NATCHEZ, Miss. —
Mississippi is back in recession, but few people probably paid much notice a few weeks ago when state economists made the announcement.
In mid-September, economists said Magnolia State payrolls had fallen for the fourth straight month in August.
The decline signaled the big “R,” they said.
Current employment levels in the state are essentially at the same low level experienced in the depths of the recession in 2009.
Because Mississippi’s economy was already bouncing around near the bottom, news that the official notice came wasn’t much of a surprise.
But the news isn’t all doom and gloom, or at least, it doesn’t have to be.
Things can pick up if the state’s leaders remain positive and working hard to create an atmosphere of business growth.
That’s true from the Gulf Coast to Oxford and all points in between. It’s especially true in the Natchez area, where we’re fortunate to have two positive things going for it.
First, we have our natural resources, river access and available flat land, particularly in Concordia Parish.
Second, our business, civic and government leaders are committed to working together to make the business climate in the area as conducive to new growth as possible.
A number of promising business ventures have already been announced through the cooperation and public-private partnership of Natchez Inc. Most of them have yet to begin construction, but their announcement is enough to make the dreaded “R” word just a little less painful since it means hope is on the way.
Online:
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com
Editorials
State economy in bad shape, but some areas efforts show signs of hope
- Editorials
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Bryant tantrum on education major standards was misguided
By the (McComb) Enterprise-Journal:
That was quite a tantrum Gov. Phil Bryant pitched at the College Board recently, criticizing its members for voicing concerns about his effort to increase standards for education majors. -
Legislature to City Hall not sure move
Five Mississippi House members are running for mayor this year, and while name recognition might provide some advantage, lawmakers have had a mixed record in trying to go from the Capitol to City Hall.
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Nation’s economy improving, but state’s still lagging
By The (Jackson) Clarion-Ledger
It’s been a long time coming, but finally there are bright economic signs nationally that seem here to stay a while. -
Armed teachers dangerous idea for school safety
By (Columbus) The Commercial Dispatch:
The Mississippi House of Representatives sent back to the Senate a bill that would arm teachers.
Before sending it over, the House, by a 70-46 vote, amended the Senate’s bill in two major ways. Actually, the House did more than amend it. They neutered it. -
Not every bill grabs headlines
The first two bills that Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed during the 2013 legislative session dealt with money.
House Bill 19 gave more cash to the agency that coordinates a program to put all emergency offices under the same digital communications system. House Bill 20 moved money from the car tag reduction fund to the Budget Contingency Fund. Lawmakers use the contingency fund to cobble together cash for the overall state budget. -
Transparency key to ‘best watchdogs’ oversight
By The (Tupelo) Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal:
Rep. Jerry Turner’s effort to require open meetings of water associations and notice of meetings in which members of boards of directors will be elected remains alive in the Legislature. It should be enacted in the interests of transparency in the running of the nonprofit associations providing water for a significant percentage of Mississippi’s population. -
Miss. makes news, good news, this time
By The (Columbus) Commercial Dispatch:
Generally, when Mississippi makes national news — especially of late — it is not the sort of notoriety we welcome. ...
So March 3, when Mississippi again made national news, we braced ourselves for the embarrassment that was sure to follow.
Only this time, it wasn’t anything to be embarrassed about.
Imagine that. -
Ag’s legal expenses top $2.4M for year
An ongoing lawsuit challenging Mississippi’s foster care system has cost the state at least $4.4 million in legal expenses and fees since 2008.
Expenses continue to rise as the plaintiffs and the state work toward a telephone status conference scheduled for April 25 with U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee. The price tag this year is $1.35 million. -
Ag’s legal expenses top $2.4M for year
An ongoing lawsuit challenging Mississippi’s foster care system has cost the state at least $4.4 million in legal expenses and fees since 2008.
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Higher pay best way to recruit better teachers
By The (McComb) Enterprise-Journal:
A centerpiece of Gov. Phil Bryant’s proposals to improve education in Mississippi is raising the requirements for college students to major in the education field. - More Editorials Headlines
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