2010 Regular Session Underway in Jackson
The Mississippi Legislature convened at the Capitol in Jackson at high noon on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 to begin perhaps the most challenging session any serving member can remember. FY 2010 revenues are now expected to come in as much as $400 million below expectations, and dismal revenue projections for the upcoming FY 2011 and FY 2012 are for shortfalls of at least $750 million and $1.2 billion, respectively.
Proclaiming that the Magnolia State's leaders cannot afford to adopt a "business as usual" attitude in the face of the current fiscal crisis, Governor Haley Barbour has presented an executive budget recommendation for FY 2011 which includes far-reaching (and controversial) policy proposals. Although far less specific than the governor as to particular policy details, the joint legislative budget committee has also offered for consideration a very austere draft budget for FY 2011 which would impose deep and painful cuts on most state agencies, including education, mental health, and other high priority areas. At the very least, the executive and legislative branches appear to agree that the sheer magnitude of the revenue shortfall demands dramatic and immediate attention by budget planners.
The 2010 Regular Session is scheduled to last 90 days, with sine die adjournment set for Saturday, April 3, 2010. Between now and then, significant decisions will be made at the Capitol which will shape state government for years to come.
Rep. Greg Snowden (R - Meridian) is serving his third term representing the citizens of Lauderdale and Clarke counties. Representative Snowden was invited by the state's foremost daily newspaper, The Clarion-Ledger, to participate with one other Representative and two Senators in making regular blog postings during the Legislative Session. These blogs have been deemed a success, and will continue throughout the year. You are cordially welcomed to visit and participate in Rep. Snowden's blog. As always, should you need to contact Rep. Snowden directly, you may reach him by calling his cell telephone at 601-527-5350 or by e-mailing him at greg@gregsnowden.com
Representative Snowden serves on the following House committees for 2008-2011: Rules, Judiciary A, Public Health and Welfare, Municipalities, Constitution, and State Library, as well as Parliamentarian of the Mississippi House Republican Conference. During his first two terms of service in the House, Rep. Snowden has been recognized as "Legislator of the Year" by the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association, and by the Mississippi Association of Realtors, and was the 2004 recipient of "The Spirit of the Coalition Award" bestowed by the Mississippi Legislative Conservative Coalition. Snowden also was recognized as Mississippi's 2005 Eagle Award recipient, awarded by The Eagle Forum. Click here to read more about Greg's background, family, education, and career.