NEWSLETTER

Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant
eNewsletter
March 11, 2008

eVideo Update
Jackson, MS - Phil Bryant joins you from the Lieutenant Governor's Office in the Mississippi State Capitol. Click here to see the eVideo update.

Senate Weekly Report
Senate Bill 2988, which requires private employers to use E-verification as a screening method for new employees to help curb the problems created by illegal immigration, cleared all hurdles and is being sent to Governor Haley Barbour. The Senate's victory on Wednesday came when the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2988 shortly after the House Judiciary B Committee approved it.

The legislation also closes a loophole that some employers have claimed existed and prevented them from knowing whether job applicants were truthful in claiming they were legal residents of the United States.

Enforcement mechanisms contained within Senate Bill 2988 include:
* Subjecting violators to the loss or cancellation of any state or public contracts they have.
* Empowering the Department of Employment Security, State Tax Commission, Secretary of State, Department of Human Services and the state Attorney General to seek penalties and sanctions for violations of its terms.

Senate Bill 2988 being approved by the Senate and the House is a big step in addressing the problem of illegal immigration in Mississippi.

The Senate on Friday took up approximately 53 appropriations bills and will take up the remaining items next week in order to meet its March 12, deadline. The deadline also applies to revenue bills originating in the Senate.

The Finance Committee, which continues to meet, also is expected to take up more revenue bills on Tuesday that will require passage by the Wednesday deadline. Other items on the Senate calendar include renaming portions of certain highways in honor of persons who have contributed to their communities, their vocations or to the state.

Recent Press Releases

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BRYANT COMMENDS HOUSE FOR PASSING COMPREHENSIVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM
3.5.08 - In a sweeping 111/8 vote today, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed the most comprehensive form of Illegal Immigration legislation in Mississippi's history. Click here to read the full release.

SENATE PASSES INCIDENT REPORTING LEGISLATION
2.28.08 - Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant was pleased with the passage of Senate Bill 2728 today with only one dissenting vote. The bill clarifies law enforcement exemptions under the State public records act. Click here to read the full release.

SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION AIMED AT PROMOTING HOUSING
2.27.08 - Legislation aimed at helping the Gulf Coast housing market further recover cleared the Mississippi State Senate under the direction of Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant. Click here to read the full release.

SENATE PASSES 50 PIECES OF LEGISLATION
2.20.08 - In an aggressive move today, the Mississippi State Senate under the direction of Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant took up over 50 pieces of legislation. A move that places the Senate in good standing for an approaching deadline on original floor action. Click here to read the full release.

News Stories

EDITORIAL: Ethics advance
2/18/2008 5:32:13 AM
Daily Journal
Phil Bryant promised during his 2007 campaign for lieutenant governor to push for strong new ethics laws. Last week, he delivered on that promise when the Mississippi Senate passed sweeping changes that will increase ethical accountability for public officials. Click here to see the full news article.

Bryant's advocacy on openness is welcomed
Article published Feb 19, 2008
Hattiesburg American
From staff reports
It was refreshing to hear a state official talk about the need for more openness in state government. Lieutenant Gov. Phil Bryant told Hattiesburg American reporter Tim Doherty on Friday that he is an advocate of opening the doors of government to the public. Click here to see the full news article.

Bryant comes through on ethics
By Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
Article published Feb 25, 2008
PHIL BRYANT PROMISED during his 2007 campaign for lieutenant governor to push for strong new ethics laws. Last week, he delivered on that promise when the Mississippi Senate passed sweeping changes that will increase ethical accountability for public officials. Click here to see the full news article.

In the Know

To learn more about what's happening now and check out recent news headlines visit the website often www.ltgovbryant.com