Two processes are playing out this week that will shape the balance of political power in Mississippi for much of this decade.>> read more
___________________________ Chartering the same old course by Cory Wilson The Empire strikes back. Last week, the debate in Jackson over charter schools culminated in a 15-16 defeat in the House Education Committee of a bill that would have brought strong reforms to the state's educational system. >> read more
"I am confident the Supreme Court will not take what would be an unprecedented, extraordinary step of overturning a law that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically-elected congress . . . I am confident this will be upheld because it should be upheld." - President Barack Obama, at the White House Monday.>> read more
Last week, Obamacare turned two years old. To celebrate, the Supreme Court threw a real birthday bash, inviting as guests 26 states, a crowd of lawyers almost as numerous as the Obama bureaucrats hired to dictate our health care, and the few apologist Democrats who still defend the law despite objective reality. >> read more
I am excited to pass on some great news! I received an email response from Representative Becky Currie tonight telling me that the anti-Agenda 21 Resolution has been filed! >> read more
Chairman Andy Gipson introduced the Child Protection Act and Child Rape Protection Act on February 2, 2012 for the purpose of solving a very serious problem in Mississippi that has made it next to impossible to prosecute perpetrators of child rape and sexual abuse. >> read more
Most people will see by the title that I am a bean counter and their eyes will begin to glaze over. Hopefully that won’t happen until you check out the links to the charts. >> read more
Please read and familiarize yourself with them, contact your State Representative and Senator, watch the Legislature website...http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/ and be ready to contact in advance of the actions that take place during the session.
Tell Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran to Open Jobs Held by Illegal Aliens to Unemployed Mississippi ResidentsA nationwide poll conducted by Pulse Opinion Research found that practically all groups of Americans favor mandating the E-Verify system, a free tool that will reduce the presence of illegal aliens in Mississippi's workforce. The poll, conducted on February 16, 2012, found that 78% of likely voters favor the use of mandatory worker verification, which will open up more Mississippi jobs for…See More
What's happening with the Mississippi Tea Party and the Tea Party scene, Nationwide
Roubini Says ‘Perfect Storm’ May Threaten Global Economy
May 15, 2012
Could a tidal wave of public and private debt swamp the global economy? This from the analyst who predicted the Great Recession.
A “perfect storm” of fiscal woe in the U.S. - where the president and congress fail to reduce the debt and deficit spending, a slowdown in China, European debt restructuring and stagnation in Japan may converge on the global economy, New York University professor Nouriel Roubini said.
There’s a one-in-three chance the factors will combine to stunt growth from 2013, Roubini said in a June 11 interview in Singapore. Other possible outcomes are “anemic but OK” global growth or an “optimistic” scenario in which the expansion improves.
Obama’s claim that the GOP is mounting a so called "war on women" has proven to be a big failure. A month into his assault on the conservatives and Mitt Romney, the new CBS-New York Times poll shows that the GOP presidential candidate now leads among women--and men.
FORMER SENATOR TRENT LOTT: Standing on Principle or Just Another Hired Gun?
May 3, 2012. Dot Ward, Clarion Ledger Guest Editoralist & MS Tea Party Member.
Years ago, when I first met Trent Lott, I was impressed. He was savvy, conservative and unbeatable on the campaign trail. The people of Mississippi elected him to six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and three terms in the U.S. Senate, giving him a career in Congress spanning 35 years. His ability was recognized by his colleagues who elected him to leadership positions in both the House and Senate, which be-speaks of a man of power and influence. But then something happened...
The United States Senate votes on this on June 12th.
What would the Law of the Sea Treaty do?
creates an International Seabed Authority and gives it unprecedented powers to regulate seven-tenths of the world’s surface
the power to levy international taxes
the power to impose production quotas on deep-sea mining and oil production
the power to regulate ocean research and exploration
the power to create a multinational court system to make judgments about who owns what, and enforce those judgments
imposes mandatory information-sharing so that our enemies will get all our confidential military information
requires obligatory technology transfers that would equip actual or potential enemies with sensitive information about all our submarine and anti-submarine technology
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 publically 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.
State inconsistent on local option sales tax policies
May 2, 2012, Clarion Ledger
STARKVILLE — For more than a decade, state Sen. Hob Bryan has successfully battled any attempt for other local governments to have the same advantage that the regional economic hub near his home county has enjoyed for more than two decades.
In the latest effort to kill an optional sales tax for the benefit of the city of Jackson, Bryan found a strong Republican ally in state Sen. Merle Flowers, R-Southaven.
Jackson was seeking the opportunity to let voters decide a 1-cent sales tax hike. Bryan and Flowers were able to prevail based in no small measure of their mastery of legislative procedures. Bryan has been a particularly vocal opponent.
Skirmishes between the two chambers of the Legislature are sure to come even with both being in the R column, but the truth is few saw a fiscal battle brewing amongst friends.
