Gov. Phil Bryant will speak today at the Department of Public Safety Fallen Officer Memorial which is held at MDPS headquarters in Jackson. This honors DPS officers who have fallen in the line of duty; Bryant will also lay a wreath in honor of those fallen officers.

Here are three stories that are driving the day in Mississippi:

1. WLBT: Christensen appointed to head development authority

As business leaders from across the state gathered in downtown Jackson, governor Phil Bryant introduced them to a man whom they may want to get to know. His name is Brent Christensen and he’s the new executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. It’s an appointment Bryant says is the most important one he’ll make.

“There were times during the recruitment effort that I can assure you, I thought we had failed,” said Bryant.

However, a four month search turned up Christensen who spent the last ten years as president and CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce in Gainesville, Florida. Before that, he began his career at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg.

Christensen says he’s ready to get to work creating jobs in the state while getting a deeper understanding of the state’s economy.

See also: Gov. Bryant names new MDA Executive Director

2. Hattiesburg American: Reeves speaks at PRCC graduation

Commencement speaker Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves focused his address as much on quality as quantity during the commencement ceremony at the Multi Purpose Center.

“Today you will graduate from one of the best community colleges in Mississippi. In fact, Pearl River Community College has been named one of the top community colleges in the nation,” said Reeves, referring to PRCC’s recent distinction as a national finalist for the 2013 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

While he commended the students who were graduating, he also stressed the importance of continuing to increase their number to improve the state’s economic forecast.

“Today you’ll walk across this stage and celebrate your achievements with your families. It is well deserved,” said Reeves to the graduating class. “But when you start your new life in a new job or on a university campus, do not forget your responsibility to your community.”

3. Clarion-Ledger: Health initiatives puts Miss. on ‘good lists’

For the last six years, Mississippi has been named the most obese state, prompting former Gov. Haley Barbour and current Gov. Phil Bryant to put special emphasis on exercise and nutrition.

Under Barbour, the state instituted a push aimed at getting people to walk and watch their diet. And earlier this year Bryant announced a 5K run to promote exercise. The event is planned for June 30.

“Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is an excellent way to improve your quality of life,” Bryant states on his website. “As Governor, I want to do all I can to set a positive example for Mississippians.”

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Gov. Phil Bryant Signs Legislation To Enhance Mississippi’s Business Climate
Press release from Gov. Phil Bryant

Gov. Phil Bryant today signed into law four components of his Mississippi Works agenda, including the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act (House Bill 1537) and his dual enrollment-dual credit measure to transition high school dropouts into the state’s workforce (Senate Bill 2792). Bryant also signed into law measures to bring balance to Mississippi’s worker compensation program (Senate Bill 2576) and provide inventory tax relief to Mississippi businesses (Senate Bill 2934).

“Today is a great day for Mississippi and our ongoing effort to make this the most job-friendly state in the nation,” Gov. Bryant said. “The cooperation of private sector leaders and Mississippi’s elected officials is producing great opportunities for this state, including the legislation signed today.”

Bryant signed the Health Care Industry Zone Act, a major component of his Mississippi Works agenda. The measure is designed to spur the development of health care jobs and expand access to health care in Mississippi.

“The signing of this bill creates an unprecedented opportunity in Mississippi for health care innovation and expansion. Not only will we grow this industry of necessity, we will increase Mississippi’s prominence as a place to come for outstanding medical care.”

The Health Care Industry Zone Act authorizes the establishment of “health care zones” throughout the state where significant acute-care facilities exist. Health care businesses like laboratory testing facilities, medical supply distributors and biotechnology research facilities that either make an investment of at least $10 million or create a minimum of 25 full time, permanent jobs within the health care zone are eligible for certain tax incentives.

Bryant also signed Senate Bill 2792, his Mississippi Works dual enrollment-dual credit measure.

Workforce development is a priority for the governor, and this bill aims to transition potential and recent high school dropouts into workforce training programs, giving them the opportunity to complete their high school education while earning a work skill certification.

Bryant says the measure is an important investment in Mississippi’s economic future.

