2009 Legislature Takes Early Recess
The Mississippi Legislature convened on January 6, 2009 for what everyone expected would be a 90-day Regular Session ending April 4. However, by mid-March as budget deadlines approached, there was still no definitive word from applicable Federal agencies as to the amount and details of millions in stimulus dollars coming to Mississippi.
On March 20, the state's fiscal experts revised expected FY '09 revenues downward from prior projections another $222.5 million, which means total FY '09 (current year) revenues will be $301 million lower than expected. Further, expected revenues for FY '10 (which begins July 1, 2009) have been decreased by a staggering $402.7 million below previous estimates.
With state revenues dramatically decreasing, the Legislature took an early recess to the Regular Session, with the tentative plan now being to reconvene May 6 to finalize the FY 2010 budget after more clarification is available regarding the amounts and allowed uses of Federal stimulus monies. The state's gaping revenue shortfall will not be closed even with the expected injection of Federal stimulus dollars, and painful budget cuts for most state agencies appear inevitable for the next several budget years.
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.