Last weekend an elephant fight erupted between the Tate Reeves led Senate and the newly minted Republicans in the state House over a bond bill. What should seemingly be an easy debate since both sides claim to be fiscally sensitive, the two sides were some $280 million apart in their wish lists of items to be funded on the state's credit card.
MS Tea Party's Legislative Report Card April 17, 2012
Illegal Immigration Enforcement House Speaker - A House of Representatives - A Senate - n/a (no opportunity for a floor vote) Lt. Gov. - F Representative Becky Currie wrote HB 488. The full House of Representatives approved it 70-48. Lt. Governor Tate Reeves assigned the bill to Jud B Committee, chaired by Dem. Sen. Hob Bryan (whom he knew not to be an advocate of enforcement). Predictably Bryan let the bill die in committee, thus preventing floor vote and killing the bill. Losers were taxpayers and legal working citizens. Winners were agricultural and construction interests who benefit from cheap illegal labor. Education House Speaker - C House of Representatives - C Senate - C Lt. Gov. - C House Ed. Committee Chair, Rep. John Moore gave an overview of several bills. While HB 888 (Charter Schools) never came to the floor of the House, the Senate brought its Charter School bill (SB 2401), written by Sen. Gray Tollison, to the floor. What ensued was a lively debate, and after 4 hours the Senate passed the bill. Therefore, for Charter Schools, the Senate receives good marks. However, the House and the Senate have much work to do to improve Education in MS. Among the really important bills to be considered is the bill that makes it illegal to grant a 'social promotion'. The House voted on this bill just before the tea party's Report Card event. The Senate still has several bills to consider coming over from the House on education. Pro-Life Legislation House Speaker - A+ House of Representatives - A Senate - C Lt. Gov. - C Teri Herring and Dana Chisholm of the Pro-Life movement gave summaries of the legislation that has been addressed by the Legislature as a result of Pro-Life forces in Mississippi holding them accountable. State Sovereignty and Voter ID House Speaker - A House of Representatives - A Senate - A Lt. Gov. - A Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman has lead the way for Voter ID, and the MS Tea Party gives him an A+. It is a constitutional requirement that the legislature enable Voter ID due it passing by virtue of a popular vote of the citizens. In November, Voter ID was placed on the ballot as the result of a petition initiative by the tea party and other groups. It passed by 62%, which means the legislature is charged with writing the language to enact the bill into law. The Senate debate was very heated and charged with ill founded racial accusations. The Voter ID Law passed the House on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 78-40. In November, Mississippi voters went to the polls and passed a Constitutional amendment to require voter identification at elections. House Bill 921 was adopted to fulfill the Constitutional mandate.
Persons appearing to vote must present valid ID in any of the following forms: • MS Driver’s License; • ID card issued by a branch department of Mississippi; • US Passport; • Employee ID card with a photo; • an accredited college, university, or community college student ID with a photo; • MS license to carry a pistol; • travel ID card with a photo; • military ID; • MS Voter ID card with photo. • Should a person not have one of the required forms of ID, they may apply to receive a free Voter ID card (funded by the General Fund). • To apply for the Voter ID card, a person will be required to show their Social Security card, Medicare card, Medicaid card or a verification of residence in the county. • Voters may vote by affidavit if they present a valid ID within five days of voting. As Mississippi is a “covered jurisdiction” under the Federal Voting Rights Act, the Voter ID provisions will not become law unless approved by the U.S. Justice Department or the Federal Court. Anti-Agenda 21 House Speaker - * House of Representatives - * Senate - F Lt. Gov. - F Agenda 21 is a highly repugnant United Nations initiative. It is founded upon the taking of private property rights and comes from globalists at the United Nations. It threatens our very way of life. An educational report was presented to the Conservative Caucus early in the session. The Chairman of Wildlife and Fisheries, Representative Jessica Upshaw refused to allow a bill written by Representative Becky Currie to be discussed in committee and thus it was killed at that point. This explains the F grade given on this issue. For more complete information on Agenda 21, visit the website: http://www.stopagenda21inms.com/ It will enlighten as to the intent of the U.N. and the globalists who are pushing it on the American people, especially in Mississippi. * Becky Currie gets an A for writing the bill to stop Agenda 21 in Mississippi. * The House of Representatives was never given the opportunity to consider this measure. So no grade can be given to the House of Representatives on the Agenda 21 measure.
The Lieutenant Governor just issued the following press release:
JACKSON – The Mississippi State Senate today approved much-needed education reform by passing legislation to allow public charter schools to operate in the state, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves announced.
The Senate amended House Bill 1152 to allow public charter schools to open in Mississippi with approval from a newly created independent commission. The bill, which passed 31-19, heads to the Mississippi House.
Public charter schools will be funded with existing dollars from the federal, state and local levels. The funds within the current Mississippi Adequate Education Program will follow a student to their school of choice.