“I have said many times, when I travel this state and meet with companies to learn what makes a business want to locate here, I hear again and again about the quality of Mississippi’s workforce. I want to make sure every child has the opportunity to be a part of that workforce, and this legislation will ensure that our most vulnerable students have another chance to succeed.”

Bryant additionally signed Senate Bill 2934, a bill that creates relief for Mississippi businesses that pay inventory tax

“An essential factor in creating a climate ripe for job creation is eliminating unnecessary taxes and regulations,” Bryant said. “For years, we have worked to revise Mississippi’s outdated inventory tax system, and today I am signing a law that provides relief to the state’s job creators.”

Under the new law, businesses that pay inventory tax are eligible for tax credits against their state income tax liability. The income tax credits serve to help offset what a company pays in inventory tax.

Bryant also signed Senate Bill 2576, a measure that revises Mississippi’s worker compensation regulations. Bryant says the measure makes important restorations to a fair and impartial worker compensation system.

The bill provides that the worker compensation system does not favor an employer over an employee or vice versa. It also establishes guidelines for drug and alcohol testing in the case of a workplace injury and clarifies attorney payments.

Bryant earlier in the legislative session signed two other bills that are part of his Mississippi Works agenda.

Senate Bill 2604 aims to reduce instances of unemployment fraud and creates a training program to help certain unemployed Mississippians learn entrepreneurial skills.

Bryant has also signed into law the Mississippi Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act (Senate Bill 2398). A cornerstone of Bryant’s Mississippi Works agenda, the bill allows small businesses to help review state business regulations and develop rules that are not overly burdensome to small employers.

Lt. Gov. Reeves Addresses PRCC Graduates

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday morning addressed more than 500 graduates of Pearl River Community College. His speech emphasized the progress Mississippi has seen and encouraged graduates to volunteer in their communities.

Mississippi has taken a team approach to economic development through state and local governments working together to attract new businesses. The same teamwork is needed to raise the education attainment level in the state.

“You can volunteer or become a mentor in your town and encourage young Mississippians to pursue an education,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “Many of you serve as strong examples of the importance of learning.”

With more Mississippians holding a community college or university degree, the state can attract more higher-paying, highly skilled jobs.

“All of us have a responsibility to raise the level of education in our state, and we must work as a team to get there,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said.

Republican Leaders Speak Out Against Comments From North Carolina Governor

Last week, North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue (D) made disparaging remarks about Mississippi after 61 percent of voters in her home state approve a ban on gay marriage that she opposed.

This drew a sharp rebuke from Republican leaders in Mississippi.

Gov. Phil Bryant said: “I am certainly disappointed by Gov. Perdue’s statement regarding North Carolina’s ‘looking like Mississippi.’ Apparently, North Carolina’s voters are much more in line with Mississippi’s traditional values on marriage than those of Gov. Perdue.”

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said: “Governor Perdue should know that her administration has a lot of work to do to make her state’s business climate ‘look like Mississippi.’ We are creating an environment which encourages the private sector to invest capital in Mississippi, and I would invite any North Carolina-based company wanting to move to a lower-taxed, less-regulated state to look at our business-friendly opportunities.

“In fact, the Tax Foundation ranks Mississippi as the 17th best in the country in its latest State Business Tax Climate Index, while Governor Perdue’s policies have dropped her state among the six worst in America. The business-friendly policies enacted in Mississippi have reduced our unemployment rate to 9 percent, according to the latest numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, Governor Perdue’s home state’s unemployment rate remained significantly higher than Mississippi’s at nearly 10 percent.”

Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef said: “Thirty-two states have voted on the issue of defining marriage. Thirty-two states have voted in favor of traditional marriage. Gov. Perdue is obviously out of touch with the voters of her own state and is trying to change the subject by attacking Mississippi. We are proud to stand with North Carolina and the majority of other states in our country who have supported traditional marriage.”

