2018 Legislator Business & Jobs Report Card

voted for business/jobs position
voted against business/jobs position
NV = Not Voting or Absent
EA = Excused Absence
P = Present

* Points were not deducted for those voting Present (P) or for those with a Excused Absence (EA). Points were deducted for those Not Voting.


Representatives / Senators

Grade Office Holder Party District
HB 1198This legislation would have required private insurance plans to cover specific health benefits. The costs associated with the mandate would ultimately result in increased premiums. This would impact the ability of small businesses to provide cost effective health insurance. The state employees’ health insurance plan and self-insured (ERISA) plans were exempted, making the financial impact on small businesses even greater. The business vote was against the legislation.
SB 3046SB 3046 was amended in the House to include language from HB 722 and HB 354 which previously passed in the session. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1122This legislation restricts cities and counties from imposing regulations on farmers who are already regulated by state agencies. This is an important step to prevent overregulation by local governments. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2570This legislation prohibits local governments from adopting regulations, fees or taxes on the use, disposition or sale of a bag, cup, bottle or other packaging designed for transporting, consuming or protecting merchandise, food or beverages. This is an important step to prevent more regulation and taxation by local governments. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2479This legislation lowers the investment amount needed to qualify for a fee-in-lieu agreement from $100 million to $60 million. It allows the local governing authorities to enter into these agreements with existing industries in their area that are looking to expand. This legislation is an important step towards giving communities more leverage in recruiting companies to their areas and helping their existing companies grow. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 957This would have created a new per-student public school funding formula designed to improve the way Mississippi funds K-12 education. An educated workforce is vital to the long-term health of Mississippi’s economy. Considering the budget realities facing the state, ensuring that taxpayer funds are spent effectively is important to the business community. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1649This is the omnibus bond bill which included $45M for improvements to the state-owned shipyard in Pascagoula and $50M for the Local System Bridge Program. This legislation is important to support the largest private employer in the state as well as to maintain critical infrastructure. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2097This legislation allows for a "free port warehouse" tax exemption to apply to property that is consigned to a licensed free port warehouse for storage pending transit. The granting of this exemption is at the sole discretion of the local governing authority. This change recognizes the critical nature of just-in-time supply chains and helps incentivize more development of warehousing infrastructure. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2418This legislation increases the axle tolerance allowed for vehicles operating under a harvest permit and certain vehicles loading and unloading at a state port. It increases the tolerance allowed on each axle from 5% to 10%, which will allow greater flexibility in the transport of forest products to manufacturing facilities. It also allows manufacturers to continue to use their harvest permit to transport products from a holding facility to the processing plant. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2473SB 2473 makes business/landlord-friendly changes to the Residential Landlord Tenant statutes. It protects the landlord’s rights to collect late fees as well as rent and allows the landlord to evict for any event for which the lease provides eviction as a remedy. Changes were made to speed up the eviction proceeding and allows for the termination of a lease in fourteen days rather than thirty days. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1476This legislation would have ensured that real estate brokers who are lawfully responsible for overseeing licensed salespersons have had ample opportunity to gain the experience that is necessary to oversee, train, and guide their agents. HB 1476 sought to ensure security for consumers, brokers and everyone involved in a real estate transaction. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1238This legislation tried to limit lawsuits against entities that are regulated under the consumer protection act, thus preventing tremendous legal expense placed on businesses that impact economic growth and jobs. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2295SB 2295 provides regulatory predictability and clarifies governing jurisdiction by making clear that the Mississippi Public Service Commission has exclusive original jurisdiction over utility rate disputes, including those brought by the Attorney General. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2836This bill defines the state’s Medicaid services and reimbursement rates. This is critical for physicians and other healthcare providers as Medicaid reimbursement is a driver of economic output in Mississippi. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 722This would have created a 35% diversion of use tax to be divided between cities, counties and the MS Development Authority for road and bridge maintenance. This legislation was an attempt to address the infrastructure needs of MS. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 354This legislation would have allowed for any growth of the general fund over 2% (up to $100M) to be dedicated to road and bridge repair/maintenance. This legislation was an attempt to address the infrastructure needs of MS. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1488This legislation authorized funds to be used by the Mississippi Development Authority to incentivize companies creating new jobs and making corporate investments in the state. Incentives include grants and loans designed to meet the infrastructure needs of new and expanding businesses, workforce training programs, small and minority-owned business assistance programs, and statutory tax incentives. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
Grade Office Holder Party District
HB 1198This legislation would have required private insurance plans to cover specific health benefits. The costs associated with the mandate would ultimately result in increased premiums. This would impact the ability of small businesses to provide cost effective health insurance. The state employees’ health insurance plan and self-insured (ERISA) plans were exempted, making the financial impact on small businesses even greater. The business vote was against the legislation.
