WTOK – House passes bill to protect child sex trafficking victims
The Mississippi House is advancing a bill designed to protect children who are victims of sex trafficking.
House Bill 571 would prevent charges from being filed against trafficking victims who are younger than 18. The minor would be taken into protective custody and counseling would be provided. Foster parents would be trained to help trafficking victims.
The bill passed the House without opposition Tuesday and was held for the possibility of more debate. It also must pass the Senate before it can go to Gov. Phil Bryant.
WTOK – Permission for power cooperatives to offer internet advances
A measure to allow Mississippi electric cooperatives to offer high-speed internet is taking another step forward.
The Senate Energy Committee approved House Bill 366 Tuesday, sending it to the full Senate for more debate. It passed the House last week.
The measure would let Mississippi’s 25 electric cooperatives form subsidiaries to offer broadband internet service. They’re currently banned from doing so.
Sen. Hyde-Smith meets with Murkowski on Energy
Glad to meet w/ @SenHydeSmith to welcome her to the @EnergyGOP Committee, which she has joined in this new Congress. We discussed a range of energy, resources, & conservation issues and ways we can work together to advance good policies that benefit all Americans. #WomenInEnergy pic.twitter.com/iqeacvJuHK
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) January 22, 2019
CLARION LEDGER – #MSLeg: Lawmakers pushes to replace some state tests with ACT
Rep. Tom Miles, D-Forest, grew emotional as Beaman described the obstacles her students face and the pressures that have led her to consider leaving the teaching field.
As lawmakers gear up to debate education policy, Miles is pushing for a proposal that provides students who achieve passing scores on coursework could graduate.
Miles says he’s backing the change in response to an outcry from educators and parents that say the state’s four subject area tests play too much of a role in whether students graduate.
Mississippi Trump 2016 leaders announce support of Reeves for Governor
Honored to receive the support of @realdonaldtrump 2016 Mississippi statewide leaders. Mississippi needs leaders who will stand with President Trump and work to strengthen our state. pic.twitter.com/3OCSZgxW40
— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) January 22, 2019
WLOX – Governor candidate Robert Foster speaks at Gulfport luncheon
State Representative and gubernatorial candidate Robert Foster made an appearance in Gulfport to share his platform Tuesday.
Foster addressed an audience at the Great Southern Club during a luncheon.
The DeSoto County native shared his stance on hot-button issues including education, tax reform and plans for Medicare expansion.
Speaker Gunn supports school choice at Capitol rally
We think parents need a variety of options to choose what works best for their child’s education. https://t.co/mUP7uaQM8B
— Philip Gunn (@PhilipGunnMS) January 22, 2019
WLOX – Mississippi Transportation Commission announces funding for 163 Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Fund projects
The Mississippi Transportation Commission on Tuesday announced funding for 163 Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Fund (ERBRF) projects.
Totaling $250 million, the approved projects will repair or replace 200 bridges severely restricting mobility, including 99 that are currently closed and another 91 that have posted weight restrictions.
City and county governments received $213 million for projects on local roads. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) received $37 million for projects on the state highway network.
Sen. Wicker reflects on Roe v. Wade
In this week’s #WickerReport, I reflect on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and my efforts to bring a permanent end to taxpayer funding for abortion. #ProLife https://t.co/B7tAAB9EjS
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) January 22, 2019
WAPT – Pro-life, pro-choice supporters come face to face during Jackson rally
NEWSMS – Governor’s Workforce Summit pairs businesses with resources
Governor Phil Bryant is hosting a Workforce Summit where more than 600 Mississippi businesses will participate and find out how the state can best help them grow. Dr. Laurie Smith, Executive Director of the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) said the event will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on January 23, 2019, at the Jackson Marriott.
“The Governor’s Workforce Summit is going to be primarily for human resource directors and companies to let them know what resources are available to them, to go out and find an employee and how they can do it at no, or very little cost,” said Governor Phil Bryant.