MHA's Legislative Liaison

Redefining legislative districts could mark major political power shift

Fair representation in race and numbers have historically ignited fights over reconfiguring Mississippi's district lines.  Redistricting takes place every ten years in Mississippi, and is based on Census numbers.  This year, redistricting is centered around party control of the Legislature.The new district lines are sure to be a factor in upcoming political debate.

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Democrats Respond to State of the State Address

Democratic leaders sent the following news release in response to Governor Haley Barbour's State of the State Address.

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Governor Barbour Delivers Final State of the State Address

Governor Haley Barbour recently delivered his final State of the State speech. The address was a mixture of reflection on his term and potential national political posturing.  His discussion on the Medicaid program included comments on a projected $40-$50 million surplus this fiscal year.  Governor Barbour stated that he believes the surplus isprobably due to "less utilization" that projected. He mentioned using the surplus to fund 7,800 additional slots for home-and community-based care.

Click here to view the full address. 

Governor Announces Special Election for Senate District 12 Seat

Governor Haley Barbour recently announced a special election for an open seat in Mississippi Senate District 12.  The election will take place on March 1, 2011.  The vacancy was created on Jan. 3, 2011, when Johnnie E. Walls, Jr. resigned after he was elected as a Circuit Judge for Mississippi's 11th District.

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King may run for transportation position

After almost 20 years in the state Legislature, Senator Tom King, R-Petal, said he will not seek another Senate term this fall. He is expected to announce his candidacy for the Southern District Transportation Commissioner.

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Mississippi State House District 116 to Hold Special Election Soon

A special election will be held in Mississippi for State House of Representatives District 116 on Tuesday, January 11, 2011.  This election is to fill the seat vacated by Congressman elect Steven Palazzo, who was elected to the United States House of Representatives this past November.

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Statewide smoking ban possible in '11 session

The budget will likely be the biggest hurdle for lawmakers during the 2011 legislative session but they also will have several other issues, including a statewide smoking ban, to discuss.  For the first time, some form of a statewide smoking ban could move forward- partly due to a multimillion-dollar initiative that's gaining support across the state.

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'Lame duck' year for Barbour

Governor Barbour is entering a lame-duck year, but his colleagues in the Legislature don't expect much change from him.

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3 Mississippi Democrats switch to GOP

Three elected Democrats in Mississippi recently announced they will switch to the Republican Party.

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One lawmaker's view of 2011 legislative session

Senator David Baria provided WLOX 13 with an overview of priorities for the 2011 Mississippi legislative session. He described the budget as the main concern this year. He also discussed redistricting and insurance reform as high legislative priorities.

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