YP – Lawmakers leave the Capitol without a budget for DMR yet again
Lawmakers have adjourned, for the time being in the 2020 Legislative Session, without a budget for the Department of Marine Resources, once again.
The debate over approving the department’s budget stems from a disagreement within the Legislature on how GOMESA projects should be directed, either through the Legislature or by the Governor. This same point of contention caused lawmakers to leave in July without a budget set for the department.
“I’ll tell you my heart breaks for the personnel that work for DMR they don’t deserve to be put through this fight. They don’t know where their next paycheck is coming from. We need to put people before politics,” said Governor Tate Reeves on the lack of a DMR budget. He said he was surprised that lawmakers left the Capitol without ensuring that was set.
YP – Governor Reeves on daily COVID-19 briefing
MSDH: COVID-19 cases top 68,000
Today MSDH is reporting 644 more cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, 33 deaths, and 179 active outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The total of #covid19 cases for the year is now 68,293, with 1,944 deaths. Case details and prevention guidance at https://t.co/QP8mlJ41AN pic.twitter.com/jWJXZBlkAF
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) August 11, 2020
YP – Is Mississippi’s mask mandate working?
On August 4, Governor Tate Reeves signed an executive order that implemented a two week statewide mandate for mask wearing.
A week later, it looks like the effort is bearing some fruit.
On August 4, the day the order was announced, Mississippi confirmed 1,245 cases and 51 deaths. As of August 10, Mississippi had 644 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, and those numbers trended down. Analysis typically review 7 day averages of both numbers, and there has been a steady decline.
Governor Reeves talks college football on ABC News
Mississippi Gov. @tatereeves discusses college football in the fall, how his state is reducing coronavirus cases, and what economic aid the state needs. https://t.co/72U9t8Brx2
"I absolutely believe that they can do it safely," he says, about the SEC trying to play this fall. pic.twitter.com/NSS0yeHW0I
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) August 11, 2020
YP – More provisions for small businesses coming from the Legislature
The new bill includes FY 2021 along with FY 2020 as the time period for which the Department of Finance and Administration will have the authority to receive, budget and escalate certain federal funds related to the CARES Act. It also increases the base amount a business is eligible for from $1,500 to $3,500.
The bill was referred to the Appropriations committee in the Senate where it passed quickly. Once it was received on the floor, it passed unanimously after only one amendment was offered to address the related code section.
WDAM – Catering and at-home businesses now eligible for CARES Act grants
On Tuesday, state lawmakers made some adjustments to how Mississippi is distributing federal CARES Act funds. Not only can small businesses apply for more, but home-based businesses and caterers were added to the eligibility list.
Local caterer and owner of Gotta Lovett Wings and Things food truck Denis Lovett expressed during COVID-19 he has accumulated more expenses. Lovett is now relieved he’s eligible for the CARES Act money.
“It will help as far as payroll and bills that’s accumulated during the slow times. I can take care of most of those bills with that money,” Lovett said.
YP – AG Fitch supports Edith’s Bill
Attorney General @LynnFitchAG supports “Edith’s Bill,” helping senior scam victims recoup money. #COVID19 https://t.co/yEXaOaFD3l
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) August 11, 2020
WLOX – Secretary of State speaks to statewide county supervisors about upcoming election
November’s general election was the focus of Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson on Tuesday. Watson spoke at the Mississippi Association of Supervisors’ annual meeting at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center. The Secretary of State shared how the vote will look in the state with not only COVID-19 but a host of important items on the ballot.
“A big election, not only for the history of our nation but also the direction of Mississippi,” Watson said. “We’ve got, obviously, the presidential, we’ve got U.S. Senate, the Congressional races, we’ve got Supreme Court races. Then we’ve got some initiatives on the ballot. We’ve got I-65, which is dealing with medical marijuana. You’ve got the way that we select our statewide elected officials, and the last one would be the new flag that will be on the ballot as well,” Watson said.
In addition, a new temporary disability absentee mail-in option was added this year by the state legislature.
YP – 30 new jobs coming to Iuka
Samuel Roll Form Group increasing production in Iuka, creating 30 jobs, per @mdaworks and Governor @tatereeves https://t.co/S7L2mDeJN6
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) August 11, 2020
YP – Boaters for Trump make waves on the MS Coast
Boaters for @realDonaldTrump make waves on the Mississippi Coast. #Election2020 #mselex
Over 1,000 boats could be seen on the Mississippi Gulf Coast last weekend showing their support for the re-election of Donald Trump for President.https://t.co/aYIdcmsTem
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) August 11, 2020
MDAH: Mosquito flag was a typo, didn’t make it to Round 2
Announcement: The mosquito flag advanced to Round Two due to a typo in a list of flag numbers submitted by one commissioner. That commissioner has requested that the flag be removed from the Round Two gallery, and MDAH staff has complied.
— MS Depart. of Archives & History (@MDAH_Official) August 11, 2020
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