“It’s time to change the status quo and give parents a choice in their children’s education,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “For far too long, we have had students trapped in failing districts with no options for a better education. This legislation can change that.”
Public charter schools could be allowed in any district in the state. However, the local school boards of districts rated as “star” or “high performing” by the state Department of Education also would have to give a stamp of approval to any charter school seeking to open within those top districts. The bill is similar to a plan approved by the Senate in February. However, this version allows school boards of districts rated as “successful” also to approve charter schools over the next four academic years.
Charter schools are public schools that operate under a contract that allows administrative freedom and flexibility in exchange for exceptional levels of results-driven accountability. Students attending public charter schools must comply with provisions of the Mississippi compulsory school attendance law, meet health and safety standards, and adhere to state testing model. This legislation does not require charter schools; it simply gives a community the option to support a public charter school to enter into their district.
The newly created commission will be comprised of appointees from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Superintendent of Education. The commission will consider applications from charter school providers with a proven track record of success.
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MSTP update on Voter ID 4/10/2012
HB 921 passed both the Mississippi House and Senate chambers. Voter ID was passed by the people in November with a 62-38 margin. The Legislators job, now, is to implement the voters wishes.
Nays--Blount, Bryan, Butler A. (36th), Butler K. (38th), Dawkins, Frazier, Harden, Jackson R. (11th), Jones, Jordan, Simmons D. T. (12th), Simmons W. (13th), Stone, Turner. Total--14.
Absent and those not voting--Horhn, Jolly. Total--2.
Senator Montgomery, who would have voted yea on H. B. No. 921, announced a pair with Senator Jackson (32nd), who would have voted nay.
Now, we’ll just have to see if US Atty. General Eric Holder has his say. Somehow or another, Mr. Holder doesn’t believe that having voter ID protects the right of the citizen’s vote.
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O'Keefe Voter Fraud Investigation: Young Man Offered Holder's Ballot
Holder's DOJ: Evidence of Voter Fraud 'Manufactured'
4/7/12 - The Department of Justice is in full-on spin mode over the James O’Keefe Project Veritas tape in which a young white man is offered Attorney General Eric Holder’s ballot. Desperate to prove that voter ID should not be presented in order to obtain a ballot, the DOJ fired back at O’Keefe and Project Veritas today, with a DOJ official telling tried-and-true media ally Talking Points Memo, “It’s no coincidence that these so-called examples of rampant voter fraud consistently turn out to be manufactured ones.” READ MORE:
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Molpus: Block voter ID
4/7/12 - Former Secretary of State Dick Molpus is asking Attorney General Eric Holder to block implementation of the state's Voter Identification Law, saying it would disenfranchise many Mississippians. "My request is that you protect those who would be excluded from our democracy by this ill-conceived law," Molpus wrote Attorney General Eric Holder Friday in a letter.
Molpus, a Democrat, says the new law, adopted by Mississippi voters Nov. 8, would violate the Voting Rights Act.
Current Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, disagrees. "And so does the Supreme Court," he said.
Thank you for all your calls regarding Charter Schools...today, our efforts were defeated in the education committee in a 16-15 vote.
Here is who voted for families and a stronger education system...
Tracy Arnold (Booneville) - R
Toby Barker (Hattiesburg) - R
Randy Boyd (Mantachie) - R
Gary Chism (Columbus) - R
Carolyn Crawford (Pass Christian) - R
Becky Currie (Brookhaven) - R
Dennis Debar (Leakesville) - R
Chuck Espy (Clarksdale) - D
Herb Frierson (Poplarville) - R
Jeffrey Guice (Ocean Springs) - R
Rita Martinson (Madison) - R
Brad Mayo (Oxford) - R
Kevin McGee (Rankin County) - R
John Moore (Rankin County) - R
Joe Warren (Mount Olive) - R
Here is who voted against families and a stronger education system...
Alyce Clarke (Jackson) - D
Nick Bain (Corinth) - D
Clara Burnett (Tunica) - D
Credell Calhoun (Jackson) - D
Reecy Dickson (Macon) - D
James Evans (Jackson) - D
Joe Gardner (Batesville) - D
Forrest Hamilton (DeSoto County) - R
Gregory Holloway (Hazlehurst) - D
Wanda Jennings (DeSoto County) - R
Steve Massengill (Hickory Flat) - R
Pat Nelson (DeSoto County) - R
Rufus Straughter (Belzoni) - D
Sara R. Thomas (Indianola) - D
Tom Weathersby (Rankin County) - R
Linda Whittington (Schlater) - D
The vote today is nothing more than a social injustice to those families who live in less than excellent school districts; by denying them access to a good education. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results, as exhibited in our eduction system.
We encourage you to call Governor Bryant's office (601-359-3150) to show your support and ask him to call a special session of the legislature, so that Charter Schools can be put in front of the full legislature. The votes are 'there' in favor...the people in Mississippi support this measure.
