Analysis: Legislative leaders earn marks, from A+ to D-
The 2014 legislative session is in the books now. Lawmakers left Jackson late Wednesday night after balancing the budget and filling the state’s rainy day savings account, overhauling criminal justice policy, approving a pay raise for teachers and some lower paid state employees, passing a ban on abortions after 20 weeks and adding more troopers to the roads.
They also argued over, and eventually passed, a bevy of conservative social-issue type measures, including a controversial “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” and a passel of gun-rights laws, including a September sales tax holiday weekend for buying guns and ammo.
There were notable political battles as usual, but oddly, these were more often between the Republican leadership than partisan.
The top five state/legislative leaders each claimed some victories, some losses and some toss-ups.
Clarion Ledger
4/5/14
Magnolia Tribune
