Three years ago, when I first announced my intention of running for a Senate seat, I promised to keep you informed, particularly as to the strange political games played by some in the Capitol.
I’ve recently written about shenanigans conducted by a few professional lobbyists. Regarding their inherent propensity to engage in misleading behavior, this week proved to be more of the same. Just a short time ago, I received an email from one claiming victory on a successful amendment to HB 1622, a bill considered in the Senate. The email made a deceptive claim that voting for the amendment was “an opportunity to establish education as a clear priority.” As a proponent of education, I found the claim to be interesting. Not only was it rooted in fiscal irresponsibility, it was patently and obviously false.
In contrast to the questionable email, Senate votes on the bill’s amendments were largely symbolic, a product of much sound and fury but effectively inconsequential for at least one major reason – the Senate had already been given assurances by Democrat and Republican leaders (prior to the vote) that the legislation would ultimately head to a conference committee for additional negotiations, which is normally the right approach for a workable compromise regarding legislation of high importance.
From a policy standpoint, voting on the discussed amendment to HB 1622 represented a winding path cultivated mostly for political and media spin, since the bill was admittedly already headed to conference where named conferees are expressly charged with the responsibility of significantly altering its substantive provisions. Though the offered amendment represented lustrous political theater, it did not stand for sound budgetary policy. It also gave professional lobbyists an opportunity to crank up their spin-machines in somehow deeming the symbolic vote as some type of victory for educational funding.
Unfortunately, what the lobbyists are not telling Mississippians is that the much-hyped amendment also included $30 million of appropriations with no corresponding revenue source, thereby establishing a FY11 budget proposal that is not balanced.
Such a proposal is akin to going through a store shopping and continuing to throw items in the shopping cart with no idea or plan on how to pay for them when arriving at the cash register. Representing a reckless approach, the amendment did little more than expend $30 million in taxpayer dollars with absolutely no understanding of where the money would originate. Considering our present budget crisis, appropriating millions in imaginary funds that we simply do not have to spend is ill-advised.
Now is not the time for jaded political games; the children of our state deserve better. Though I strongly desire our public schools to receive the funding they so desperately need and deserve, heading into an uncertain conference environment with a budget that is already $30 million out of balance is hardly a good approach for education or other struggling state agencies. Political theater may be fun for some, but taxpayers should demand the legislature get serious about crafting a FY11 budget since special sessions are often wasteful and should be avoided if possible. It is my prayer that a balanced, education-friendly compromise be reached in conference.
In other matters, the Senate passed House Bill 1043, legislation that would create an avenue for the creation of “New Start Schools.” The act would allow parents to take over a school that has failed for three consecutive years and convert it into a more efficient educational facility. With 200 schools in Mississippi ether failing or at risk of failing, it is thought that a new approach to problematic situations is needed. The program would be overseen by the Mississippi Recovery School District, allowing schools to enlist the aid of parents as bus stop monitors, mentors and tutors. Likewise, the bill sets forth a strict list of educational requirements for children who would attend any school placed under the program.
The Senate also approved House Bill 957, legislation that would require state agencies to pay into the Public Employees Retirement System when they hire recently retired state workers. The bill is an effort to keep the Public Employee Retirement System solvent.
House Bill 835 was passed by the Senate, as well. HB 835 would allow certain indigent jail inmates to work off their fines and restitution in a limited number of Mississippi counties. Excluded from the program are felons convicted of violent crimes, burglary or drug dealing.
The Senate also passed House Bill 583, legislation that would require businesses and state agencies to notify persons when tampering has occurred with their personal information, as in the case of business records being electronically copied or stolen.
As always, it is an honor for me to serve you in the Mississippi Senate. If I can answer any questions or assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me at cmcdaniel@senate.ms.gov.
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Now not the time for political games
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