Secretary Hosemann Addressess Derogatory Comments Allegedly Made By DOJ Employee

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann addressed the comments allegedly made by a Department of Justice (DoJ) employee, calling her remarks irresponsible.
Allegedly, United States Justice Department employee Stephanie Gyamfi posted the following statements on the social networking site, Facebook:

“They never do…disgusting and shameful. Hey, that should replace the state motto! “Mississippi: Disgusting and Shameful.”…forget the magnolia state motto.”

“I find these comments unprofessional, unwarranted, irresponsible, and misguided, particularly with Mississippi’s pending voter identification submission before the Department of Justice,” says Secretary Hosemann. “I respectfully request the Department of Justice take appropriate disciplinary action against Ms. Gyamfi and to publicly clarify its own position that such a statement does not reflect the opinions of its department.”

“I do not believe,” adds Hosemann, “an employee who makes such statements should review any voter identification application by the State of Mississippi, or, for that matter, any state subject to Section 5.”

Federal law requires any voting change in Mississippi to receive preclearance from the United States Department of Justice. Gyamfi’s job description for the Department of Justice includes reviewing whether these voting changes meet the requirements of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. In a conversation with Secretary Hosemann, Gyamfi said the statement was taken, “out of context.”

“A Justice Department employee stating our state is ‘disgusting and shameful’ is another indication Mississippi’s voter ID submission will not receive fair consideration,” says Secretary Hosemann. “The real problem is not the current culture of Mississippi, but the current culture of the Justice Department.”

“Our Agency has taken great strides to educate voters on the implementation of voter ID. During the initiative process, we held nine public hearings on the issue in geographically dispersed areas of the State, when State law required we only hold five,” adds Hosemann. “Those hearings were transcribed and are currently on our website, along with written comments submitted by the public. Overwhelmingly, voters expressed concern over the integrity of the election process, voter impersonation, and inaccurate and inflated voter rolls.”

Voter roll maintenance is conducted at the county level.

To read the full text of Mississippi’s voter identification legislation (House Bill 921), click the following link:  http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2012/pdf/history/HB/HB0921.xml.

A Tribute To Dr. James Moye

State Sen. Chris McDaniel (R-Ellisville) wrote a tribute in honor of Dr. James Moye, one of the founders of the modern day Mississippi Republican Party, after his recent passing:

There is, of course, an argument that our modern world is awash with heroes, but we know better.

Politicians, athletes, movie stars and pop singers all command attention as never before. And although many people gush over the famous, there is something distinctly un-heroic about most.

In an age of celebrity, real heroes and role models are difficult to identify. We often lack proper examples, it would seem.

But even today, by dint of character and integrity, some have a superior claim on our respect and admiration.

A man of quite intensity, Dr. James Moye was one of those people – an unsung pioneer, a relic of a noble era, among the last of his kind.

He was born on February 9, 1921, as an only son. His mother’s little friend, he had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Raised in Laurel, Mississippi, he then entered the Army Air Corp, becoming a commissioned pilot in 1943. After serving 14 months as a flight instructor, he was assigned to the 451 Bomb Group in Italy during World War II.

No doubt, he was a man of courage.

Later that year, on Friday, October 13 at 1300 hours, he was shot down over Vienna, Austria while flying his 13th combat mission.

No doubt, he was a man of bravery.

After being captured by German soldiers, he spent eight months in prison camps, moving from location to location. Then, after two failed escape attempts, he was successful on the third, returning to the Allies just prior to the war’s end.

No doubt, he was a man of determination.

Just prior to entering the war, he married his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Mae Eleanor Freeman. They were married for 68 years.

No doubt, he was a man of loyalty.

Upon his discharge from the service, he enrolled in the Southern College of Optometry, graduating in 1947. He and his wife returned to Laurel where he began his optometric practice. He worked until his 80th birthday in 2001.

No doubt, he was a man of devotion.

Active in numerous organizations, he served his state and nation in many capacities. He was President of the Mississippi Optometric Association for two years. He was both Chairman and Member of the American Optometric Association Practice Administration Committee and worked on the American Optometric Association Interprofessional Relations Committee, just to name a few. He also served on the State Board of Health.

No doubt, he was a man of sacrifice.

