BOBBY HARRISON: Leaders have opportunity to welcome MAEP discussion
The 2017 session will begin with much less public debate on the issue than occurred in 1997 when MAEP was passed or in 2005 when the study committee re-examined MAEP. But legislative leaders can make up for that lack of public hearings by having full and thorough debate in the legislative process before attempting to pass any changes.
And legislative leaders should remember that in 1997 there was no legislative rule mandating conference committees should be open to the public. A few years later the Legislature did pass rules mandating open conference committees, though in recent years legislators have seldom adhered to the mandate.
Hopefully they will follow their rules if they decide to rewrite MAEP during the 2017 session.
Daily Journal
12/14/16
Magnolia Tribune
