Jackson Free Press

First Black Judge Sworn In Under Barbour

The state of Mississippi swore in its first African American judge under Republican Gov. Haley Barbour this morning.

MAEP and Museums

A showdown may be gearing up between the Mississippi House of Representatives and Gov. Haley Barbour on the use of $65 million in federal funds for public education this year.

Governor Signs Tanning Bill

Yesterday, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill into law that restricts the use of tanning beds by those under the age of 18.

Lawmakers Approve Compromised PSC Funding

State lawmakers passed appropriations bills for the state Public Service Commission and Public Utilities Staff this morning, completing the Legislature's work for this session. The House and Senate agreed on …

Scott Sisters Rally Draws Hundreds to Capitol

Hundreds gathered on the south steps of the state Capitol today to rally in support of Jamie and Gladys Scott, two Scott County women serving life sentences for a 1993 …

Barbour Wants $100 Million Cuts in Education, Mental Health

Gov. Haley Barbour wants to cut more than $100 million from education, mental health and other state services.

Barbour Flaunting Phantom Surplus

State legislators are accusing Gov. Haley Barbour of misrepresenting the condition of the state budget.

Senate Grants Barbour More Budget Power

The Mississippi Senate passed a bill yesterday that would give Gov. Haley Barbour greater leeway in cutting state agencies to balance the state's budget. The bill, Senate Bill 2495, would …

Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em

Graphic courtesy of The Mellman Group

The Mississippi Legislature made a second attempt at tax reform this year, with the House's approval of Senate Bill 3084 on a 79 to 41 vote. The bill is an …

[Dickerson] Civil Rights Ain't Just History

Gov. Haley Barbour did the right thing by lobbying for a civil-rights museum.

Green Stops Pardons; Barbour Explains, Sort of

Also see: JFP investigation of Barbour's 2008 Pardons of Domestic Killers

Franks Responds to Barbour's State of the State

[verbatim] Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Jamie Franks today released the following response to Gov. Barbour¹s State of the State address:

Flaggs Backs Down on Mergers

Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, has changed his tune somewhat regarding Gov. Haley Barbour's budget recommendation for merging Mississippi's historically black colleges and universities.

[Media Buzz] A Poll Is A Poll Isn't A Poll

After the Jackson Free Press broke on our blog May 15 and then in our print edition May 18 that Gov. Haley Barbour has some of the worst gubernatorial approval …

PERS Commission Report Delayed

Public employees and politicians anxious to see recommendations from a commission studying the Public Employees' Retirement System will have to wait a while longer.

Budget Shortfalls Greater than Anticipated

Mississippi Legislators are on their way back to Jackson to begin the extended 2009 session that kicks off tomorrow. Topic No. 1 on the agenda is the state's budget for …

House Approves Eminent Domain Limits

The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday restricting the use of eminent domain. The measure is similar to a voter initiative scheduled for the 2011 ballot and a …

Mississippi Energy Policy Institute Formed

Gov. Haley Barbour has announced the formation of a group dedicated to coming up with energy policy for the state. The group, the Mississippi Energy Policy Institute, will be part …

Fourth Time's A Charm?

In a session rivaling all others this year in terms of brevity, state lawmakers approved $14 million for Baxter Healthcare in Cleveland July 15 in less than two hours. The …

Minor and Stringfellow on Barbour's lack of diversity

Columnist Bill Minor writes: "Looking at the lineup of four white, male, mostly 60-something Barbour Administration appointees named last Friday, several to head socially-sensitive state agencies, two thoughts immediately came …