Blog

*Note: This page will be continuously updated as votes are taken and posted. By clicking on the bill number, you can view the full text of the bill, current status, and vote totals. Vote totals are preliminary and may differ from the final totals. To view the vote by party, copy and paste the names from the vote totals pdf here. You can view upcoming votes, along with my explanation, on my House Calendar page here.

 

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

• HB 722: The House reconsidered an amended version of this bill, which diverts a portion of state use tax collections back to cities and counties to help finance road repair. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 405: This bill expands the size, scope, and role of state government by creating a new program to distribute more tax dollars to individuals at state universities at a cost of $7 Million. There is already a large amount of tax dollars available for higher education from local, state, and federal sources. This program will grow the size of state government, requiring more from taxpayers. I voted No, the measure passed 111-2.

 

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

 

• SCR 549: This is a ceremonial resolution. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 325: The House considered this bill which, as amended, provides protections to make it easier for individuals to get their driver’s licenses back after their car insurance has lapsed. I voted Yes, the measure passed 94-12.

 

 

Thursday, January 25, 2018

 

• HB 320: This bill gives the legislature additional authority to send EEF funds directly to educational purposes. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 322: This bill gives the legislature more flexibility to appropriate tax dollars by removing the requirement that money in the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund must come from the state’s General Fund. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 593: This bill reduces the size of government by dissolving a development district and transferring its responsibilities to the Department of Finance and Administration. I voted Yes, the measure passed 112-0.

 

• HB 789: This bill allows the Worker’s Compensation Commission to operate as a special fund agency instead of a general fund agency. This means they will operate out of fees generated by the agency instead of from general state tax collections. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 896: This bill extends a section of law which mandates that the state pays health insurance costs for state and school employees. This doesn’t allow for employee contributions and will require more tax dollars be spent down the road. I voted No, the measure passed 117-1. 

 

• HB 897: This bill takes a portion of money currently collected on traffic tickets and sends these to special funds. Sending all of this money to the general fund ensures that there’s no incentive to ticket besides public safety. I voted No, the measure passed 114-2.

 

• HB 1059: This bill allows the Department of Finance and Administration to charge state agencies for certain services. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 1492: This bill grows the size of government by allowing the Department of Revenue to hire more officers to help collect taxes. I voted No, the measure passed 109-7.

 

• HB 878, 881, 885: The House considered these bills in a block. They merely reenact current laws related to tax credits. The state should seek to decrease tax burdens whenever possible. I voted Yes, the measures passed 119-0.

 

• HB 559: This bill allows the state government to lease out state-owned property for development of a hospital. Whenever possible the state should seek to transfer unused property to productive private uses. A motion was made to postpone debate on this bill. I voted No, the motion failed 47-67. I voted Yes, the measure passed 74-39.

 

• HB 700: This bill gives Delta State University the authority to transfer property to Coahoma Community College, where it can be used more effectively. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

Friday, January 26, 2018

 

• HCRs 43, 44, 45, 46: The House considered these ceremonial resolutions in a block. I voted Yes, the block passed 117-0.

 

• SCRs 529, 530, 532, 533, 541: The House considered these ceremonial resolutions in a block. I voted Yes, the block passed 117-0.

 

• HB 1234: This bill brings forwards several code sections related to the budgeting process. It amends the way that some money is distributed for educational purposes but doesn’t appropriate any new funds. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

 

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