Mississippi must give parents the option...this is not your right, it's theirs!
**Also, if your Education Committee Representative voted for this, please call them and thank them for doing the right thing. And if your Education Committee Representative voted against this, please call them and ask them why they voted against families and their rights.
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Sharing a great post from Jackson Jambalaya website about Charter Schools...
Meet the other leader of the opposition to charter schools: Milton Kuykendall, Superintendent of Desoto County Schools. While Nancy Loome and other members of the Parents' Campaign tweet, send out emails, and write letters to the editor on a daily basis in an attempt to stop charter schools, Special K prowls the halls of the legislature, stalking legislators who might be inclined to vote for charter schools. Special K represents the Superintendents, the hidden power in the Mississippi educational system.
Elected Superintendents such as Milton Kuykendall and formerly Mike Kent wield much power in their counties. Some have the power to make or break aldermen, supervisors... and legislators. The Mississippi Association of Superintendents reported a budget of $1 million in 2010. A million dollar budget for a group that has less than 160 members. Think about that fact for a minute. The 2010 tax return is posted below. This correspondent has seen him at the legislature at every committee meeting about charter schools or sitting in the balcony when he thinks charter schools will be discussed. He is usually hanging around Nancy Loome of the Parent's Campaign, a charter school opponent. Yes, I know, they claim to support charter schools but its a ruse. They very cleverly proclaim their support then roll out a laundry list of restrictions for charter schools under the guise of being "reasonable".
I'm not going to sugar-coat it: the charter school bill is in trouble, thanks to these Superintendents and some fumbling by the Republicans. The Superintendents are waging political holy war against legislators in their districts. A few, such as Representatives Arnold and Massengill, are wavering. Want to get re-elected? Better kiss the ring of the Superintendents. They want to exempt school districts rated "successful" or above from charter school legislation. Thus, a school district such as Hattiesburg, rated successful but having a high school that is on academic watch, has an overall graduation rate of 48%, and only 33% graduation rate for male students, would be "protected" from charter schools if they have their way. They tend to represent school districts such as Desoto, Madison, and Rankin that are doing quite well while ignoring the needs of the rest of the state.
The House Education Committee is expected to take up next week Senate Bill 2401, which would ease allowances for charter schools in Mississippi.
This afternoon, there was standing room only in the committee meeting room in anticipation of the debate, with some people waiting outside, but the topic never came up.
On Wednesday, discussion on the bill had ended abruptly despite some representatives loudly protesting...
The bill was supposed to come up after the House adjourned the afternoon session but again there was no discussion of it.
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Last Chance to Stop ObamaCare in Mississippi
Mississippi was called out recently as one of the only Southern statesmoving forward in setting up an ObamaCare health exchange. This issue is important because the U.S. Supreme Court is watching whether states challenging the constitutionality of ObamaCare are actually accepting and spending federal dollars to implement ObamaCare. Already, a lower court has cited the creation of state exchanges in a decision to stay its own ruling against the federal health care law.
Yet, the Department of Insurance continues to press ahead in accepting ObamaCare money, with strings attached, to set up an ObamaCare exchange in our state. Likewise, the appropriations bill (HB 1611) for the Department of Insurance authorizes funding for the implementation of an exchange. This is even after oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court are suggesting the entire law may be overturned this summer.
The exchange being set up by the Department of Insurance is not a free market exchange. In fact, the Heritage Foundation has warned:
These exchanges bear little relation to the market-based mechanisms promoted by conservative analysts and state officials to facilitate a defined contribution for health care financing. … [Under ObamaCare] a state would now have no more real controlover an exchange it set up than over one HHS established.
What can you do?Contact Tate Reeves’ office now and let him know you don’t want an ObamaCare health exchange in Mississippi and you don’t want any money at all in our budget to fund it. His office can be contacted at:(601) 359-3200 or Capitol Switchboard (601) 359-3770.
The MSTP goes to the Supreme Court with a very definitive message...
KEEP THE FEDS OUT OF MY MEDS!
_______________________________As Health Care Law’s Trial Approaches, Two-Thirds Say Ditch Individual Mandate
Two-thirds of Americans say the U.S. Supreme Court should throw out either the individual mandate in the federal health care law or the law in its entirety, signaling the depth of public disagreement with that element of the Affordable Care Act.
This ABC News/Washington Post pollfinds that Americans oppose the law overall by 52-41 percent. And 67 percent believe the high court should either ditch the law or at least the portion that requires nearly all Americans to have coverage.
The high court opens hearings on the law’s constitutionality a week from today. READ MORE:
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"The Fight Continues for Charter Schools"from our friends at the Mississippi Center for Public Policy 3/15/12
Despite what you might read in the newspaper tomorrow, the Charter School issue is not dead. In fact, it is alive and well!
