Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Republican speaker of the Mississippi House is keeping the same leaders for most of the top committees this four-year term.

Speaker Philip Gunn announced committee members and chairmen Friday.

Republicans remain in charge of money committees — Herb Frierson of Poplarville on Appropriations and Jeff Smith of Columbus on Ways and Means.

John Moore remains Education chairman, and Mark Baker remains head of Judiciary A. They are Brandon Republicans.

The GOP's Sam Mims of McComb remains chairman of Public Health, and Republican Charles Busby of Pascagoula is the new Transportation chairman.

Two Democrats will lead committees, down from six during Gunn's first term as speaker.

Democrat Angela Cockerham of Magnolia remains Energy chairwoman, and Democrat Deborah Butler Dixon of Raymond is the new head of Youth and Family Affairs.