Determined to thank the Red Cross for its help when he was a prisoner of war, he  served as a Board Member and Chairman of the Red Cross of Jones County, working with the group for more than 50 years.

No doubt, he was a man of compassion.

A member of the Republican Party for 60 years, Dr. Moye is recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Mississippi GOP.  He was a delegate to national conventions in 1964, 1968 and 1980. He likewise served as a Republican National Committeeman and a member of the National Republican Executive Committee.

No doubt, he was a man of conviction.

He was active in the Presbyterian Church, serving as a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and later Covenant Presbyterian Church. He taught Sunday School continually for more than 60 years.

No doubt, he was a man of faithfulness.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, two daughters, two sons-in-law, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

No doubt, he will be missed.

By any definition, he had all the qualities of an storybook hero — a person of honor, by instinct, by inevitability.

He never admitted it, never thought of it; but through his life, he has won a glorious name, along with the everlasting remembrance wherein his renown is enshrined — within the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. Such is the whispered promise of immortality reserved for a fortunate few.

To those who say modernity will bring nightfall to the age of heroes, you underestimate our resolve and the legacy of our friend.

If you are still looking for a role model, then look no further.

And if you are seeking hope in a culture corrupted by cynicism, then take this fine man for your example.

In Case You Missed It

Wicker tells Ole Miss grads to make contributions

Clarion-Ledger 5/12/2012– “You are part of a very elite group, you have a lot of people to share the credit with and we are expecting a lot from you. In fact, we have a lot riding on your success,” said Wicker, R-Tupelo, who has been heralded for his statesmanship and diplomacy at the state and federal level.

Bryant addresses Delta issues

Bolivar Commercial 5/11/2012– In a packed hall at the Bologna Performing Arts Center, Moorhead native Governor Phil Bryant delivered the keynote address for the 77th Delta Council meeting on Friday.

Mississippi reacts to Obama’s support of gay marriage

WAPT 5/10/2012– “The big question is for Mississippi Democrats is how this impacts them. You know, a lot of people call themselves conservative Democrats might feel like this is kind of the last nail in the coffin,” Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef said.

Coast has successful legislative session

Sun Herald 5/5/2012– “This was a very successful session for the Coast this year,” Rep. Scott DeLano said. “We passed some very good legislation.”

Updates From The Congressional Delegation

Mississippi lawmakers critical of EPA ozone noncompliance decision for Desoto county

U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, in addition to Representative Alan Nunnelee, today expressed their disappointment with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to list parts of DeSoto County as noncompliant for air quality standards.

Wicker pushes for student loan extension

I co-sponsored the Interest Rate Reduction Act authored by Republicans to keep the rate low, helping young Americans and their families.

Harper: Restraint guidelines endanger children

Every day in schools across the United States, students are being subjected to barbaric and potentially deadly treatment in the form of seclusion and restraint.

Nunnelee Newsletter: Cutting spending

We have a spending crisis in this country, and there is only one party in Washington that is doing something about it.

Palazzo provision reinforces Defense of Marriage Act on military bases

The Palazzo amendment provided reinforcement and clarity for current federal law, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), as it applies to military installations.

Later this morning, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves will be the keynote speaker at the Pearl River Community College commencement. The graduation begins at 10 a.m. and is held at the J. L. Cartlidge Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center in Hattiesburg.

Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee was at the bill signing of the Child Protection Act, which was signed in to law by Gov. Phil Bryant. As a state Senator, Rep. Nunnelee championed the bill for many years, only to see if die under the previous leadership in the House.

“The passage of the Child Protection Act is an important step in protecting the children of Mississippi,” Rep. Nunnelee said. “I had introduced this act for several years, and it passed the Senate only to die in the House committee. Because of new leadership in the House, this bill passed the Legislature this year. I would like to thank Speaker Gunn and Chairman Gipson for their leadership as well as Lt. Gov. Reeves and Chairman Hobson. I also want to thank Gov. Bryant for signing this bill in to law. Protecting vulnerable children from those who would exploit them is one of the most important functions of government.”

