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February 16, 2016
The legislative year for 2016 is well under way and things are really beginning to pick up steam as bills are starting to be debated within the different committees and some are even hitting the floor of the Senate. As an incoming freshman you are never sure what committee assignments you may get but I am pleased with the ones I received. For the next four years I will serve on the Public Health committee, the Medicaid committee, the Agriculture committee, Business and Financial Institutions, Finance, Investigate State Office committee, University and Colleges, Wildlife and Fisheries, and also the Education committee in which I will serve as vice chair. All of these committees seem to be a good fit for my background and my career path I have led and also a good fit for the communities I serve in District 35.
A few of the highlights thus far have been the House and Senate passing House Bill 1 which is a $274 million incentive package that will bring two large companies to Mississippi and will create 3500 new jobs between the two for Mississippians. Continental Tire the Americas will build a 5 million square foot facility right off I-20 between Bolton and Clinton. They will inject $1.45 billion dollars into the project and it will be one of the largest facilities in North America. This company has been in the business of manufacturing tires for 145 years and they are located in 53 countries around the world. This is a great “get” for Central Mississippi and there should also be a great deal of business spinoff from this that could be even better for District 35 and its people. The other part of the deal is for a company called Topship which will be located in Gulfport. Topship will invest $68 million of its own money into the project and they will supply and service vessels for offshore oil and gas rigs. Another win for Mississippi!
Last week we passed Senate Bill 2438 which would eliminate elected Superintendents and have them appointed by the elected school boards instead. Most Superintendents are already appointed in Mississippi but this would bring the process under one umbrella. This would now allow for the school districts to go all over the state or all over the country for that matter to find the absolute best candidate for the position. Hopefully this bill would also take out some of the politics involved in the process as it is right now. If final approval takes place this bill would not go into effect until 2019.
Also last week I had the pleasure to visit a Charter School in south Jackson, Reimagine Prep. It was the highlight of my week as I got to see Jackson inner city kids thriving in a great learning environment. Every kid I talked to was so impressive and each one absolutely loved their new school. There is one more Charter School in Jackson but it is my hope to see more of these schools pop up over our state to give students and parents choices about their education and what they feel is best for them and their families. Right now only a student from that school district can attend one of the charter schools but we are looking at legislation right now that will create more choice across the board for all students in Mississippi.
Please let me know if I can ever be of assistance to you or if you have any questions for me. Thanks for allowing me to represent you in the State Senate. I am so grateful for the opportunity! Good Bless!
Chris Caughman
Senator District 35
