YP – Speaker Gunn swears in two new House members
On Friday, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn swore in two new members, De’Keither Stamps, House District 66 and Lynn Wright, House District and 37.
Both Stamps and Wright were successful in securing their seats after the October 13, runoff election.
YP – Medicaid hearings begin at the capitol with tech bill on the docket for 2021 session
This week, House and Senate members participated in joint Medicaid hearings as they prepare to tackle the Medicaid Technical Amendments bill in the 2021 session.
Every few years, Mississippi’s Medicaid program comes back up for renewal and next session that will take place. Prior to passing legislation, leadership hears from those who have a stake in Medicaid, whether it be doctors, nurses, hospitals or citizens, on what changes might need to be made in order for the program to run more effectively.
On Monday and Tuesday, members spent roughly eight hours hearing from those involved.
MSDH COVID-19 reporting
Today MSDH is reporting 751 more cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, 10 deaths, and 127 ongoing outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The total of #covid19 cases for the year is now 110,006, with 3,171 deaths. Case details and prevention guidance at https://t.co/QP8mlJ41AN pic.twitter.com/jOsNAeGihk
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) October 17, 2020
YP – Wicker Opposes Calls to Pack Supreme Court
Court packing was last attempted by President Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s. The Supreme Court had struck down several laws that were part of Roosevelt’s New Deal. Unable to win on the merits of his proposals, he attempted to change the court. In 1937, he launched an effort to add up to six new justices.
Americans rallied against the plan, understanding that an independent judiciary was vital to our system of government. Even Roosevelt’s own Vice President, John Nance Garner, came out against it. The Democrat-led Senate defeated the proposal by a 70-20 vote.
Roosevelt would end up appointing eight Supreme Court justices – not because of court packing, but because he filled vacancies in a constitutional manner during his 12 years as President. Winning at the ballot box was the appropriate way to have an impact on the judiciary. The same lesson holds true today.
Hyde-Smith talks Yazoo backwater pumps
!!! The @VicksburgUSACE just released it’s plan recommending moving forward with the Yazoo Backwater Pumps! This is a huge milestone for the residents of the South Delta who've suffered far too long. I'll continue to work tirelessly on this & won't let up until we #FinishThePumps
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) October 16, 2020
YP – National Democrats buoy Espy over Hyde-Smith in 3rd quarter campaign fundraising
With help from the national Democratic machine, largely in the wake of the death of former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and utilizing the resources of out-of-state donors through ActBlue and other Democrat groups, Mike Espy raised more than $4 million this reporting period leaving his campaign with just over $3 million cash on hand.
Such a haul by a Democrat candidate in Mississippi is unheard of in recent memory. However, most analysts agree it is unlikely to result in success at the ballot box in conservative Mississippi.
In contract to Espy, Republican incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith brought in over $800,000 this period and maintains nearly $1.5 million cash on hand.
WLOX – A conversation with Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R)
Mississippians will elect a senator this November 3rd. On the ballot, incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith faces Democrat Mike Espy, a man who served as a congressman and as Agriculture Secretary. This week we hear from both candidates.
WLOX – A conversation with Senate candidate Mike Espy (D)
Mississippians will elect a senator this November 3rd. On the ballot, incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith faces Democrat Mike Espy, a man who served as a congressman and as Agriculture Secretary. This week we hear from both candidates.
WJTV – WJTV 12 News hosts one-on-one with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
NEW MSGOP chairman joins Twitter
The Mississippi Republican Party has an incredible new Chairman. He’s a longtime fixture in conservative politics, but he’s new to Twitter! Give him a follow at @BordeauxFrank to stay up to date with everything going on at the Republican Party!
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) October 17, 2020
Magnolia Tribune
