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.
“It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
-Harry S. Truman
Senate Bill 2444: Teacher Pay Raise
On Friday, the Senate passed our version of the teacher pay bill (SB 2444), which will provide teachers with an average salary increase of $4,700 over two years. My mother, Linda Wiggins, taught for 30+ years. I will take care of our educators, as they so graciously take on the responsibility of teaching future generations of Mississippi.
Senate Bill 2113: Prohibiting the Teaching of Critical Race Theory
Senate Bill 2113, prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory, which I co-sponsored, passed the Senate by a vote of 32-2 on Friday. Critical Race Theory has become a divisive issue in our country. Sadly, some on the left have chosen to use our school systems to breed this divisiveness. SB2113 rightly ensures that no race will be promoted as inferior or superior to any other. President Abraham Lincoln, our first Republican President, reminded us at the Gettysburg Address, “our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. . . It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated . . .to [their] unfinished work.” View my full statement by clicking HERE.
Senate Bill 2451: Mississippi Equal Pay Act
We can no longer be the last state in the nation without an equal pay law for women. Change is long overdue. I am proud to co-author Senate Bill 2451 with Nicole Akins Boyd of Oxford, which provides a remedy for any employee that is paid less for equal work based on sex. I have worked closely with Attorney General Lynn Fitch on this bill to ensure equal footing for the women in our workforce. I look at my daughter, and I want this to tell her that the state of Mississippi is good for women in the workforce and for our next generation of women. Click HERE to read the article by Mississippi Today in which I was quoted to read more. I will call the bill up for committee consideration on Tuesday this coming week.
Picayune: Coffee at PJ’s
Enjoyed catching up with the locals at PJ’s Coffee in Picayune. This group wasn’t afraid to ask the hard questions and I’m always willing to meet people face-to-face and discuss real issues.
Early Childhood Development Capitol Day
I’m proud to have been on the Legislator Panel for the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance’s third annual Early Childhood Development Day at the Capitol this past Tuesday. With 2013’s Early Learning Collaborative Act which I authored, Mississippi has become a national leader in early education. I take every opportunity to talk about our success. Mississippi’s accomplishments must be told, including in Washington, D.C. Click HERE to watch our policy video on the importance of early education.
Kick Off for First Responders Caucus
A Voice for First Responders Kicks Off! With our first meeting this past Wednesday, we officially started the First Responders Caucus. With it, we will bring an overdue voice to the Capitol for the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to help us. Bipartisan, Senate and House, we’ll fight for the issues that are important to law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, troopers, etc. Having been Assistant District Attorney for years, I am honored to be a founding member and Senate Chairman. I look forward to working with the other founders Rep. Bubba Carpenter (President) and Rep. Jeff Hale (House Chairman). Click HERE to read more about the First Responders Caucus.
Redevelopment in Downtown Pascagoula Keeps Rolling Along
Last year, Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River, Stone, and George Counties all received economic development funds via the BP/GCRF process. The legislature has final say, and I was proud to have been the lead negotiator in the Senate. With its nexus to Ingalls, Chevron, Mobile County and their expanding workforces, making Pascagoula a hub for quality living has been a priority of the Pascagoula Redevelopment Authority. Results matter. Click HERE to read Gulf Live’s article to learn more.
Also, watch our policy video on economic recovery and resiliency by clicking HERE.
The Week Ahead
Work by Committees Will Be in Full Force
ARPA (Stimulus) Funds to Move Through Appropriations Committee (of which I
am a member)Recommendations of Domestic Law Task Force Will be Taken Up in Judiciary A
(which I chair)
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.
