After Valentine's Day: Should She Break Up With Gov?
Federal government portrayed as overbearing boyfriend in award-winning series
Watch the Trailer for Love Gov
In this five-part series of videos lasting 4-to-6-minutes each, Scott 'Gov' Govinsky foists his 'good intentions' on a hapless, idealistic college student, Alexis. Produced by The Independent Institute, this web series, "follows Alexis's relationship with Gov as his intrusions wreak (comic) havoc on her life, professionally, financially, and socially. Alexis's loyal friend Libby tries to help her see Gov for what he really is - a menace."
Episodes include An Education in Debt; Protection from Jobs; A Remedy for Healthcare Choices; House Poor; and Keeping a Close Eye on Privacy.
Sunset of state rules worked in NC, can work in Mississippi, too
Regulatory reform is cutting red tape in North Carolina and it can work in Mississippi, too. So says Joe Sanders of the John Locke Foundation in a recent Clarion Ledger column.
A recent measure in the Mississippi legislature (HB1265), which would repeal state agency rules that aren't reviewed and reissued every five years, was approved by a House committee but died last week on the House floor without being brought up. Sanders says this should be on the agenda for the future. Only three years after North Carolina passes a similar law, "About one-eighth (12 percent) of the rules reviewed so far are being removed. Over one-fourth of rules have to undergo further scrutiny through the rule adoption process, meaning more could be repealed."
A recent measure (HB1265) to create "sunset provisions with periodic review to all state rules" died in the House last week. In the future, this reform "would be a good thing for the Mississippi's economy, her businesses big and small, and her people."
Award for repealing "archaic" tax
Reeves, Gunn recognized by Tax Foundation
By passing a phase-out of Mississippi's franchise tax, Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn this month received the 2016 Outstanding Achievement in State Tax Reform by the Tax Foundation.
From the release: "Each year, the Tax Foundation honors state legislators, governors, and other individuals with our Outstanding Achievement in State Tax Reform award...the honoree's accomplishments must (1) be outstanding, (2) be an achievement (not merely a proposal) during 2016, and (3) reform taxes to make them simpler, more neutral, more transparent, more stable, and more pro-growth." Reeves and Gunn "led the effort to begin phasing out the state's archaic franchise tax, a tax on investment and capital formation in a state that needs more of both. Beginning in 2018, the tax rate will drop in phases until complete repeal in 2028. The legislation also reduces the tax rate on low levels of income. Reeves and Gunn have also explored further tax reform options."
MCPP's Forest Thigpen and MJI's Mike Hurst share updates on Supertalk
Mississippi Center for Public Policy President Forest Thigpen and the Mississippi Justice Institute Director Mike Hurst
went on air to talk with Supertalk Mississippi hosts about the legislative session and issues important to you.
Forest Thigpen gave a legislative update and discussed the need to reform Mississippi's high school graduation history standards. Listen to his segment on the JT Show here (begins at 7:45 mark).
Mike Hurst talks to Paul Gallo about President Donald Trump's executive orders and religious freedom in Mississippi. Listen here (begins at 38:35 mark).
Hurst also joined the JT Show to discuss Neil Gorsuch's Supreme Court nomination. Listen here (begins at 6:27 mark).
Thumbs up or down the standards & provide comments
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is seeking feedback on revisions to the College and Career-Ready Standards for Science. MDE has created a feedback forum.
The forum is open through February 24, 2017.
You can select the grade level and review various performance objectives. You'll have the opportunity to agree (thumbs up) or disagree (thumbs down). If you disagree you'll be able to provide feedback. If you believe the Standard should be rewritten you'll be given the opportunity to suggest a change.