over 3,000 submissions, each member being allowed to select their top 25.
The commission is tasked with selecting a design that will appear on the November ballot for the public to vote on.
YP – Trump Victory Welcomes Dane Maxwell as Mississippi State Director
Trump Victory, the joint political operation between the Trump Campaign and the Republican National Committee, announced the addition of Dane Maxwell to its team in Mississippi.
Maxwell will serve as the Mississippi State Director, helping to organize non-battleground activities into battleground states.
“It is an honor to serve on the team that will re-elect President Trump in November,” Maxwell said. “Voters are extremely enthusiastic about the President and, thanks to Trump Victory’s superior infrastructure, we will harness that enthusiasm and translate it into action.”
YP – SWIB Chairman discusses ReSkillMS and positive impact it could have on state economy
Last week, Governor Tate Reeves launched the ReSkill Mississippi Initiative or ReSkillMS. This program is aimed at helping ease the economic burden and uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for Mississippi’s workforce.
State Workforce Investment Board Chairman, Patrick Sullivan, sat down with Y’all Politics to discuss the cause behind the initiative and the impact SWIB believes it will have on Mississippi’s people and economy.
State Rep. Zakiya Summers co-publishes op-ed on “modern-day voter suppression”
Honored to co-publish this op-Ed with colleagues @NikemaWilliams @GCobbHunter about the need to protect voting rights and expand access. Thanks @stateinnovation for pulling it together! #VOTE https://t.co/sPXTxA7ISP
— Rep. Zakiya Summers (@zakiyasummers) August 10, 2020
Magnolia Tribune
