Major issues still pending

By by Videt Carmichael / state senator
April 27, 2004
We are approaching the end of the 2004 regular legislative session and in many ways, the real heart of our work this year is just beginning.
In the next two weeks we will see the final version of bills and resolutions, including appropriations bills, come before us for final action.
Of course, we spent last week without the lieutenant governor presiding as she recuperates from pneumonia. We missed her and expect to see her back this week, but we kept up with our work.
To review briefly and see how we arrived at this point, after both chambers have acted upon each other's bills and resolutions, there are usually small differences between them. Often it's simply a matter of different funding levels or dates when things take effect or are repealed.
We then go into conference committees and try to reach agreement on the differences. Conference committees are made up of three members from each chamber, appointed by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the House.
This time is often when the final agreements between the two chambers on matters of great interest are reached and close attention is paid to the conference process.
For instance, this year close attention will be paid to measures dealing with reform to our civil justice system and funding for such critical areas as education, corrections and Medicaid.
Basically, what will happen is now the final amounts will be awarded to the state agencies and their budgets will be finalized for the 2005 fiscal year. While finalizing those budgets, members will be trying to fund them adequately while at the same time, finding or diverting money to education and the other weighty matters.
It is a difficult process in a normal year and even more difficult this year as we struggle with the effects of three years of an under-performing economy that has left us strapped for cash.
Much has been said about so-called under-funding of education, and it is in this conference process where the education budget will be finalized. I predict that when all areas are studied and final budgets adopted, education will be funded at a very substantial level.
State Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian,
represents District 33. Call him at (601) 359-3770 or write P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215.