SB 3046SB 3046 was amended in the House to include language from HB 722 and HB 354 which previously passed in the session. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1122This legislation restricts cities and counties from imposing regulations on farmers who are already regulated by state agencies. This is an important step to prevent overregulation by local governments. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2570This legislation prohibits local governments from adopting regulations, fees or taxes on the use, disposition or sale of a bag, cup, bottle or other packaging designed for transporting, consuming or protecting merchandise, food or beverages. This is an important step to prevent more regulation and taxation by local governments. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2479This legislation lowers the investment amount needed to qualify for a fee-in-lieu agreement from $100 million to $60 million. It allows the local governing authorities to enter into these agreements with existing industries in their area that are looking to expand. This legislation is an important step towards giving communities more leverage in recruiting companies to their areas and helping their existing companies grow. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 957This would have created a new per-student public school funding formula designed to improve the way Mississippi funds K-12 education. An educated workforce is vital to the long-term health of Mississippi’s economy. Considering the budget realities facing the state, ensuring that taxpayer funds are spent effectively is important to the business community. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1649This is the omnibus bond bill which included $45M for improvements to the state-owned shipyard in Pascagoula and $50M for the Local System Bridge Program. This legislation is important to support the largest private employer in the state as well as to maintain critical infrastructure. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2097This legislation allows for a "free port warehouse" tax exemption to apply to property that is consigned to a licensed free port warehouse for storage pending transit. The granting of this exemption is at the sole discretion of the local governing authority. This change recognizes the critical nature of just-in-time supply chains and helps incentivize more development of warehousing infrastructure. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2418This legislation increases the axle tolerance allowed for vehicles operating under a harvest permit and certain vehicles loading and unloading at a state port. It increases the tolerance allowed on each axle from 5% to 10%, which will allow greater flexibility in the transport of forest products to manufacturing facilities. It also allows manufacturers to continue to use their harvest permit to transport products from a holding facility to the processing plant. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2473SB 2473 makes business/landlord-friendly changes to the Residential Landlord Tenant statutes. It protects the landlord’s rights to collect late fees as well as rent and allows the landlord to evict for any event for which the lease provides eviction as a remedy. Changes were made to speed up the eviction proceeding and allows for the termination of a lease in fourteen days rather than thirty days. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1476This legislation would have ensured that real estate brokers who are lawfully responsible for overseeing licensed salespersons have had ample opportunity to gain the experience that is necessary to oversee, train, and guide their agents. HB 1476 sought to ensure security for consumers, brokers and everyone involved in a real estate transaction. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1238This legislation tried to limit lawsuits against entities that are regulated under the consumer protection act, thus preventing tremendous legal expense placed on businesses that impact economic growth and jobs. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2295SB 2295 provides regulatory predictability and clarifies governing jurisdiction by making clear that the Mississippi Public Service Commission has exclusive original jurisdiction over utility rate disputes, including those brought by the Attorney General. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
