Senate signs off changes to school merger bill
State senators passed an amended version of HB 833, one piece of Starkville-Oktibbeha County school consolidation legislation working its way through the Legislature, Tuesday that explicitly outlines Oktibbeha County School District Conservator Margie Pulley’s influence in 2015’s state-mandated merger.
Spending-cut efforts hit roadblocks
The budget gurus in Congress have failed for years to find a grand bargain to reduce the government’s long-term debt, so this year they decided to go small.
Disney ends funding to Boy Scouts over gay policy
The Walt Disney Company will cut funding to the Boy Scouts of America beginning in 2015 because of a policy that bans gay adult leaders in the organization.
Report could delay action on road funds until 2016
Proponents of increased Mississippi highway funding aren’t just going to be waiting until 2015.
They’ll probably be waiting until 2016.
Mississippi troopers head to Jackson
Troopers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol converged on the state capitol Wednesday for “Blue Out” day.
The troopers were asking state legislators for more funding, including funding for a new trooper school that would allow for additional troopers to be added to the current 501 active troopers.
Senate passes measure for MUW, MSU library renovations
State senators specifically allocated almost $85 million in bonds to Mississippi’s public universities and junior colleges Wednesday with legislation that, if signed into law, will fund renovations to Mississippi State University’s and Mississippi University for Women’s libraries.
Obama seeking $300 billion for roads, railways investment
President Barack Obama said Wednesday he will ask Congress for $300 billion to update aging roads and railways, arguing that the taxpayer investment is a worthy one that will pay dividends by attracting businesses and helping put people to work.
Clay supes mulling second try for grant to build well
On Christmas Eve in 2012, one of Siloam Water District’s wells on Highway 46 failed. About 300 residences in northwest Clay County were without water until crews could manually open valves from other wells and restore supply.
Miss. House seeks to end self-destruct switch
A figurative self-destruct switch is turned on at many state agencies in Mississippi.
No time bombs are ticking in the office buildings that overlook the Capitol. But laws that authorize many agencies specify a date that the law will be repealed and the agency will cease to exist.
Clay Co. intends to issue notes for projects
Clay County supervisors will advertise notice of intent to issue general obligation notes that would fund additional parking spaces near the courthouse and a voting precinct in District 5.
A new entitlement? The right to preschool
Republican governors and lawmakers who now control a majority of state capitols have been pushing aggressively to cut spending and shrink government — with one glaring exception.
Finalized consolidation plan heading to legislature
Between smiles and handshakes after signing their final consolidation report Friday, members of the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure turned their focus to lobbying lawmakers for legislative language and funding streams needed to successfully consolidate Oktibbeha County School District and Starkville School District.
Universities seek $20M to fund aid formula
The board that oversees state-run universities in Mississippi says it needs more money to complete the transition to a new formula for dispensing funds to the state’s eight public universities.
New merger report draft could become final version
The culmination of almost 15 meetings of the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure could come 9 a.m. Tuesday as committee members are expected to discuss the final draft of their long-awaited school merger report.
Superintendents say funding gap pinches schools
School superintendents say that because Mississippi isn’t fully funding its education formula, their districts have fewer classroom aides, larger class sizes, outdated computers and aging buses.
Our view: Sales tax bill makes sense for city, county residents alike
As the Legislature begins its 2014 session, city officials around the state will be watching closely the progress on a bill that would allow city residents an opportunity to raise money for infrastructure improvements through a temporary sales tax increase.
Merger report draft: Commission could seek up to $20 million
The Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure unveiled a working copy of consolidation recommendations that seeks up to $20 million for construction and operation of a grades 6-7 campus on Mississippi State University land and a pre-kindergarten program created as a demonstration project.
County school group wants name inclusion, equal opportunities
A list of concerns aired Thursday by county school constituents, including adding “Oktibbeha County” to the name of the upcoming consolidated school system and addressing how to provide equal opportunities to all students, are expected to be addressed today by the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure.
Reverse referendum could become merger funding mechanism
The Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure could ask state representatives to add legislative language to HB 716, the Oktibbeha County school merger bill, which would allow for a reverse bond referendum to fund physical upgrades.
28 percent of Miss. roads in bad shape, group says
A national research group said Monday that 28 percent of Mississippi roads are in poor or mediocre condition and 22 percent of bridges in the state need to be repaired, improved or replaced.