Here is a recap of a few highlights from this week in my role as State Senator from District 52, as well as updates from our Congressional Campaign. Fulfilling my duties as State Senator will be a top priority for me during this campaign. After all, I took an oath to honorably serve my constituents and the Constitution.
“Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, you’ll still ‘beat the pack.
– Gerald R. Ford
Wiggins: Visited The Coffee Shop at Southern Turnings
It was great to catch up with Scott Madux at Southern Turnings! What a wonderful business! Where else can you see woodworking done, get coffee, and buy your wife something she’ll love! Small businesses are the backbone of Mississippi and Scott and Jane, the owners, have something special going. Click HERE to check out their Facebook and give them a follow!
Teacher Pay Raise
I am proud to say a significant pay raise for teachers is on the horizon this legislative session. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, I can tell you this is a priority of this session. The House and Senate each unveiled a plan that greatly increases teacher pay, with differences to be worked out. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and getting them to the Southeastern average will be the goal. I definitely will be voting for these bills! Click HERE to read the Y’all Politics’ article on teacher pay raise to learn more.
Judiciary A Committee Meeting
Tuesday was the first meeting of the Judiciary A Committee. This is one of the “Big 6” committees that oversee all legal issues throughout the state along with procedural issues in criminal law. I am proud to chair this committee and this week we unveiled recommendations from the Domestic and Family Law Task Force.
Click HERE to watch the full committee meeting.
Critical Race Theory In Our Schools: Challenging Mississippi Department of Education
“The fact that there’s even any interest in or connection to Critical Race Theory in these standards is absolutely crazy considering everything that’s going on in the country right now.”—Brice to Dr. Carrie Wright.
The statement above is something I said during the Senate Education meeting on Wednesday in which I questioned Dr. Carrie Wright, the Mississippi Superintendent of Education, on the new social studies curriculum that was recently proposed. I am not afraid to stand up and ask the hard questions, especially when it involves the education of our children. My plan is to attend the scheduled hearing on January 28th to ensure that critical race theory does not creep its way into Mississippi schools’ curriculum.
Click HERE to read the full article where I was quoted by Y’all Politics.
Medical Marijuana Bill Has Passed The Senate
This past Thursday, the medical marijuana bill passed the Senate with a 47-5 vote and now goes to the House for consideration. The people expressed their will through the Initiative 65 process, and with the leadership of Senator Kevin Blackwell and Representative Lee Yancey, the legislature has provided the people with what they have asked for, a medical marijuana program. Getting here took a lot of twists and turns, but after working with the people, the legislature has delivered.
The Senate vote, including my ‘Yes’ vote, reflects the will of Mississippians, and I’m proud to stand with them, not against them like some in this Congressional race have.
Vaccine Mandates: U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Biden’s Vaccine Mandate for Businesses
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate. This is a victory for our Constitutional principles. This is also proof of the Biden administration’s overreach that I have pledged to stand up against (Click HERE to watch my policy video on fighting government overreach to learn more). I am not content to simply stand by. In fact, carrying out what I promised to do, I have drafted a bill that will classify employees’ vaccination status as “social, civil, or political rights” as defined by the Mississippi Constitution and thus protected if violated. Click HERE to learn more about my statement.
Hattiesburg: Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association
I met with MOMA (Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association) and leadership from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at William Carey University in Hattiesburg to talk about the planned William Carey Primary Care Institute. Hattiesburg is the anchor of healthcare in the Pine Belt, and I am committed to making it the best in the state!
Early Childhood Capitol Day
Elizabeth “Biz” Harris of Laurel is a “rising star” in Mississippi early childhood circles. Without hesitation, I agreed to sponsor Early Childhood Capitol Day next week. Biz is Deputy Director of the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance.
Click HERE to watch our video to learn more on the nationally ranked Early Learning Collaborative law I authored as well as the importance of early childhood education.
Mississippi Counseling Association
It’s always great to meet up with friends from South Mississippi, Melissa Windham and Leigh Ann Woods (Pascagoula High School Guidance Counselor) with the Mississippi Counseling Association. Through the pandemic, this group has worked tirelessly in developing new methods to offer counseling to Mississippians during these trying times. We are very appreciative of their hard work
Gulfport: Coffee at Petie’s Eats
Friday morning I sat down with the “regulars” and solved all of the country’s problems over coffee and breakfast! I’m thankful for Harrison County Tax Collector Sharon Barnett for always keeping us straight! #breakfastclub
The Week Ahead
Monday Will Be The Deadline for All Bills To Be Filed
First Meeting of the First Responders Caucus
Budget Hearings
Senate Consideration of Teacher Pay Raise Legislation
Please stay tuned for future blog posts with updates from the legislative session, District 52, community events, and our Congressional campaign. Our campaign is in full swing and as you know, getting our message out takes funding. If you would like to provide financial support, please click the button below.
