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2011 Mississippi Legislative Preview
The Mississippi Legislature returned Jan. 4, and many legislators are not looking forward to the kind of cuts facing state departments. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is looking at a shortfall of more than $30 million this year, which could easily mean the closing of some mental-health institutions in the state, delivering more mental-health patients into county jails and state prisons.
Necessary Means?
Throughout public debate of the allegations that Mayor Frank Melton and associates demolished a Ridgeway home, Councilman Kenneth Stokes has applauded Melton's actions. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Stokes said: "We have to fight these dope boys by any means necessary. The mayor used a sledgehammer. I would have used a bulldozer."
Week Two: Budget Woes, Taxes, Photo ID
Legislators came face-to-face with rough times this week with Gov. Haley Barbour calling for $158.3 million in budget reductions for fiscal year 2009.
Batman v. Melton, et al?
Among all the possible violations of the law by Frank Melton that District Attorney Faye Peterson presented to the attorney general recently, the potential charge of filing a false arrest warrant against Albert "Batman" Donelson was the most serious. Why? Because it's a felony—and a felony conviction would get Melton removed from office.
Off To The Woods
Jackson Mayor Frank Melton is off to the woods of Jefferson Davis County with about 40 young men this week.
Supervisors Split on Tax Hike
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors heard department heads' budget requests June 13. What they got was a long list of numbers that the county likely will not be able to provide.
The Saga of the No-Budget-Bill
Although he isn't an official party in the Mississippi Legislature's budget negotiations, Gov. Haley Barbour is still wielding his influence. The regular session ended last week with House and Senate leaders still deadlocked on a hospital assessment and Medicaid funding, and some House Democrats blame the governor for ruing a near-agreement.
Can Melton Be Removed?
By taking a plea last week on three gun charges, Mayor Frank Melton ducked a felony conviction that would have forced him to give up his position as mayor, but a provision in the state's constitution indicates that even those misdemeanors might be sufficient to cost the mayor his job.
Week 12: Cigarettes and Overrides
Legislators continued to negotiate a compromise on a proposed cigarette-tax increase Monday, as a Mar. 25 deadline loomed.
CityBuzz [10.25.06]
Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Earl Watkins made the church circuit Oct. 22, touting the importance of the upcoming $150-million bond proposal on the Nov. 7 ballot to congregations in three different parts of Jackson. Watkins sounded off on the many critical repairs the school system needs, such as repairing leaky roofs and foundation problems, and reducing severe overcrowding in schools. The bond proposal seeks to fix and renovate some schools, as well as build new schools.
Coalition Pushes for Smoke-Free Venues
Smoke-free Jackson, an anti-smoking coalition, is on a mission to have smoking banned from all Jackson businesses, including restaurants and bars, to protect Jackson's workers. Jackson City Council President Leslie McLemore announced on Oct. 15 that he will be introducing a city ordinance banning smoking in all public places, similar to bans in neighboring Ridgeland.
Melton: Jail Bound?
It began with an interview. Last Thursday, Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin had more on his mind than re-election when he officially announced he would run for sheriff again. Following a barrage of political questions from the Jackson Free Press—the only media outlet that showed up for his announcement—the reporter asked if there was anything important he had neglected to ask.
Council Wants to Subpoena City 1099s
The question of city hireswho they are, especiallyhas come up again, pitting Council against Mayor Frank Melton's administration.
JPD Under Fire In Abortion Clash
Jackson police stood with full riot gear in Smith Park downtown on July 15, ready to take on protesters in the country's abortion battle. Both sides were poised for battle in the city with Mississippi's only remaining abortion clinic, months after the Legislature barely beat back an attempt to ban all abortions in the state of Mississippi.
'What's the Rush?'
The Jackson Public School Board began their search for a new superintendent after Earl Watkins announced April 7 that he would not renew his contract when it expires in June 2009. The board began their search almost immediately, though Watkins' end-date was more than a year off.
City's Murder Rate Soars
The latest ComStat reports (June and July) show 26 murders for this year versus 15 for the same period last year, an increase of 73.3 percent. In fact, murder now shows a greater increase over last year than any other category of crime. Carjackings and armed robberies have increased by around 50 percent, while aggravated assaults have increased by 23.7 percent. The only category that declined was rape, which has fallen 10.8 percent from last year.
BREAKING: Judge DeLaughter Arraigned in Bribery Scandal
JFP coverage of DeLaughter and Peters
Medicaid Shortfall Filled?
Mississippi's Medicaid shortfall is solved for the moment, according to a statement released today by Gov. Haley Barbour. Thanks to a refund of approximately $58.9 million from the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the state's Medicaid budget will be balanced for the 2009 fiscal year.
How Mississippi Voted
Pollsters predicated all along that Mississippi would not break its 32-year Republican voting streak on Election Day, but hours after the polls closed, pundits would not (or could not) accurately predict whether the Magnolia State would provide its six electoral votes to Republican John McCain or Democrat Barack Obama.
City Threatens Ridgeway Duplex Owner
City's letter to Jennifer Sutton (PDF)