Mississippi News

Mississippi lawmakers propose more pay for themselves

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2022

Mississippi lawmakers propose more pay for themselves

by Geoff Pender, Mississippi Today
February 8, 2022

The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would give lawmakers a pay bump of $6,000 for the first year of a four-year term, and $4,500 a year for the other three years of the term.

Mississippi's part-time legislators are paid a base of $23,500 a year — although most make between $40,000 and $50,000 a year in salary, per diem, reimbursements and other payments. Some lawmakers' total compensation is around $70,000 a year.

The $23,500 includes a base salary of $10,000 a year, plus $1,500 a month for office expenses during months when the legislature is not in session — despite the fact that most lawmakers have other jobs and don't have separate legislative offices in their district. Many rely on Capitol staffers to help with administrative work year-round.

Lawmakers do not receive the $1,500 a month office payment when the Legislature is in session. Typically, the first year of a term the Legislature meets four months, then three months each of the following three years.

Senate Bill 2794 would pay lawmakers the $1,500 in months when the Legislature is in session.

Lawmakers also receive about $150 per diem — living expenses — for each day they spend in Jackson (including those who live in or near it), and mileage reimbursement set at the federal government rate, currently about 58 cents a mile. All members are allowed at least four days a month at the Capitol, with chairmen allowed six days and vice chairmen five days. Extra days must be approved.

The Senate bill, which now heads to the House for consideration, was passed on a “morning roll call vote,” with only a few senators saying they wanted to be counted as a no vote.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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Mississippi News

McComb PD launches app to help fight crime

Published

6 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Byron Brown – 2024-05-16 19:35:53

SUMMARY: The McComb Police Department in Mississippi has introduced a new crime fighting tool, the McComb MS PD App, developed by Tip411. The app allows citizens to give anonymous tips directly to police via their smartphones or by text message. It aims to encourage community involvement in keeping the city safe from violent crimes like shootings and murders. The police chief emphasizes the importance of community policing and hopes that the public will use the app to help fight crime. The app has received positive feedback from some community members who see it as a valuable tool for safety.

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Mississippi News

Hatley students host living wax museum of famous Mississippians

Published

7 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Staff Editor

www.wcbi.com – Kaitlyn Yeatman – 2024-05-16 19:16:45

SUMMARY: Fourth graders at Hatley School in Mississippi spent nine weeks researching famous Mississippians and brought their research to life in a wax museum. The students portrayed different Mississippi natives like Jimmy Buffett, B.B. King, and Britney Spears, sharing stories of their lives and careers. The teachers behind the project hoped to inspire the children to see that hard work and dedication can lead to success, despite their Mississippi roots. The students learned valuable lessons from the project, such as perseverance and never giving up, as they embodied their chosen famous Mississippians in the spotlight. This was the first year for Hatley's Famous Mississippians Wax Museum.

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Mississippi News

Governor signs bill banning ‘squatted vehicles’ in Mississippi

Published

7 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Staff Editor

www.wcbi.com – Anthony Jenkins – 2024-05-16 19:11:31

SUMMARY: Beginning July 1, driving “squatted vehicles” with front fenders raised four inches or more higher than the rear fenders will be illegal on Mississippi roads. Governor Tate Reeves signed House Bill 349 into law, making it a misdemeanor to drive these modified motor vehicles. The law aims to improve road safety, as the configuration of squatted vehicles poses visibility issues and potential dangers for other drivers. Truck owners are encouraged to ensure their vehicles comply with the new regulations, with local businesses offering free assistance in measuring and adjusting vehicle height. Violators could face fines or a suspended driver's license.

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