Floor Action By The House Includes Passage Of Key Revenue Bills
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REPORT TO THE PEOPLE
By Tommy Reynolds
District 33 Representative
We passed another important deadline last week. February 23 was the deadline for original floor action on revenue bills passed by the House Committees on Appropriations and Ways and Means. I serve on the Ways and Means Committee.
Ways and Means deals with measures that will provide income to the state. Appropriations decides how that money will be spent.
Most of the bills we addressed on the floor last week had widespread support. Cooperation is a hallmark of a functioning Democracy.
One bill that passed unanimously is House Bill 1564, which would authorize county or municipal leaders to grant a partial ad valorem tax exemption for non-residential property that is being converted to residential property. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 119-0. I believe this is a significant incentive to those who are working to revitalize downtowns all over Mississippi. We see where former businesses are turned into lofts and apartments. They work to enhance the City Centers, bringing community to the area as well as improved economy.
The Pregnancy Resource Act (House Bill 1685), also passed unanimously, would authorize a tax credit for individuals or businesses who donate money to a nonprofit that operates as a crisis pregnancy center. The bill passed with a vote of 115-0.
House Bill 1530 would provide bond money to match federal funds in the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. HB 1530 passed 112-8 and has been sent to the Senate. As you may know, the issue of water pollution is a serious one. I believe this bill, if the Senate agrees, will provide significant help in our efforts to clean up this threat to our welfare.
Certain highway projects around the state would be funded by bond money in House Bill 1686. This bond bill passed 116-3.
Many of these revenue bills include a “reverse repealer” clause, meaning that these bills will go to conference for further revision before the end of the session.
Tuesday, March 1, is the deadline for House committees to pass general bills that originated in the Senate.
If I can be of assistance to you, please contact me. My email address is tureynolds2@gmail.com. My residential address is 1720 North Main Street, Water Valley, MS 38965, and my office address is P.O. Box 280, Charleston, MS 38921. My office phone number is 662-647-3203.
