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Governor Bryant Issues Statement on Health Care Exchange "My office has not been officially informed by the Department of Health and Human Services of a decision. However, I have said repeatedly that the health insurance exchanges mandated by ObamaCare are not free-market exchanges. Instead, they are a portal to a massive and unaffordable new federal entitlement program. They trigger new taxes on businesses and will ultimately drive more people onto Medicaid rolls. I firmly maintain my position that Mississippi will not willfully implement a mechanism that will compromise our state's financial stability. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services' refusal to approve Utah's plan for an exchange proves that the federal government has no intention of allowing states to tailor exchanges to their own unique needs. Make no mistake, the federal government will control all exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act." ### Mick Bullock Communications Director/Press Secretary Office of Governor Phil Bryant

Rejected – Chaney feels “betrayed” after Feds reject proposed Mississippi health exchange Federal officials have rejected Mississippi’s proposal to create a state-run insurance exchange, Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said Thursday. “I am sorely disappointed in the denial of federal approval,” Chaney said during a news conference. An exchange is an online marketplace where people can…

Week of February 4, 2013 During the first part of the week, House members were devoted to addressing bills in committee in anticipation of Tuesday’s 8 p.m. deadline to move all general bills and constitutional amendments out of committee and onto the House Calendar. Bills not reported out of committee by that deadline are dead…

I agree that parents should have the opportunity to choose what school is best for their children. I call on my legislator to support passing a strong charter schools law in Mississippi. http://www.be4miss.com/petition/

Perry – Mayors want sales tax power Many mayors and local officials support legislation to allow municipalities increase sales tax within its city limits, earmarked for specific purposes when 60 percent of voters approve. Rep.Jeff Smith (R-Columbus) introduced “The Citizens for Economic Development Act” in the House (HB523) and Sen. Kelvin Butler (D-McComb) introduced it…

This morning, the Auditor’s office delivered the attached letter to members of the state legislature and other elected officials regarding the MAEP FY 2014 final estimate and related recommendations. By law, each year the Office of the State Auditor is required to review and verify the accuracy of the MAEP estimate that is submitted by…

Ole Miss the talk of the sports world Alabama. Ohio State. Michigan. Florida. Notre Dame. Mississippi? Ole Miss muscled in on the powerhouses that usually dominate national signing day, landing some of the most sought-after prospects in the country on college football’s annual first-Wednesday-in-February frenzy. The Rebels, coming off a promising 7-6 season in their…

Sierra Club opposes Kemper Power plant legislation The Sierra Club’s attorney says bills Mississippi Power wants to push through the Legislature take away the Public Service Commission’s power to regulate some costs passed to ratepayers to fund the controversial multi-billion dollar Kemper County power plant. Senate Bill 2755 has been touted by the power company…

Jackson Jambalaya – Desoto Legislators acting like cry-babies The “Community Editor” for the Desoto Times published an article reporting several Desoto legislators complain Jackson hates Desoto County: “JACKSON — Legislation coming out of the State Capitol in Jackson is squarely aimed at undermining the state’s fastest growing and academically high achieving school system as punishment…

PSC bill clarifies law, doesn’t strip power — supporters says Sen. Perry Lee, R-Mendenhall, said legislation the Senate passed Wednesday does not strip away the power of the three-member Public Service Commission to regulate rural water associations, but “just clarifies” existing law. The bill, which passed the Republican-led Senate 33-16 primarily along party lines, has…