Last week, a Texas official told some state legislators about his performance reviews of Texas government. A performance review evaluates government agencies and programs, with the goal of saving money, increasing efficiency, and improving service. They often identify services that are better performed by the private sector. In Texas, billions of dollars have been saved over the past decade as a result of these reviews. (more…)
Annexation is a hot topic in some parts of the state - hot not only because it's current but because it often stirs the deepest emotions of the people who are involved. As many in our state know all too well, the people who live in areas proposed for annexation do not get the opportunity to vote on the matter. Even their elected representatives in county government are prevented from voting in their behalf. This is patently un-American.
Strange things have been happening at the Capitol this year. Party labels have been thrown out the window, and those with strong ideological leanings have been leaning the other way.
What is the proper role of government in the process of rebuilding south Mississippi? Our organization has suggested, along with the governor and others, that private investment is the key to recovery. So what can the government do to attract private investment?
Now that Congress has appropriated money to help rebuild south Mississippi, it would be easy for those of us who live north of the areas most affected by the storm to think that nothing else is needed. That's always the problem with government programs; they lull people into thinking any problem is solved if the government is spending money on it. (more…)
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…)
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.
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.