By John Mayo

We came in early today to start picking away of more than 200 bills on the calendar.

We took up a dozen bills and I would like to mention two.

We took up one bill that simply extends repealers on a number of issues relating to education, that is, the bill extends the life on those issues.  An amendment was offered to mandate that schools could not begin classes before Sept. 1.

Currently, a school board can pick the start date for their districts.  The only requirement is that they get in the requisite number of days (180, I believe).

After some debate, the amendment passed, 64-54...I voted "no."

Another bill would prohibit employers from firing an employee who files a legitimate workmen's comp claim.  After a longer debate, the bill passed, 61-59.  I am the author of that bill.

We go in Tuesday at 10 a.m.

I appreciate all of the letters I have gotten from DeSoto County teachers.  I do not believe you have heard the last on this issue to find new money to put back into K-12. 

As you know, the Senate on Friday passed a bill taking $50 from the tobacco trust fund.  In our version, we took a like amount from the so-called rainy day fund.  The bill will now go to conference committee to work out differences. 

NOTE: That one is for this current year budget...we have yet to begin on next year's.

P.S.  Most of you who have been on the list know that I am proposing a soda tax bill on sugared up drinks.  I was given and subsequently dropped in the hopper the bill to do that.  It should have a number either Tuesday morning or for sure Wednesday.

When it has one, I will provide it to you.  I have also introduced bills to exempt home exercise equipment and fresh fruits and vegetables from sales taxes.

If Mississippi is to get serious on promoting a healthy citizenry, we need to both penalize unhealthy and offer an incentive for healthy behavior.

John

(John Mayo represents DeSoto County in the Mississippi House of Representatives)