Here are three stories that are driving the day in Mississippi:

1. WLBT: Gov. Bryant signs business bills

With his signature, Governor Phil Bryant inked four pieces of legislation into law Monday, all of them part of his Mississippi Works Agenda.

“This was the most job friendly, business friendly legislative session in modern Mississippi history,” said Bryant.

First to get the approval of the governor was the Health Care Industry Zone Act, aimed at expanding the state’s healthcare economy and improving access to it. The new law creates health care zones throughout the state and provides tax incentives for health care businesses that create new, permanent jobs.

“I’m very proud of that innovative piece of legislation. I think it’s going to create thousands of jobs in the healthcare industry,” said Bryant.

With those anticipated jobs, comes a need for a skilled workforce, which Bryant says can be accomplished with a dual enrollment program which also got his signature. It allows high school dropouts and those on the verge to attend classes at junior and community colleges.

See also: Gov. Bryant signs legislation to enhance Mississippi’s business climate

2. Delta Farm Press: Gov. Bryant: Agriculture’s economic role often underrated

Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of the economy in Mississippi and other Mid-South states, and, as such, it should be promoted and protected — not neglected.

That was the message Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant brought to the annual meeting of the Delta Council Friday, a day which many Delta residents couldn’t help but contrast with what was happening in the region almost a year before.

“We had an Agribusiness Summit in Jackson not long ago,” the newly elected governor told an audience of more than 800 assembled in the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the Delta State University Campus in Cleveland, Miss.

“We learned some interesting things, and one of those was that agriculture in the Delta accounts for $1.5 billion in annual income and employs more than 55,000 people. That’s like having 55 Toyota plants,” he said, referring to the new manufacturing facility in northeast Mississippi that is expected to eventually employ 1,000 persons.

3. Commercial Appeal: Rep. Tommy Woods will leave Mississippi House after 25 years

Veteran state Rep. Tommy Woods of Byhalia said Monday he is retiring from the state House of Representatives after 25 years in office.

Woods, who is recovering from a stroke he suffered on Dec. 26, said he made his decision to retire after consulting with his physicians.

Today, Gov. Phil Bryant will hold a news conference at 11:30 a.m. to sign four bills that were components of his Mississippi Work’s agenda. The news conference will be held at the Woolfolk State Office Building.

Legislation that will be signed into law includes:

• House Bill 1537, the Health Care Industry Zone Act expands Mississippi’s health care economy and improves access to health care. The legislation creates health care zones throughout the state and provides tax incentives for health care businesses that create new, permanent jobs.

• Senate Bill 2792, creates balance in Mississippi’s worker compensation program.

• Senate Bill 2576, creates dual enrollment opportunities for potential and recent high school dropouts. Allows a student to enroll in community and junior college workforce training programs and earn work skills certification while completing his or her high school education.

• Senate Bill 2934, Inventory Tax Relief, reduces tax burden by letting businesses claim tax credit on inventory.

Last week, North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue (D) made disparaging remarks about Mississippi after 61 percent of voters in her home state approve a ban on gay marriage that she opposed.

This drew a sharp rebuke from Republican leaders in Mississippi.

Gov. Phil Bryant said: “I am certainly disappointed by Gov. Perdue’s statement regarding North Carolina’s ‘looking like Mississippi.’ Apparently, North Carolina’s voters are much more in line with Mississippi’s traditional values on marriage than those of Gov. Perdue.”

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said: “Governor Perdue should know that her administration has a lot of work to do to make her state’s business climate ‘look like Mississippi.’ We are creating an environment which encourages the private sector to invest capital in Mississippi, and I would invite any North Carolina-based company wanting to move to a lower-taxed, less-regulated state to look at our business-friendly opportunities.

“In fact, the Tax Foundation ranks Mississippi as the 17th best in the country in its latest State Business Tax Climate Index, while Governor Perdue’s policies have dropped her state among the six worst in America. The business-friendly policies enacted in Mississippi have reduced our unemployment rate to 9 percent, according to the latest numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, Governor Perdue’s home state’s unemployment rate remained significantly higher than Mississippi’s at nearly 10 percent.”

Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef said: “Thirty-two states have voted on the issue of defining marriage. Thirty-two states have voted in favor of traditional marriage. Gov. Perdue is obviously out of touch with the voters of her own state and is trying to change the subject by attacking Mississippi. We are proud to stand with North Carolina and the majority of other states in our country who have supported traditional marriage.”

Gov. Phil Bryant will be headlining the Delta Council’s annual meeting today at Delta State University in Cleveland. The Delta Council promotes improvements in agriculture, economic development and education in 18 counties in the northwest part of the state.

While in Hattiesburg yesterday for the College of Business groundbreaking at Southern Miss, Gov. Bryant spoke with the Hattiesburg American about the recently concluded legislative session:

Gov. Phil Bryant says he is happy with the most recent legislative session, which wrapped up last week.
“It was the most business- friendly session in modern history,” he said Thursday during a visit to Hattiesburg for the College of Business groundbreaking at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Bryant made his comments during a media briefing with local reporters after the groundbreaking.

The governor pointed to several business-related bills.

Among those is Senate Bill 2398, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act, which sets up a volunteer committee of small business owners to review state regulations to see if they are harmful to small businesses.

“We’re going to appoint a commission of businessmen and women who will look at every regulation in the state in terms of whether or not it is a job killer,” Bryant said.

You can read the entire article here.

Tomorrow, Sen. Roger Wicker will deliver the commencement address at Ole Miss. Ceremonies are held in the Grove and begin at 9 a.m.

“We have a tradition of bringing renowned and influential figures to campus for our commencement addresses, and this year we are honored to have one of the nation’s acknowledged leaders in public policy,” Chancellor Dan Jones said. “Over his career, Roger Wicker has proven that, if you commit yourself to public service, you can positively impact the lives of others. He is a powerful motivator, and his insights on educational attainment and success should be valuable for everyone.”

Wicker received both his Bachelor’s degree and Law degree from Ole Miss.

Earlier this morning, Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef was on the Paul Gallo Show on SuperTalk.

Yesterday, media outlets in Mississippi spoke with Chairman Nosef after President Obama announced his support for gay marriage. You can read the article in Clarion-Ledger here and see the report on WAPT here.

Tomorrow, Rep. Alan Nunnelee will be the commencement speaker at the graduation exercises for the Mississippi College School of Law at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Rep. Nunnelee’s son will be receiving his law degree at the ceremony.

On May 15, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves will be the speaker for Pearl River Community College’s graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. This is held at the James Lynn Cartlidge Forrest County Multipurpose Center in Hattiesburg.

Here are three stories that are driving the day in Mississippi:

1. Gov. Bryant: Mississippi’s most business-friendly legislative session

The 2012 legislative session will go down in history as one of Mississippi’s most business-friendly efforts as the session took bold steps to make this state craved by businesses and where job creation will flourish.

In my inaugural State of the State address this year, I outlined 31 new initiatives that my administration would focus on to move Mississippi forward. I’m pleased to say that I will sign some of the most important measures into law, including many major components of my Mississippi Works agenda.

One component of the Mississippi Works agenda was the Health Care Industry Zone Act, which will have a huge impact on Mississippi’s economy and will also boost access to quality medical care. We are creating “health care zones” that surround existing medical facilities, and we are providing tax incentives to new health care businesses that locate in the zones and create new, permanent jobs.

2. Fox News: Justice bars analyst from Mississippi cases after Facebook post calling state ‘disgusting’

The Justice Department has blocked one of its civil rights analysts from dealing with all matters Mississippi after the employee apparently described the state as “disgusting and shameful” on Facebook — comments that drew a rebuke Tuesday from Mississippi’s secretary of state.

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann expressed concern about the remarks considering his state is going to have to submit its latest voter ID law to the Justice Department for review, and the employee in question works as an analyst in the division that reviews those laws.