The House did not take up their charter school bill, but later this month, they will be able to take up the charter school bill that passed the Senate several weeks ago. The House has until April 3 to pass that bill out of committee, and April 11 to pass it on the House floor.
The reason the House did not take up their own bill is because they ran out of time. Due to some internecine warfare in the House (unrelated to the charter school bill), some representatives used parliamentary tactics to slow the action of the House to a snail’s pace. Because Thursday night was the deadline for the House to pass House bills, and because the charter school bill would have taken hours of debate (and more hours to read the bill aloud, which has been one of the stalling tactics mentioned above), and because the House can act on the Senate bill later, the House leaders decided not to take up the House bill.
This weekend would be a great time to call your state representative and urge him/her to support a broad charter school bill, which would allow charter schools to be created in all districts, not just the worst ones. Don't assume they will be voting "yes" even if you think they are conservative.
The education establishment has been relentless in their pressure to water down or kill these bills, and your representative needs to hear from you, even if he or she does plan to vote for it. They need to know you appreciate their support.
To learn more about Charter Schools, go to the MS Center for Public Policy Charter School website, www.ParentPower.net.
To find out who your representative is click here. To lookup your representative’s contact information click here. __________________________________
Late last night, HB 488 (the Illegal Immigration Enforcement Bill) was brought out for a vote and PASSED 70-47 with bipartisanRepublican and Democrat support.
This is a BIG win for MFIRE and the MS Tea Party. We could not have done it without your support and efforts to educate your elected representatives in the house. Now it goes to the senate. Action to Take:Encourage individual senators, the leadership, and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves to bring the bill out of Senate Judiciary A Committee (Senator Briggs Hopson - Chairman) for a floor vote. The taxpaying citizens of this state deserve nothing less.
Lt. Gov. Reeves' phone is (601) 359-3200.
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... and important legislation is in danger.
A number of Democrats are trying to prevent important bills that the people of Mississippi want from passing. Yesterday, they insisted on having a 23-page bill on Workers Compensation read in full before coming to a vote - and then they killed it. This is about the eighth bill they have insisted upon having read in its entirety aloud in the House Chamber.
This is simply an unbelievable tactic to stall and delay work on important legislation like Charter Schools, school district consolidation, voter ID, etc. This costs the voters money and keeps them from doing the work they were sent to the Capitol to do.
We are asking you to call your legislators to request them to get to work to respond to their sworn duty.
Call the Capitol switchboard at 601-359-3770 to leave a message for your legislator. The switchboard operators can take your message directly to your legislator on the floor of the House of Representatives. Don't forget to leave your name and phone number and ask your legislator to call you back to explain why they are delaying passage of many important pieces of legislation.
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Charter schools needed to improve all public schools by MS. Senator,
Nancy Collins 3/12/12
We, in Mississippi, cannot justify any longer, the status quo in traditional public schools. One of our greatest obligations is to ensure that every Mississippi child receives the high quality education that will prepare them for success. Today we are not meeting this obligation. Mississippi received the lowest scores on Education Week’s annual report, Quality Counts. On the Nation’s Report Card, Mississippi’s student achievement is at the bottom of the nation and at 18.7, Mississippi’s average ACT score is the lowest of any state in the nation. This has come at the cost of almost 63 cents out of every state dollar. There has been little or no accountability.
The students of our great state deserve better. A quality education unlocks limitless potential in a child. Well-educated children develop complex skills that allow them to acquire higher wages, establish innovative businesses, and raise productive children of their own. The heartbeat of economic development and an engaged citizenry is a quality education. If this generation’s educational achievements determine the future prosperity of our great state, why does Mississippi continue to shackle parents and their children to the school of their property instead of the school of their choice?
Governor Phil Bryant partnered with concerned citizens, members of the MS Tea Party and the MS Federation for Immigration Reform & Enforcement (MFIRE) today at the state capitol inJacksonto endorse House Bill 488, Rep. Becky Currie's Illegal Immigration Enforcement Bill. The bill also contains provisions to strengthen the E-Verify Law.
Also present and speaking were Dr. Rodney Hunt for MFIRE, Roy Nicholson for the MS Tea Party, and Bill Marcy, candidate for congress.
Governor Bryant expressed his strong support for the proposed law. All of the speakers spoke of their support for legal immigration and each emphasized that there is a legal and proper way to enter this country.
All noted the high unemployment rate in the state and the extreme financial cost to taxpayers of illegal immigration. They include the loss of jobs for citizens and the cost to taxpayers for entitlement benefits for illegal immigrants.
MFIRE and the MS Tea Party believe that HB 488 will come to a vote on the House floor and all indications are that it will pass by a substantial margin. From there it will move to the Senate which is controlled by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTION
The Mississippi Tea Party believes in the dignity of all human beings and believes that all people are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights. But possession of this inherent dignity and these fundamental rights does not empower one person to infringe on the rights of another. Among the rights all human beings are entitled with is the right of private property. That right is a foundation on which many our other freedoms rest and it is the corner stone of a civil society in which the actual rights of all people can be enjoyed to their fullest.
