Ellington

Mississippi lawmakers will convene today at 11 a.m. for the beginning of the 2009 regular session. On a celebratory note, legislators have agreed to open the session at the Old Capitol building, the seat of Mississippi's state government from 1839 to 1903. The building closed for renovations and repair in 2005 after suffering damage from Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, the Legislature approved the $14.2 million needed for repairs, including replacement of the building's copper roof.

Despite its festive beginning, the session will likely be a painful one for lawmakers. Gov. Haley Barbour has already slashed nearly $42 million from the state budget and has recommended further spending cuts. Lawmakers will likely try to address revenue shortfalls quickly, and few expect the session to run past its scheduled end date of Apr. 4.

For the legislature's opening session, limited seating for the public will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A free grand opening ceremony on Feb. 7 will mark the building's official opening to the public.

JFP reporter Adam Lynch got a sneak peek at the Old Capitol. Click here for a gallery of Kip Caven's photos from the visit.

Previous Comments

ID

142681

Comment

Glad I don't have to be anywhere at 11:00 a.m. They'll need a boat.

Author

Jennifer2

Date

2009-01-06T10:55:53-06:00