While I know not everyone will be happy with my vote, I believe you have elected me to use my judgement with all things considered and vote accordingly. Because of that, I believe I have a duty to let you know what went into my decision making. This is why I have published this blog. Just know that both initiatives will be on the ballot. I encourage everyone to research both, judge for yourself and then vote accordingly. I will continue to fight for all 50,000 of my constituents and will continue to make sure we are good stewards of the taxpayers' money. I have heard all the calls and seen the texts. Also, I am glad that citizens got involved in this process. It has forced us legislature to consider this issue more intently. That is good. We need this level of engagement on ALL issues that affect the state. Please feel free to call me at 228-324-3141.
In reading this blog, please keep in mind three overarching factors: education policy in Mississippi is not easy, explained well here by Sid Salter: http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/01/13/salter-column-education-at-political-crossroads/21713099/; second, most important political issues are not black and white as many would have you believe; third, the legislative session is a process that takes three months with different bills touching on the same issue. Click here to go to the resolution.
Why I voted for it:
- First, I am always hesitant to amend the Constitution as we all should be; but, if we are then the voters are entitled to have all the facts and options at their disposal.
- Second, under the referendum and initiative law of Mississippi, that has been around for decades, the legislature is allowed to put forth an alternative to a ballot initiative. Contrary to the media blitz, this is in no way taking away the "people's right" to the initiative process. In fact, it allows the voters to have an additional option to consider. My educated guess (and calling on my law school education) as to its purpose is that in addition to presenting an additional option, issues of public policy and particularly procedure can be confusing. For instance, how does the appropriations process work (in other words, the funding of state government)? I have only now grasped that after serving for three years, and I sit on the Appropriations Committee!. My point is, it is there for the legislature to present an option with its knowledge of the process and statewide issues. YOU WILL NOW HAVE THREE OPTIONS ON THE BALLOT: DO NOT AMEND THE CONSTITUTION, IF YOU WANT TO AMEND IT, THEN #42 OR THE ALTERNATIVE. I believe the voters can read and choose what they want when they are presented with options.
- Third, the alternative uses the word "effective." For me, we need to be looking at how schools and districts are performing; not just how much money is being thrown into the districts. Only 4 of the top 30 districts in terms of per pupil spending, are A or B. In other words, the other 26 are C and below. This also came up in the debate, specifically by the Senate Chairman of Education. "Effective" to me means how districts are performing. Nothing in the initiative that I saw talked about this.
- Fourth, contrary to much in the media, many, many programs are funded outside of MAEP. This includes the recently passed pre-k collaborative act, School for Arts and Sciences, teacher supply funds, vo-tech, early childhood education, National Board Certified Teachers, MCOPS (cops in schools), any add ons. Many of these programs are positive for my district. Otherwise, the money would and could be directed to other parts of the state. Since the trough of the recession, the majority of all new revenue growth has gone to public education and Medicaid (60 percent of new growth).If the proposed initiative passed, either taxes would have to be raised or budgets would have to be cut significantly. (IHL, CC, MDOT, Ag Units, Mental Health). When I have spoken to groups, I have said I am fine with "fully funding;" but I have asked what things do they want cut; I never get a complete answer, I presume because no one wants to cut their favorite programs. That is why I was elected; to make those decisions.
- Fifth, both in the US and Mississippi Constitutions, the legislative branch (Congress and the legislature, respectively) is given the authority over how to spend money. I had serious reservations with the language of the initiative that placed decision authority in the Chancery Courts. This is violating our Founding Fathers' premise of separation of powers by placing spending authority with the judicial branch. Further, while not written into the initiative, Mississippi law requires Chancery disputes to be filed in Hinds County (Jackson). I am not comfortable with this. In effect, this means that a Chancellor in Hinds County could TAKE AWAY the money we already get and send it somewhere else.
- Sixth, During the debate it was discussed that we could increase MAEP funding immediately by $40 million by taking the teacher pay raise we granted last year (which I voted for) and putting it into MAEP. A Democrat on the floor admitted he does not want to do that.
- Seventh, Through the Appropriations process, there will be a chance this year to increase funding for MAEP, while also balancing the budget and funding additional needs of the state.
My Record:
- My children go to public school;
- Last year I was one of only 4 or 5 Republican Senators to vote for an amendment to increase MAEP funding by $60 million. This vote was over the objection of the leadership. The amendment passed forcing the budget writers to redo the budget;
- I was the lead author on the 2013 Early Learning Collaborative Act, Mississippi's first ever public funds to pre-k and early education. I have traveled the state from North to South supporting pre-k. Effectively, this initiative could VERY LIKELY remove that.
- I have voted to increase funding for Board Certified Teachers;
- I have regularly attended school board meetings in Pascagoula and Ocean Springs to provided updates on the legislature and gather information in supporting the districts
Thank you.
