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Legislature convenes for 2017 session
Rep. Noah Sanford
On Tuesday, January 3, the House and Senate gaveled in to begin the 2017 legislative session. The constitution provides for a 90-day session; we will finish up our duties in early April, if not sooner. It is too early to tell what issues may surface, but a few are likely.
BP Settlement. The legislature will have discretion over how to spend $110 million that has come into the state’s coffers this year as a result of the BP oil spill. This settlement money is meant to replace money that would have come into the state’s coffers (i.e. state income tax, sales tax, etc.), but did not because of the oil spill. Coastal lawmakers believe that, because the oil spill most affected the coast, that the coast should receive all or nearly all of the settlement funds. Most other lawmakers believe the money should be spread around the state because it is meant to replace money that would have been spread around the state. Individuals, businesses, and cities/counties on the Coast have already received settlements for their damages.
Infrastructure Improvements. The need for better roads and bridges on all levels—state, counties, and cities—has been discussed around the state for the last few years. MDOT has requested an increase of hundreds of millions of dollars, while counties and cities have also asked for more funds. The Mississippi Economic Council and a few other groups, both liberal and conservative, have been pushing an increase in the gasoline tax to achieve this. The current gasoline tax of 18¢ is the lowest in the Southeast and has been the same since 1987. Meanwhile, most costs associated with road and bridge construction have risen considerably—some more than doubling—since 1987. The opposing argument, of course, is that no one wants to pay more in taxes.
I will keep you abreast of these issues and others as they arise. Again, I appreciate your giving me the opportunity to serve. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at nsanford@house.ms.gov or at 601-517-6622.
Rep. Noah Sanford represents parts of Covington, Simpson, and Jefferson Davis Counties in the Mississippi House of Representatives.