Since the purpose of government is to secure those rights so it is that we require our government to take the legislative and law enforcement steps necessary to ensure that the property rights of it citizens are protected at both private and public levels.
We expect people who are not citizens of our great country to respect our rights and not be in our country illegally. And since it is our citizens who have themselves funded from their own pockets the many benefits provided for citizens we expect our government to withhold those benefits and entitlements from all who are not U.S. citizens.
At the same time we condemn the abusive treatment of any who are here illegally, or suspected of being so. We require that the actions of all persons, both private and public, show the highest respect for the native human dignity possessed by all people even while enforcing our laws and protecting the rights of citizens.
Roy Nicholson
Chairman
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From our friends at the Mississippi Center for Public Policy
The Mississippi House of Representatives is expected to be voting THIS WEEK on House Bill 888, the Public Charter School bill. It is scheduled to be considered Wednesday in committee and could come before the full House of Representatives as early as THIS THURSDAY.
The opponents of charter schools are working diligently to stop the push for school choice. They are pressuring legislators to vote against this bill, or to amend it in ways that severely weaken it. Your Representatives need to hear from folks who support more public school options for Mississippi families!
Please contact your Representative today and urge him or her to VOTE YES on House Bill 888, the Public Charter Schools bill!
Don’t Keep Charter Schools From So-Called “Successful” Districts
Some opponents of charter schools are pushing an amendment that would keep charter schools out of “successful” districts. In the first place, even in truly successful districts, there are students who are not succeeding. In many cases, the smaller setting, the unique focus, the stronger discipline of a charter school could help those students excel. Parents of those students should not be prohibited from sending their children to a nearby charter school.
But even if you disagree with that viewpoint, it is important to know that a rating of “Successful” by the State Department of Education doesn’t mean a school or district is actually successful. In fact, 44 percent of schools rated “Successful” scored in the bottom half of achievement scores. There are two districts rated “Successful” that have NO schools that are rated that high. For more on this topic, go to http://mspolicy.org/mcpp_reports/mcpp_reports_view.php?entryID=311
Charter schools should be allowed in any district where there is sufficient demand. And that demand should be measured by parents’ interest, not by the predictions of district leaders who fear competition.
KEY POINTS ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS:
A charter school is a public school that is created to meet students’ educational needs in unique ways.
Charter public schools are given freedom from some rules and regulations that traditional public schools have to follow. In exchange for that freedom, a charter school is held to a high standard of achievement and accountability.
If a charter school succeeds, it continues to operate; if it does not succeed, it closes.
No students or teachers are assigned to a charter school by a school district. Parents choose to send their children, and teachers choose whether to apply to a charter school to teach there.
Charter schools should be allowed everywhere and not limited to the worst performing districts.
Please contact your Representative today and urge him or her to VOTE YES on the public charter schools bill!
Also, please write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, post your support on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, or in the comments section under news articles about charter schools.
Imagine how many times such questions were asked when our Patriot forefathers were assembling a militia to confront the British tyranny? Tyranny still exists and patriots are still needed to stand for liberty. We have an opportunity in a few weeks to join fellow patriots from around America in taking a stand for freedom. Will you go?
On March 26-28, the Supreme Court will take up the legal challenges to Obamacare. Tea Party Patriots are asked to assemble in a Road to Repeal Rally in Washington on Saturday, March 24.
Speaking to the importance of this event, CMTP Events Chairman Mike Bostic says, "If the Tea Party is to be taken seriously, there needs to be large numbers show up for this rally and other such events."
To help in the effort to have a strong delegation from MS, Mike is working with Cline Tours to put together a bus trip. Plans are still tentative, however, departure is expected to be around midnight on March 23, arriving in D.C.around 6 p.m. The Rally is at noon on Saturday, March 24. Arrival back in Jackson would be very late on Sunday, March 25.
If you would commit to going, you must notify Mike by 8 a.m. on Monday, March 5. Contact him at michael_bostic@att.net.
This afternoon The Ms Tea Party had an informative meeting with Lt Gov. Tate Reeves in room 216 of the State Capitol. Lt. Gov. Reeves had some opening remarks about what his legislative agenda was for this 2012 session. It is unknown if he realizes what a great turnaround the atmosphere has enjoyed by the change of majority to conservative members of the House and the Senate. He was a little tired since, in the last 36 hours, his wife gave birth to their third daughter! We presented him with cards of well wishes for the new baby and mother.
At that point, Roy Nicholson took the lead to introduce us and by referencing our loyalty to Founding Principles.
