Legislative Update 42

January 11, 2009

Dear Friends,

Response to the Governor’s State of the State Address

This Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00 p.m., Governor Haley Barbour will deliver his State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate. I am honored to have been tasked with providing the response to the Governor’s address. Both speeches will be aired by Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

Insurance Department Awarded $1 Million for Wind Mitigation Program

You will recall that in last week’s update, I discussed the importance of a wind mitigation program in Mississippi. I am pleased to let you know that the Mississippi Development Authority and Governor Barbour awarded a $1 million grant to the Insurance Department for a home mitigation study. This is an important first step towards establishing a mitigation program in our state. The Governor, Insurance Commissioner, and MDA deserve credit for prioritizing this insurance initiative.

House Bill Would Restore Higher Education Funding

On its second day, the Mississippi House approved a measure to restore funds that were recently cut from Mississippi’s community colleges and universities. The $17.2 million appropriation is intended to be used for core education components at state schools.

Senate OKs Property Tax Break

A bill passed by the Senate would increase the homestead property exemption from $75,000 to $100,000 for people who are over 65 or totally disabled. Many of you will recall that I have submitted a similar bill on the House side. It is my hope that we will be successful in providing this important relief for our elderly and disabled.

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