The legislature has been in special session this week, and some of the thirty-or-so items on the agenda would be controversial under normal circumstances. But, as we all know, these are not normal circumstances. (more…)
With so much devastation on the Gulf Coast, it�s difficult to imagine how the homes and businesses - and lives - can be rebuilt. And while we, especially in the church, need to be sensitive to the needs of individuals, we also need to look for ways to ensure that when the Coast communities are rebuilt, the essentials of a strong community are accommodated and even promoted. (more…)
On September 30, 2005, MCPP President Forest Thigpen delivered a keynote speech at the State Policy Network (SPN) Annual Meeting. SPN is the professional service organization for America's state-based free-market think tanks. MCPP is a member of SPN. This speech describes Mississippians' response to Hurricane Katrina and offers hope for rebuilding the Coast the right way.
Natural disasters bring out the best and the worst in people, and Hurricane Katrina is no exception. The church has risen to the occasion so far, responding immediately and with great strength to provide food, water, clothing, and other products to people who needed it where they needed it. (more…)
For the first time in Mississippi history (as far as we know), the state legislature adjourned its regular session without approving a budget for the next fiscal year.
There are many reasons this occurred. Most people will say that it was because of political grandstanding. (more…)
Mississippi has so far escaped lawsuits over public school financing. Suits in other states have focused on whether school funding was [quote] "adequate." Setting aside for a moment whether it�s appropriate for a court to decide this rather than a legislature, one problem with these suits is that adequacy is an entirely subjective standard. (more…)
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and some people say we should expand these programs that pay for health care, even to the point of being like Canada, where the government pays for everything. (more…)
School district consolidation is a hot topic among some budget-conscious leaders in Jackson, and Bolivar County is the most-often-used poster child in those discussions. With six districts within its borders, Bolivar County has more districts than any other county in the state.
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"State Spending Outpaces Family Income"
Family income in Mississippi has doubled over the past 20 years, with median family income growing from about $23,000 to about $46,000 per year. (more…)