Getting down to business, we started with prayer that established that we believe in the Christian principles that were the basis for the Founding Documents. Laura Van Overschelde covered the background of how we came up with what our legislative issues are established over one and a half years ago. Because the important point of that is that it COMES FROM THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI. They were not formulated by a board, but by the people; ANOTHER FOUNDING PRINCIPLE. Included in these are State Sovereignty, Immigration reform, Education reform, Equitable property taxation reform, Welfare Reform, Zero based budgeting. These same issues were presented to Gov. Phil Bryant in January. Information can be found on the Ms Tea Party website to learn particulars about these.
Among the details presented by Richard Wilbourn of Ridgeland, were the problems with Obamacare, its unconstitutional status, the establishment of Insurance exchanges, as well as the individual mandate, and the Supreme Court hearing arguments coming in March of this year. Jennifer West of Hattiesburg presented information that encompasses Agenda 21 which is a United Nations introduced over 20 years ago by Bill Clinton for complete takeover of personal liberties, including property rights. Dr. Rodney Hunt presented information about illegal immigration and its associated costs and depressive effect on employment in Ms.
The Lt. Governor listened attentively to these issues; issues that are of great consequence to our State and its ability to live in harmony and freedom. We were able to present him with facts and white papers that detailed and substantiated our positions.
We also provided him with our "Legislative Issues" refrigerator magnets so that he would have no problem remembering that we intend to continue until we get some action on our actions to get Mississippi back on its feet!
We thank the Lt. Gov. and his staff for their time, and look forward to working with the MS State Senate where possible.
_______________________________________________________ Governor Phil Bryant welcomed a delegation of the Board of Directors representing The Mississippi Tea Party to his office at the State Capitol on Friday, January 20, 2012, for a meeting to discuss the Legislative Agenda for 2012.
At the meeting, key agenda items presented by the Mississippi Tea Party included illegal immigration, tenth amendment issues, equitable property tax, education reform, welfare program reform and zero based budgeting. The deadline for making requests for general bills and constitutional amendments to be drafted during Mississippi's 2012 legislative session is February 16. The Mississippi Tea Party worked closely with Lt. Governor Bryant since forming in 2010 and now looks forward to continuing that work under his leadership as Governor of Mississippi. Governor Bryant will announce his priorities for 2012 during his first 'State of the State' address to be delivered on the South steps of the Capitol on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Now that you've become a member of the Mississippi Tea Party, how else can you get involved? Below are suggestions, laid out by head committee member Roy Nicholson. Does this inspire you to action? Talk about it here on the site in a blog post or a discussion in one of our groups!
MISSISSIPPI TEA PARTY CALL TO ACTION
PRAY FOR OUR NATION AND HER LEADERS AND ORGANIZE PRAYER GROUPS
If God does not intervene, turning the hearts of our politicians and opening the hearts and minds of the citizens, then all is lost.
Invite your neighbors and friends to a prayer meeting at your home or church to pray for the country. It can be as general or as specific as you are led to provide.
The group should pray in ways that they share the most agreement.
If your group sees situations and issues differently than we do, pray anyway. Do not be afraid of any honest prayer. The Father is able to hear our hearts and answer with what is best in His sight.
GET INVOLVED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS
Register to Vote AND Vote.
Vote only for candidates who are of genuine good character that will honor their pledge to support and defend the Constitution and who will not go along with the Socialist agenda coming out of Washington.
Become an active member of your party but stand up for your beliefs and serve on committees and in leadership positions.
Campaign for good candidates who have real character and who will only vote or administrate according to the U.S. Constitution.
Write editorials for your paper, websites, and blogs.
Run for office.
GET ACTIVE AND BE WILLING TO SERVE
• Petition your federal, state, and local governments
Phone them
Visit them
Send them E-mails
Send them letters
Send them petitions with signatures
• Attend every event you can
• Volunteer at events
• Make posters and signs, greet people, do whatever needs doing
BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EDUCATE OTHERS
Educate yourself on our history, our form of government, the history of other types of political philosophies, the political process in your area.
Inform, educate, and motivate your community, neighbors, friends, family
Invite them to attend events, Send them letters & e-mails, call them, invite them to visit web sites, open your house to your neighbors and friends to hear a speaker or review information.
Distribute flyers, put up posters in stores, hand out flyers and pamphlets on the street.
Organize a group to work together doing these kinds of things.
STAY FOCUSED AND STAY IN THE GAME! This is not a one time pep rally or a short term effort. We have to push until we have completely won. We have to continue to sacrifice until our country is restored.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
THE MISSISSIPPI TEA PARTY PRESENTS:
“Governing by Principle” by
Mississippi Center for Public Policy
March 29, 2007
Governing Principles
1. Government exists to protect rights, not to create them.
2. The legitimate power of government begins and ends with the people, while its authority comes from the Creator.
3. Just because a problem exists doesn't mean government should try to solve it.
4. Long-term and cumulative consequences should be considered more carefully than short-term benefits.
5. Government has nothing to give anyone except what it first takes from someone else.
6. Individuals are ultimately responsible for governing themselves and for the consequences of their decisions.
7. Free enterprise, not government, is the engine of personal economic prosperity.
8. The free market should not be distorted by government-designed dictates or advantages.
9. Government has a responsibility to protect the foundational institution of society: the marriage based, two-parent family.
