Gallo Notes: Representatives Herb Frierson, Mark Baker, Philip Gunn, Dr. Sid Bondurant, MD and Jeff Smith joined me this morning to talk about the aftermath of HB 520. The synopsis of the interview was that the agreement to form a “Select Committee” was the best they could do under the circumstance of dictatorial power. Also referencing the fact that they’ve been getting some negative feedback from other Conservative Coalition members.
I did question why the “Select Committee” couldn’t meet prior to the anticipated Special Session and at least request the governor to include in the agenda. I’m guessing the appointees to the committee could take care of their differences in less than an hour. If Mr. McCoy is really serious about strengthen child abuse laws in this state, he’ll push his side to negotiate in good faith. If they are playing politics, then they can meet all summer up to the day before the 2009 legislature convenes. After all let’s be honest, the problem is not with the language, it’s with Chairman Bailey’s power ego.
Representative Jeff Smith did bring up a good point about Mr. McCoy violating the rules. I ask why something could not be done and the answer was interesting. Take for instance a judge making a ruling in error. You don’t contest it right then and there. You take it to another court in due time. I’m told that the same could be done here. Here’s an excerpt from an email from Jeff Smith to me this morning. “Speaker McCoy did something unheard of on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008. He ruled the Petition or Paper Rep. Frierson properly filed during the FOURTH Order of Business on April 11, 2008 (and had “laid over” three legislative days), was not a “Resolution, Petition, Memorial or Other Paper”. It was merely a Motion, and as such was placed on the General Calendar. It was ignored during the REGULAR COURSE OF BUSINESS, on the morning of Wednesday April 16th, 2008, effectively killing any chance of having HB 520 voted upon by the House”.
Don’t look for anything to happen on this till next Session. I was told also this morning that the medical community may be opposed to this because of additional reporting penalties. If that’s so, they could have plenty of time to organize their lobbyist before next Session.
Coming Monday. Senator Roger Wicker InDaHouse. Question-Could Jimmy Sue Hood’s investigation of the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo be politically motivated? It is my understanding that Roger Wicker and Trent Lott were most influential in getting funding. Mayor Greg Davis and Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps also join me Monday.
Paul Gallo
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