“A Justice Department employee stating our state is ‘disgusting and shameful’ is another indication Mississippi’s voter ID submission will not receive fair consideration,” he said in a statement. “The real problem is not the current culture of Mississippi, but the current culture of the Justice Department.”

3. Press release: Palazzo Provision Reinforces Defense of Marriage Act on Military Bases

Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS), member of the House Armed Services Committee, Persian Gulf War veteran and the only noncommissioned officer concurrently serving in Congress and the National Guard, successfully shepherded an amendment to the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act through the House Armed Services Committee this evening.  Specifically, the Palazzo amendment provided reinforcement and clarity for current federal law, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), as it applies to military installations.

“The administration’s recent actions have created uncertainty regarding ceremonies permitted on military installations,” Palazzo stated.  “This amendment is intended to clear up any doubt and reinforce DOMA’s authority as it applies to those installations.”

Palazzo advocated for the amendment before the late-night full committee gathering, stating that because Department of Defense facilities are federal property, they already fall under the jurisdiction of DOMA.  The amendment states that no military installation shall be used for “marriage or marriage-like” ceremonies involving anything other than “the union of one man with one woman.” Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), joined Palazzo in offering the amendment.

Later this morning, Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef will speak with the Lafayette County Republican Women in Oxford. The event is held at the University Club and begins at 11:30 a.m.

Yesterday, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann held a press conference at the state capitol to address derogatory comments recently made by a Department of Justice employee.

Afterwards, his office issued the following press release:

Secretary of State addresses Derogatory Comments allegedly made by Department of Justice Employee

Jackson, MS—Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann addressed the comments allegedly made by a Department of Justice (DoJ) employee, calling her remarks irresponsible.

Allegedly, United States Justice Department employee Stephanie Gyamfi posted the following statements on the social networking site, Facebook:

“They never do…disgusting and shameful.  Hey, that should replace the state motto!  “Mississippi: Disgusting and Shameful.”…forget the magnolia state motto.”

“I find these comments unprofessional, unwarranted, irresponsible, and misguided, particularly with Mississippi’s pending voter identification submission before the Department of Justice,” says Secretary Hosemann.  “I respectfully request the Department of Justice take appropriate disciplinary action against Ms. Gyamfi and to publicly clarify its own position that such a statement does not reflect the opinions of its department.”

“I do not believe,” adds Hosemann, “an employee who makes such statements should review any voter identification application by the State of Mississippi, or, for that matter, any state subject to Section 5.”

Read the entire press release here.

Representatives Gregg Harper, Alan Nunnelee, and Steven Palazzo also wrote a letter to Thomas Perez, Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, stating their concerns with these allegations and asking for a reply from the DOJ on what actions are being taken to ensure that Mississippi will receive a fair review on submissions under Section 5.

You can read their letter here.

This legislative session was a historic one with Republicans controlling both the House and the Senate for the first time in 140 years and you can be proud of the legislation that has been signed into law. Mississippians are fortunate to have leaders like Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, and Speaker Philip Gunn, who have shown a commitment to conservative, pro-business, pro-family policies.

The legislature has passed multiple bills that will make Mississippi a more business-friendly state. The inventory tax, long a burden on businesses in Mississippi, will be replaced with an income tax credit which will be phased in over the next few years. Mississippi is one of just nine states that still have an inventory tax. Workers compensation reform will create a new, balanced system for workers compensation which may reduce employers’ premiums for workers’ compensation insurance, while unemployment fraud reform is designed reduce instances of unemployment fraud and creates an entrepreneurial mentoring program for unemployed Mississippians.

Two new pieces of legislation will help Mississippians gain access to health care, while also having a positive effect on the local economy. The Health Care Industry Zone Act will provide incentives for health-care-related businesses to create new full time jobs in areas where hospitals exist, while the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has been established to increase the number of medical residency programs offered throughout the state.

Dual enrollment legislation will allow high school dropouts and potential dropouts to earn work skills certification at community colleges while completing their high school education.

The Sunshine Act will give agency heads flexibility in the hiring of outside counsel when necessary and it will also bring transparency to the Attorney General’s process of hiring outside counsel.

