Legislative Updates
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[09-07-2010]
Update 80 -
[07-29-2010]
Update 79: Oil Spill Update - 100 Days -
[06-24-2010]
Update 77: Oil Spill Update
April 28, 2008
Dear Friends,
Even though the legislature is out of session, I will continue to provide updates as I receive information that I think you might find interesting. Also, I encourage you to contact me with questions and comments regarding issues that are important to you.
Governor Barbour Signs K-12 Education Appropriations Bill
On Wednesday, April 23, Governor Barbour signed a bill providing $2.5 billion in state funding for K-12 education in Fiscal Year 2009.
In addition to fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program for the first time in a non-election year, this bill will provide $8 million for State Superintendent Hank Bounds’ proposal for high school redesign and $5 million for vocational equipment.
Other features of the bill include:
In his press release, the Governor said, “I congratulate Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, Speaker Billy McCoy and members of the House and Senate for working together so successfully to fund K-12 priorities during a tight budget year.”
Jackson County to Receive Federal Funds for Hurricane Shelter
Federal officials announced that a federal grant will pay for a 10,000 square foot hurricane shelter in Vancleave. The building’s design will follow established federal guidelines for shelter construction. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) will provide a $2.8 million grant from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (“HMGP”) to fund the project.
The stand-alone shelter will be built to current FEMA standards, providing near absolute protection for approximately 1,000 Jackson County residents. The project will be 100% federally funded.
“People often think about protecting property with the HMGP but shelters like these help protect the most important thing in this state—its citizens,” said Mike Womack, director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Purchase Flood Insurance Now
Due to the 30-day waiting period following the purchase of a new policy, residents have less than ten days to activate a new flood policy in time for the June 1 hurricane season start date.
In order to purchase flood insurance, contact your local agent. To locate an agent who sells flood insurance, go to www.floodsmart.gov and enter your home address into the One-Step Flood Risk profile. This online tool will also estimate your level of risk as well as your premium.
For questions concerning coverage, contact your local insurance agents or the NFIP Call Center in Biloxi at 1-866-925-8789.
Border Patrol Recruitment Events
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from the Department of Homeland Security are in the process of hiring Border Patrol Agents. U.S. Border Patrol agents have the initial earning potential of $36,658 to $46,542 within the first year of employment according to the Department of Homeland Security. To become an agent, an applicant must: be a U.S. citizen, have a valid state driver’s license, be between the ages of 18-39, be physically fit, pass a written examination and structured interview, pass a background investigation including drug test and be willing to relocate to the Southwest border.
Recruiting events will be held on April 28 – May 2 at the following locations:
How the House Voted
The Clarion Ledger has compiled a breakdown of nine roll call votes cast during the legislative session. You can see the results at: http://b2.caspio.com/dp.asp?AppKey=b7131000h2c9f6b5e1f9b2c2a7b3
How to Contact Me
If you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to call me on my cell phone at 228-326-7649 or e-mail me at bjones@house.ms.gov. Please feel free to forward this report to folks in our district and let me know if I need to add someone to my list.
I will also be posting my updates and House related news on my campaign website at www.electbrandonjones.com.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Brandon