Legislative Update 29

August 18, 2008

Dear Friends,

This afternoon, Tropical Storm Fay made landfall over Key West. The second landfall is scheduled to occur tomorrow morning. After Hurricane Katrina, it’s hard to break out of storm tracker mode. Let’s keep the folks in the southern third of coastal Florida in our prayers as they deal with the wind and rain.

Transportation Committee Hearings

I am in Jackson for Transportation Committee Hearings. Our committee will be discussing Drivers License Services, Graduated Drivers Licenses, and Distracted Drivers. I want to thank those of you who have contacted me regarding these issues and will let you know about legislation that is coming down the pike.

Appropriations for Political Purposes

Today, I learned that the Management Committee for the House of Representatives approved an appropriation that would have allowed for a House member to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. A few minutes ago, I spoke with this member and have learned that he intends to attend the Convention on his own dime. I told this member that I appreciated his willingness to change his mind and that I thought he had made the right decision.

I do not believe that taxpayers should pay for political activities. This happens on both side of the aisle and it should stop. Many of you know that I have co-sponsored bills to bring more transparency to governmental transactions and political activities. As we continue this process it will be essential that members of both parties commit to ending governmental waste.

Upcoming Conservation Hearing in Jackson County

Some of you may remember that during the regular session, I requested that the Conservation and Water Resources Committee include Jackson County on their tour of the state to discuss issues like pollution, the Richton Salt Dome, and activities affecting our local utility districts. Thankfully, Chairman John Mayo has agreed and the entire committee will be visiting our county in September.

The committee will be conducting a public hearing on Tuesday, September 9 at the Jackson County Courthouse. The hearing will begin around 10:30 a.m. When I know a precise time and courtroom, I will let you know.

Metal Theft Bill

A federal judge upheld the Metal Theft Bill passed during the Special Session. U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate denied a request by Metal Management Mississippi Inc. to do away with a part of the law that requires recyclers to tag and hold certain metals, including copper, for three days before mailing checks or making electronic transactions for the metals.

How to Contact Me

If you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to call me on my cell phone at 228-326-7649 or e-mail me at bjones@house.ms.gov. Please feel free to forward this report to folks in our district and let me know if I need to add someone to my list.

I will also be posting my updates and House related news on my campaign website at www.electbrandonjones.com.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Brandon