New legislation will also protect children in Mississippi, including the unborn. The Child Protection Act requires immediate reporting by health care practitioners, clergy members, teaching or childcare providers, law enforcement officers or commercial image processors when faced with a reasonable suspicion that a sex crime against a minor has occurred. The measure also requires preservation of DNA evidence resulting from abortions performed on children under 14 years of age where there was a suspicion of sexual assault. And HB 1390 will require all physicians performing in abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a local hospital; a necessity to protect life in case of an emergency during an abortion.

New voter ID legislation, implementing the ballot initiative supported by 62 percent of Mississippi voters last fall, will reduce voter fraud throughout the state.

And both the House and Senate successfully completed legislative redistricting this year. The new maps in both Houses are significantly more compact then those drawn 10 years ago, feature fewer split precincts while protecting communities of interest, increasing the number of majority-minority districts, and accounting for population shifts in the state over the past decade.

Finally, the budget was written and adopted without the fanfare of years past. Lawmakers agreed to a budget of more than $5.5 billion that is responsible and saves money for future reserves, while increasing K-12 education spending at the same time. Last year Republicans campaigned on a promise to live within their means in Jackson, just as families in Mississippi have been doing for years- and the Fiscal Year 2013 budget does just that.

This session has been a long one, but thanks to the hard work of Gov. Bryant, Lt. Gov. Reeves, Speaker Gunn, and your Republican Senators and Representatives, we have made great progress over the past four months.

Earlier today, Rep. Steven Palazzo was endorsed by the United States Chamber of Commerce. Palazzo issued the following statement after receiving the endorsement:

“I am honored to have been endorsed by the largest pro-business organization in the country. After more than 3 years of President Obama’s failed economic policies, I am pleased to stand with the Chamber in supporting pro-growth policies that remove the obstacles for job creation. The best way to get our country and economy working again is to create a business friendly environment that encourages the private sector to hire and expand.”

Today, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on the Second Floor of the State Capitol Rotunda. Secretary Hosemann will address recent comments allegedly made by a United States Department of Justice Voting Rights Division employee calling Mississippi “Disgusting and Shameful.”

Tomorrow, Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef will be in Oxford to speak to the Lafayette County Republican Women.

Here are three stories that are driving the day in Mississippi:

1. Delta Farm Press: Gov. Bryant to Keynote 77th Annual Meeting of Delta Council

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant will offer the keynote address for the 77th annual meeting of Delta Council on Friday, May 11, at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the Delta State University campus in Cleveland, Miss.

Bryant, a native of Moorhead, Miss., served as the featured guest for the Delta Honor Graduate Event in past years.

Bryant has been active in industrial recruitment, workforce training, and flood control activities in the Delta during recent years.

“Delta Council is fortunate to have the friendship we have experienced with Phil Bryant in the past, and we are looking forward to a productive and strong working relationship with him in his new capacity as the state’s chief executive officer,” said Bowen Flowers, the Coahoma County farm leader who serves as president of Delta Council this year.

2. Commercial Appeal: DeSoto County ozone ruling faces appeal

Mississippi and DeSoto County officials said Friday they would appeal a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to keep parts of the county grouped with Memphis and Crittenden County, Ark., on an air-quality “non-attainment” list for ozone.

“This irresponsible decision defies logic and makes it clear that EPA bureaucrats in Washington ignored our information based on the scientific data presented by DeSoto County and the state,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.

The outcry bounced back to Washington, where U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, both R-Miss., in addition to fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo, also blasted the EPA.

See also: Mississippi lawmakers critical of EPA ozone noncompliance decision for Desoto County

3. Sun Herald: Coast man named to state Crime Stoppers council

Gov. Phil Bryant has appointed Brandon Payne of Gulfport to serve on the Statewide Crime Stoppers Advisory Council for a two-year term that will start July 1.

The state Senate approved his nomination by unanimous vote last week. It is the first time in years that the Coast has had a representative on the five-member council.

The Coast’s Crime Stoppers chapter had been disbanded after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Payne helped revamp efforts in 2010 under the new name of Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers.