Barbour: More tort reform, no taxes

By Staff
from staff and wire reports
Jan. 27, 2004
Gov. Haley Barbour outlined a sweeping vision for Mississippi on Monday, saying he wants to shun tax increases, streamline work force training, limit civil lawsuits and promote charter schools.
Barbour, in his first State of the State speech before a joint session of the Mississippi Legislature, also called on residents to boost their own self-image. The state ranks near the bottom of many national lists.
Barbour's 40-minute, televised speech was the first time in decades the State of the State was presented at night, a move the governor said would give him a chance to reach as broad an audience as possible.
The speech, which began shortly after 6 p.m. in time for local newscasts across the state was aired live on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television and radio.
Barbour, a former Republican National Committee chairman, defeated Democratic Gov. Ronnie Musgrove last fall after a campaign characterized by bickering over the state's economic condition.
While Musgrove pointed to development of the state's first automotive plant near Canton, Barbour said Mississippi had lost too many manufacturing jobs in other industries.
Barbour's speech was interrupted 43 times for applause. During some rounds of applause, including when Barbour called for limits on civil lawsuits, several Democrats sat still while Republicans clapped loudly.
He said Mississippi should establish a board to review the merits of medical malpractice lawsuits before the cases go to court. If the review board finds a case lacks merit, a plaintiff can still go forward but would have to pay all legal expenses including those of the defendant if he loses.
The medical review board was one of several proposals Barbour discussed during his speech that he had mentioned during the campaign.
Other proposals
Barbour said he wants to consolidate all work force training programs under the state Board for Community and Junior Colleges. A host of programs are now spread among several groups, from community colleges to economic-development districts.
The governor embraced several proposals by lawmakers, including one to name a state building for former House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert Clark, D-Ebenezer the first black lawmaker in modern times.
Clark didn't seek re-election last year, and one of his sons now holds his seat.
Barbour also called on more parents to get involved in schools.
State Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian, said he thought the governor's speech was positive because "it wasn't just about money but ideas to save money and streamline government and make it more efficient."
Carmichael said he was glad to hear the governor back private prisons. And he was glad to hear Barbour stress the need to protect military bases including Naval Air Station Meridian from possible closure.
Snowden reacts
State Rep. Greg Snowden, R-Meridian, said he believes most of the governor's proposals are doable during the 2004 Legislature. Snowden said the plan to consolidate work force training "makes good sense."
Snowden said the most difficult proposal for Barbour likely will be additional civil justice reforms. He said the House committee makeup does not appear friendly to addition civil justice reforms.
State Rep. Herb Frierson, R-Poplarville, said he liked Barbour's proposal for strengthening a charter school law. Supporters say charter schools give parents more control over their children's education.
There's nothing wrong with the parents and community running the school,'' Frierson said.