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Good morning! I wanted to share this update with you.
Friday, January 29th marked the end of the fourth week of the 2016 Legislative Session, and the start of a new term in the House of Representatives. On January 5th, the first day of the 2016-2020 Term, Rep. Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) was re-elected by acclaimation as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Most of the month of January has involved seating newly-elected members of the House and Senate and addressing the election controversy for House District 79 (Tullos v. Eaton). Meanwhile I have personally been working on several bill requests, and the deadline for introduction of bills will be during the week of February 8th. All proposed bills will soon be available for review on the legislative website online at www.legislature.ms.gov.
The last couple of weeks have been focused on ceremonial requirements of the inauguration of Gov. Bryant, Lt. Gov. Reeves and seating of other statewide officials. Meanwhile Speaker Gunn has been considering House committee appointments. On January 29, 2016 the Speaker announced his appointments, and for the next term I was named as Chairman of two separate committees: the House Judiciary B Committee which I previously chaired, and the House Ethics Committee, a new assignment for me. In addition, I was named as a member to the following committees: Appropriations, Agriculture, County Affairs, Insurance, Municipalities, and Transportation. I am humbled to have been considered for these roles, particularly being the chairman of these two committees. And, as a new member of the House Appropriations committee I will be involved in the budgeting and spending process for the State of Mississippi.
Speaking of the budgeting process, this year promises to be a tougher year due to revenues growing less than anticipated. Fortunately we do have reserves from which we can operate temporarily if need be, but I expect a conservative budget for the State this year. I also expect that the Legislature will address school funding issues in a meaningful way.
In the coming days I will update you on significant events at the Legislature, and I invite you to send me your ideas and thoughts. I will also update you on the particular legislation I am sponsoring in the House of Representatives.
Please call me if I may be of assistance to you: 601-847-0417 (Home); 601-359-1541 (Capitol Office when in Session); gipson.andy@gmail.com or agipson@house.ms.gov (e-mail). Thank you again for allowing me to serve you in your House of Representatives.
Sincerely, Rep. Andy Gipson
