Jackson Free Press

We are past the halfway mark of the session. The appropriation process has started with each house voting on their perspective budgets for the agencies they were assigned. (Each house divides the budget in half, makes amendments and then go to conference in late March.) We also passed a $350 million bond issue for the electric companies and a $250 million bond issue for uninsured residents rebuilding on the Gulf Coast. But don't limit yourself to these topics for discussion.

Previous Commentsshow

"i heart to laugh for no reason. no joke." Proving that laughter really is contagious, this article made me laugh out loud. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/health/20050927-9999-lz1c27yoga.html

Kat

Feb 19 2006

So, Representative Fleming, I understand you are about to join the National Rifle Association?

Rex

Feb 22 2006

Yes, I talked with Tara Riley-Micah last night at dinner and she said please join. I had reservations about joining during a campaign but she and others have said that it will not viewed negatively on their part. Tara has been very kind to me, when she has had the time, to help me understand the association's position on issues. That speaks volumes about the personnel in the association and makes me feel comfortable about joining.

Rep. Erik Fleming

Feb 23 2006

I'm sorry, I was just waiting for some kind of comment from someone. I thought that surely Tom or Ray if not Donna would come out and complain about this. Guess we’re all going to ignore it.

Rex

Feb 24 2006

You don't have to wait on anyone if you have a concern.

Rep. Erik Fleming

Feb 24 2006

Rep. Fleming, I have a question for you: What do you think the creatives of MS can do to help those in the public school system? I visit the JPS quite a bit and they are still in need of creative outlets such as art classes and the like. I have asked the principals of Peeples Middle School and Pecan Park Elementary about adoption programs for classes. What suggestions or ideas for assistance do you have? Thanking you in advance for your response.

c a webb

Feb 24 2006

c a: I think you are on the right track. The state agency, the Mississippi Arts Commission, is suppose to be spearheading efforts to get into more classrooms. They had an excellent liasion to the schools, but she left, so I don't know who the new person is. Outside of that connection, I think artists should figure out ways of offering their assistance. One model is how the realtors and bankers teach financial literacy to Mississppi public school students. They get approved to enter the schools by that district and then teach the classes to those interested on their dime. The schools pay nothing and the students get academic credit for taking the class. (Yes, that was a bill I introduced and got passed) Hope that was helpful.

Rep. Erik Fleming

Feb 25 2006