Looking At The Appropriations Committee In The House
I mentioned that House Appropriations Chairman Johnny Stringer (D-Montrose) said he doesn’t believe Haley Barbour’s budget cutting proposals would pass, and when you look at his Appropriations Committee it is easy to see why:
Johnny Stringer (D), Chairman; Preston Sullivan (D), Vice-Chairman
Members: Tracy Arinder (D); Billy Broomfield (D); Cecil Brown (D); Linda Coleman (D); Mary Coleman (D); Dirk Dedeaux (D); Bill Denny (R); Reecy Dickson (D); Blaine Eaton (D); George Flaggs (D); Herb Frierson (R); David Gibbs (D); Frank Hamilton (R); John Hines (D); Stephen Holland (D); Robert Huddleston (D); Roger Ishee (R); Wanda Jennings (R); Bennett Malone (D); Rita Martinson (R); Warner McBride (D); America Chuck Middleton (D); Diane Peranich (D); John Read (R); Thomas Reynolds (D); Omeria Scott (D); Mary Ann Stevens (D); Rufus Straughter (D); Greg Ward (D); Joseph Warren (D); Tom Weathersby (R)
Added up, there are 25 Democrats and eight Republicans. Just one of those Democrats (Stevens) voted for Jeff Smith meaning you have a 24-9 split between the McCoy caucus and the conservatives.
You may also remember the name Linda Coleman. She supported Smith on the first two ballots for Speaker that resulted in a tie. She switched her vote to McCoy and now sits on the powerful committee.
If a bill that Barbour supports can clear that committee, I believe it would be able to clear through the House (unless several committee members change their minds on the final vote).
And I have said numerous times before, there is nothing wrong with McCoy’s committees or they way he has chosen to run the House since narrowly winning re-election. Just like Jeff Smith and his supporters suffered as a result of their decision to challenge McCoy; I would expect the Republicans/ conservatives to repay McCoy if and when they get 62 votes for Speaker.
Leave the politics out. Do whats right for Mississippi. Cutting back has never hurt anyone. We all know there is tremendous amounts of waste in all programs. I was teacher prior to becoming a mother and the education program is great place to start. Get rid of the assistant teachers that in my opinion are drawing a check. That is a great place to start.
Our state mandates a balanced budget. If the Dems don’t like these cuts then they better find some others. Barbour will not violate that mandate. There is allot of fat in all the departments with the exception of law enforcement. OK all you Dems – get on the boat or build one of your own.