Usually in these commentaries, I tell you about ideas or perspectives dealing with public policy. Recently, I've been talking about ideas for rebuilding Mississippi after the hurricane. But this week, I want to tell you who we are.
Last week, we learned that FEMA officials predicted rioting along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the early days after the hurricane. They thought our folks would react violently to the lack of needed supplies. (more…)
As the federal and state governments consider how much money to appropriate for helping to rebuild the Coast, other options for financing should be explored.
Several states and many foreign countries allow private sector investors and developers to build and own public infrastructure. In Europe, many highways are privately financed and operated, and are supported either by tolls or by long-term leases with the government.� Airports, water systems, and many public school facilities are built, owned and maintained by private developers.
With the significant priority we should be giving to rebuilding the areas affected by the hurricane, our state leaders should evaluate the inventory of assets owned by the state and sell those assets that are not producing the results they were intended to produce.
Governor Barbour and our congressional delegation in Washington are asking the federal government to give south Mississippi priority in the federal budget. Conservative organizations around the country have agreed with that plea and have put pressure on Congress to do just that - but only that.
As the Coast rebuilds, there is an excellent opportunity for new schools to be created with special emphases.
Congress is working on legislation to create a Gulf Opportunity Zone, or GO Zone, and our state legislature should create one as well.
This year, many people in our state have fewer tangible things to be thankful for, but countless people have said they have a new appreciation for the things they do still have, especially those intangible things that are truly most important.
Have you ever heard of a public school being built at no cost to the taxpayers? That�s exactly what happened in our nation�s capital, in a deal that may have some merit in Mississippi school districts affected by Hurricane Katrina.