10. Parents, not government, are responsible for the education and upbringing of their children.
Principles provided by: Mississippi Center for Public Policy
http://www.mspolicy.org
Adopted and Promoted by: The Mississippi Tea Party
www.MSTeaParty.ning.com
To read MCPP’s book on the 10 Principles please go to:
Were you confused on the recent events in the MS legislature regarding the 10th amendment? Below is a concise explanation of how it has gone through the legislature and where it is now.
***
In drafting the U.S. Constitution, our founders were concerned about the federal government collecting too much power. The solution that was reached was to limit the authority of the federal government to only those powers specifically named and to divide or separate those powers among the three branches provided for in the Constitution. Among the safeguards included in the Constitution were the 9th and 10th amendments, contained in the Bill of Rights.
The 9th Amendment addresses the rights of the people that are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution and says:
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage other retained by the people."
The 10th Amendment addresses the rights retained by the states and the people and says:
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
Since the 1930's, all three branches of the federal government have been steadily working to erode the rights promised under the 9th and 10th amendments. As the federal government has become larger and larger, the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution have been compromised. In the past year, the federal governments expansion into areas not authorized by the Constitution have dramatically increased, threatening the continued survival of our nation and our way of life.
In response, at least 35 state legislatures have introduced resolutions affirming the 10th amendment and requesting that the federal government cease infringing upon the constitutional rights of the states and the people. Many of those state legislatures have also affirmed the importance of the 9th amendment.
Mississippi is among the states considering similar resolutions. On Thursday, May 7, 2009, the House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 69, which affirmed Mississippi's 10th amendment rights. Unfortunately, in passing the resolution, the Mississippi House of Representatives permitted several amendments to the resolution which took away from the purpose of the original resolution and some which actually contradict the 10th amendment. The passed version of H.C.R. 69 sends mixed signals to Washington and is bad legislation. Prior to closing the session, a motion to reconsider H.C.R. 69 was made, but that motion has not been voted on yet. Since the motion to reconsider is still pending, H.C.R. 69 has not been transferred to the Senate.
On the same day that H.C.R. 69 was passed, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 630. S.C.R. 630 affirms the importance of both the 9th and 10th amendment and was passed without harmful amendments. S.C.R. 630 has been transferred from the Senate to the House. In order for the House to vote on S.C.R. 630, the House Rules committee will have to allow it out of committee and onto the floor for a vote. Even then, S.C.R. 630 will face an uphill battle as those who proposed and voted for the harmful amendments to H.C.R. 69 may try to vote in those same amendments to S.C.R. 630.
The Mississippi Tea Party supports the passage of S.C.R. 630 and can make a difference in this fight. We need to be letting our representatives in the House hear from us, particularly those members of the House rules committee and those members who voted for the harmful amendments to the H.C.R. 69. In the coming days, we will be posting sample correspondence and talking points, along with the names and contact numbers of key representatives. Please check back and make a point to commit to letting our representatives hear from you. In all of your contact with members of the legislature, please be respectful, but firm in your conviction. Remember that today's opponent can be tomorrow's friend!
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Thank you for your support of me in my recent campaign for the office currently held by Gregg Harper. Your support was a big help and encouragement to me.
Would you do one more thing for me, please? Would you answer the following question?
But first some background comments... My campaign has convinced me that Gregg Harper must go. I don't think he will vote any…
Who knew the Tea Party's report card would cause any stir at all?
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Who knew such a reaction to the Tea Party's report card would cause any stir at all?
Such strong reactions is a surprise to this writer. So, let's explore. Some legislators object to their grades on the “Report Card.” In an effort to document how they are doing, we listed the major issues that are important to the Tea Party. A grade was then determined of the “performance” and “overall success” (not…
Who knew such a reaction to the Tea Party's report card would cause any stir at all?
Such strong reactions is a surprise to this writer. So, let's explore. Some legislators object to their grades on the “Report Card.” In an effort to document how they are doing, we listed the major issues that are important to the Tea Party. A grade was then determined of the “performance” and “overall success” (not…
Who knew such a reaction to the Tea Party's report card would cause any stir at all?
Such strong reactions is a surprise to this writer. So, let's explore. Some legislators object to their grades on the “Report Card.” In an effort to document how they are doing, we listed the major issues that are important to the Tea Party. A grade was then determined of the “performance” and “overall success” (not…
FORMER SENATOR TRENT LOTT: Standing on Principle or Just Another Hired Gun?
