WJTV – BRYANT: LOTTERY A POSSIBILITY IN SPECIAL SESSION
“We need additional revenue, and I think this is one of the better ways to be able to seek it and make sure we’re not raising people’s taxes,” Bryant told reporters following an event at the Toyota plant near Blue Springs Thursday.
According to the Republican governor, there is support in the House and Senate to pass a lottery although he knows some would oppose the game of chance on religious grounds.
Bryant says he spoke with House Speaker Philip Gunn earlier in the day about calling lawmakers back to Jackson early and planned to do the same with Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves.
CLARION LEDGER – Cindy Hyde-Smith signs on to gun carry ‘reciprocity’; some gun-rights advocates oppose it
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has signed on as a cosponsor to a bill that would allow people with concealed gun permits to carry firearms across state lines…
…”For law abiding gun owners with concealed carry permits, this legislation would affirm their ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights in other states with right-to-carry laws,” Hyde-Smith said in a statement. “This is sensible legislation that recognizes states’ authority to issue firearms licenses and permits, while supporting the rights of gun owners.”
WLBT – 3 On Your Side Investigates: Fleet Mismanagement
A recent PEER report shows inaccurate information for thousands of state vehicles, but that report doesn’t tell the whole story.
It pointed a finger at dozens of state agencies, but didn’t identify which ones had the most problems.
In a few agencies, every one of their vehicles had information that was missing, information that’s essential to making sure your tax dollars are properly spent.
Gov. Bryant helps celebrate MS Hwy Patrol 80th Anniversary
The @MSHwyPatrol was established in 1938. This morning, we celebrated its 80th anniversary during the 2018 General Assembly. I am so proud of and thankful for these troopers who make our state strong and safe. pic.twitter.com/9UsCh6Cv3V
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) April 26, 2018
WLBT – Toyota Mississippi makes major jobs and investment announcement in northeast Mississippi
Toyota Mississippi is investing in new production lines at its automotive manufacturing plant in Blue Springs.
The project represents a $170 million corporate investment and will create 400 jobs over the next 12 months.
“For more than a decade, Toyota has been a valued corporate partner to Blue Springs and the state of Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Toyota’s commitment to building a sense of community is illustrated by the company’s continued investment in its operations and philanthropic efforts throughout the region. This latest investment and addition of hundreds of new jobs reinforces Toyota’s dedication to excellence in Blue Springs for generations to come.”
WLBT – Nissan donates additional $250,000 to Mississippi HBCU STEM Programs
Nissan fueled up Mississippi HBCU STEM programs with a generous donation Thursday.
The ceremony was held at the company’s big Canton vehicle assembly plant’s training center.
Leadership committee members and students from several historically black colleges and universities and community colleges were on hand to receive the $250,000 check.
Congressman Thompson jabs at EPA Admin. Pruitt
FACT: @EPAScottPruitt is currently under SEVEN separate investigations. He needs to be held accountable for his failures at @EPA. #BootPruitt pic.twitter.com/oybUQ6QCkl
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) April 26, 2018
WLOX – Former Viking Range Corp. pays over $2.5 million to MS after failure to comply with MDA
Thursday, the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor (OSA) reported the Viking Range Corporation has repaid over $2.5 million to the state of Mississippi after failing to produce and maintain 250 jobs for five years at the Greenwood facility.
According to reports, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) completed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Viking Range Corporation in 2005. That agreement granted Viking $3 million to assist in constructing a dishwater manufacturing facility; however, Viking would have to create and maintain 250 new jobs for five years and make a $10 million capital investment into the facility before May 1, 2008. The MOU was signed.
Hyde-Smith shares special moment with Cochran
What a blessing to have an opportunity to share time with @SenThadCochran today as he closes down his office. We both enjoyed playing his famous baby grand piano. pic.twitter.com/aJQfWVBkYA
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) April 25, 2018
SUNHERALD – Mississippi has the deadliest roads, least enforcement of distracted driving, report says
In contrast, three states that have the highest number of traffic deaths per 100,000 people — Mississippi (23.1), Alabama (21.3) and South Carolina (20.5) — also appear to have the most lax stance on distracted driving, the report says. None has a ban on handheld devices while driving, and Mississippi was also among the states with the least aggressive approach to enforcement of distracted driving laws.
Three of the top ten deadliest states — Louisiana, Wyoming, and Mississippi — have issued less than 100 tickets collectively since their bans were passed.
Mississippi also is one of the states that prohibit local jurisdictions from enacting their own distracted driving bans.
