Billy McCoy’s Legislative Budget Committee
When Billy McCoy narrowly defeated Jeff Smith for another term as Speaker of the House, he had two options for how to govern. One option would be to reach out to those who opposed him, realize the divisions he had caused, and try to work with all members of the legislature to form the best legislation possible. Or, he could try to silence his opponents. He chose the ladder. Now, there is nothing wrong or illegal with what McCoy is doing. In fact, it is tradition with Speaker’s in Mississippi to reward their friends and punish their opponents. McCoy is clearly well trained in that regard.
An example of McCoy’s tactics is the Legislative Budget Committee. This week we heard how a bi-partisan group of legislators formed the first draft for budget that we will see from the legislative branch. There is nothing bi-partisan about the committee McCoy put together in the House.
McCoy serves as Vice-Chairman. Other members include Cecil Brown, George Flaggs, Stephen Holland, Diane Peranich, Johnny W. Stringer, and Percy W. Watson. They are all Democrats.
On the Senate side, Phil Bryant is Chairman of the Legislative Budget Committee. Other members include Terry C. Burton, Hillman Terome Frazier, Jack Gordon, Billy Hewes, Dean Kirby, and Alan Nunnelee. Of those members, two are Democrats (Frazier and Gordon) with the remaining four being Republicans.
Mr. McCoy: I tried to reach your office several times today (Mon., 2/1) and never got an answer on the phone. My friend got an answer and was asked to hold which she did for TWENTY FIVE MINUTES (25) and no one ever came back on the line. In these respects, that office reminds me of the present Congress of the United States in that it seems you ALL HAVE FORGOTTEN WHO YOU WORK FOR……….IT’S ME, MRS. TAXPAYER. Generally, people who are employers have some say in whether the employees keep working for them or not!!!! M. Renaud
Mr. McCoy: One further comment is that on my last try to reach your office, I did receive a very pleasant lady who took my message for you. I stand by the comments I made in my original email to you; however, since I did reach your office I felt I should make this known. Thank you, M. Renaud