By John Mayo

We met all day yesterday and into the early evening attempting to clear as many bills as we could anticipating the snow and sleet to come here tonight.

After the lengthy debate we had on the New School bill, you would have thought we might have settled down.  Such was not the case.

We had a lengthy debate on whether or not the attorney general could initiate price gouging investigations/prosecutions after the governor had declared a state of emergency.  I usually pick up the nuances of these debates -- it appeared opponents to the debate did so because they felt some authority was being taken away from the Governor for managing an emergency.

Maybe the argument flew over my head, but I thought that the Attorney general was the state's attorney and charged with the responsibility of doing such investigations ... that debate lasted almost an hour.

Another bill was passed to prohibit the sale of novelty lighters.  I didn't know there was such an animal...leading a sheltered life and all.  These are lighters that look like guns, rifles, toys, et al.  Children playing with them start fires.

The debate here involved interference with private enterprise...I suppose so, but limiting the sale of C-4 with electric blasting caps is too.  The vote was 94-25.

Another bill passed that allow for the establishment of Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT's).  These are local CT's developed between the regional mental health centers, law enforcement, and other counselors to aid when a law enforcement officer encounters a mentally incapacitated person and requires help. 

Those in north Mississippi are aware of an incident in Memphis where and officer shot and killed a mentally ill person.  CIT's were established there after that incident.

We passed a bill to allow teachers to have professional dues deducted from their wages.  We usually have a lengthy debate on this one, too.  Opponents declare these are union dues.  But, this year was different.  No debate and the bill passed by four votes, I believe it was.

The Appropriations Committee met after adjournment and took a senate bill that would provide funds to mitigate the Governor's cuts.  We amended that bill, finding a

little more money.  The bottom line is, the House restored $35 million to MAEP, senate version had $25.6; House gave Corrections $1 million, senate $ million; Universities got $4.6 from the House $10.6 from the Senate;  Veterans Affairs Board $1.1 from the House, zero from Senate; Community Colleges $4 million from House, $2 million from senate; Health Department $2 million from House, zero from Senate; Mental Health $4 million from House, zero from senate.

Today is deadline day for clearing the House calendar.  Counting Motions to Reconsider, Rules Commending bills, Appropriations, Ways and Means, Laid on Table Subject to call, and finally General Bills there are more than 90 bills to dispose of today...

And then the snow will come.