POPLARVILLE —
In preparing this first article for 2013, the big topics running through the media include the ominous "fiscal cliff" and the “debt ceiling" incurred by our federal government. While my column is primarily focused on local economic and education issues, why would these big federal issues deserve attention in this space?
If our federal government does not reach some kind of resolution, a lot of people will certainly be hit where it hurts most, in the pocket book. Economists project that the effects on an average American family of four, with a combined household income of approximately $50,000 would result in a net increase in tax withholding to be paid in federal income taxes of $1,870 per year; or a 26.45 percent increase (http://www.paycheckcity.com/fiscalcliff/cliff.html). That would effectively remove about $160.00 per month in spending power from an average American family. Not only would this hurt that average American family, but it is going to hurt the many businesses where these families spend their money. It does not take an economist to see where this would take our city, county, state and country; most probably into another recession. And all of this is taking place just as we seem to be crawling out of the current Great Recession.
Of course, law makers understand this, but face the fact that the government has reached it's current debt ceiling which is at a whopping $16.4 trillion dollars. This debt has certainly been built up due to government spending caused by this current Great Recession. This certainly places lawmakers "between a rock and a hard place"; how does the government pull this country out of this big hole?
Does the government increase taxes, or cut spending? Or both? These are really perplexing issues that will certainly dominate major media headlines in 2013. Without a doubt, taking money from the average American's pocketbook and diverting that to the federal government in the form of taxes effectively takes money from the local economy. Let's hope that the government finds a way to reduce the deficit without sacrificing the average American's standard of living, and the many local businesses that rely on them. If the government navigates down the higher tax route, then many average citizens will hit their own personal "fiscal cliff" and "debt ceilling."
(Dr. Alsobrooks currently serves as the Vice President of Economic and Community Development at Pearl River Community College.)
Business
A Happy New Year — we hope
- Business
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- Dual Enrollment Practical Nursing Program available at PRCC Some students possess the maturity level and academic wherewithal to begin studying toward a fruitful career path while still in high school. It is no secret that many earn most of the necessary credits towards a high school diploma by the completion of the junior year of school; thus, requiring the student to attend high school for part of the school day during their senior year. Many students have jobs or extracurricular school activities, such as band or athletics, to help round out the day. However, those not in falling into these categories often ended up with a lot of free time; fortunately policy makers in Mississippi are finding ways to assist these students.
- Senators Burks Hill and Smith along with Representative Frierson panelists for Chamber Business Review The Greater Area Picayune Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Review for the business community, at Char Southern Steakhouse, Monday at 5:30 p.m. Panelists included State Senator District 40 Angela Burks Hill, State Senator District 47 Tony Smith, and State Rep. Herb Frierson of Poplarville. All are Republican. They spoke on the past session and bills they either authored or helped pass which impact local and state businesses.
- Investing in the community one building at a time There is a bit of a renaissance occurring in Pearl River County. This is happening one building at a time. It seems to be happening rather quietly, but the end results are going to help shape the future of the county and the cities located here.
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Medical Group gives back to community
, Children’s International Medical Group is proud to announce the opening of their pediatric clinic in Picayune.
The clinic is one of many throughout La. and Miss. which brings compassionate care centered around pediatric patients and the community in which they live.
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Charter Bank names Westfall as VP
Charter Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Westfall as vice president of business development and marketing. His responsibilities will be to lead business and community development and oversee all marketing efforts for the bank.
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Weak Oracle sales, Cyprus fears weigh on US stocks
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street Thursday after Oracle’s weak sales results weighed down big U.S. technology companies. Traders also worried about Cyprus running out of time to avoid bankruptcy.
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Mississippi REALTORS® hold annual REALTOR® Day at the Capitol
On Feb.7, 2013 Pearl River County REALTORS® joined more than 120 Mississippi REALTORS® at the Mississippi State Capitol to take part in REALTOR® Day at the Capitol.
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More than school board needs to be changed: Part 2
Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
At quick glance, it is easy to see that the Mississippi economy will only need about 25 percent of its workforce at the bachelor’s level or higher. Most jobs still require only a high school degree, but many well paying jobs will require some sort of 2 year degree or a post high school type credential such as a certificate in welding, carpentry or plumbing. -
HORNE LLP welcomes Picayune native as spring accounting intern
HORNE LLP, one of the top accounting and business advisory firms in the nation, recently welcomed Melissa Pigott of Picayune, Miss., as a spring accounting intern. A total of 26 accounting students were selected for the highly competitive internship program.
Pigott is a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and is completing her internship in assurance services in the Ridgeland, Miss., office location. -
More than school board needs to be changed: Part 1
By Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
The Senate Education Committee passed Bill 2141 recently. The bill is championed by local Senator Tony Smith. While the bill would not affect Pearl River Central Schools, it would change the Picayune and Poplarville School Districts from a mix of appointed and elected board members, to all elected. An amendment was put in the bill to require board members to have at least one year of college. - More Business Headlines
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