SB 2836This bill defines the state’s Medicaid services and reimbursement rates. This is critical for physicians and other healthcare providers as Medicaid reimbursement is a driver of economic output in Mississippi. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 722This would have created a 35% diversion of use tax to be divided between cities, counties and the MS Development Authority for road and bridge maintenance. This legislation was an attempt to address the infrastructure needs of MS. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 354This legislation would have allowed for any growth of the general fund over 2% (up to $100M) to be dedicated to road and bridge repair/maintenance. This legislation was an attempt to address the infrastructure needs of MS. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
HB 1488This legislation authorized funds to be used by the Mississippi Development Authority to incentivize companies creating new jobs and making corporate investments in the state. Incentives include grants and loans designed to meet the infrastructure needs of new and expanding businesses, workforce training programs, small and minority-owned business assistance programs, and statutory tax incentives. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
A
Shane Aguirre Republican 17
A
William Tracy Arnold Republican 3
A
Charles Jim Beckett Republican 23
NV
A
C. Scott Bounds Republican 44
A
Randy P. Boyd Republican 19
A
Charles Busby Republican 111
A
Larry Byrd Republican 104
A
Lester Carpenter Republican 1
A
Gary Chism Republican 37
A
John Glen Corley Republican 106
A
Becky Currie Republican 92
NV
A
Scott DeLano Republican 117
A
Bill Denny Republican 64
A
Robert Foster Republican 28
A
Philip Gunn Republican 56
A
Jeff Hale Republican 24
A
Greg Haney Republican 118
NV
A
Mac Huddleston Republican 15
EA
A
Bill Kinkade Republican 52
A
Timmy Ladner Republican 93
A
Vince Mangold Republican 53
A
Roun McNeal Republican 105
EA
A
Nolan Mettetal Republican 10
A
Sam C. Mims Republican 97
NV
A
Ken Morgan Republican 100
A
Bill Pigott Republican 99
A
Brent Powell Republican 59
P
A
Rob Roberson Republican 43
A
Ray Rogers Republican 61
A
Randy Rushing Republican 78
NV
A
Donnie Scoggin Republican 89
A
Jeffrey C. Smith Republican 39
A
Brad Touchstone Republican 101
A
Jerry R. Turner Republican 18
A
Tom Weathersby Republican 62
A
Jason White Republican 48
A
Patricia H. Willis Republican 95
EA
EA
EA
A
Cory Wilson Republican 73
A
Henry Zuber, III Republican 113
B
Nick Bain Democrat 2
B
Mark Baker Republican 74
NV
B
Shane Barnett Republican 86
NV
B
Manly Barton Republican 109
B
Donnie Bell Republican 21
B
Richard Bennett Republican 120
B
Chris Brown Republican 20
NV
EA
NV
NV
B
Angela Cockerham Democrat 96
B
Carolyn Crawford Republican 121
B
Dan Eubanks Republican 25
B
Casey Eure Republican 116
NV
B
Michael T. Evans Democrat 45
B
Kevin Ford Republican 54
NV
B
Andy Gipson Republican 77
NV
B
Jeffrey S. Guice Republican 114
EA
EA
B
Ashley Henley Republican 40
B
Joey Hood Republican 35
NV
B
Steve Hopkins Republican 7
B
Kevin Horan Democrat 34
NV
EA
B
Chris Johnson Republican 87
B
Steve Massengill Republican 13
B
Missy McGee Republican 102
B
Doug McLeod Republican 107
B
America Chuck Middleton Democrat 85
P
B
Karl Oliver Republican 46
NV
B
Randall Patterson Republican 115
EA
B
John Read Republican 112
NV
B
Margaret Rogers Republican 14
NV
B
Noah Sanford Republican 90
B
Greg Snowden Republican 83
B
Gary V. Staples Republican 88
B
Jody Steverson Republican 4
B
Mark Tullos Republican 79
EA
EA
EA
EA
EA
NV
B
Stacey Wilkes Republican 108
NV
NV
NV
C
David Baria Democrat 122
NV
C
Christopher Bell Democrat 65
P
P
C
Joel Bomgar Republican 58
C
Cedric Burnett Democrat 9
C
Credell Calhoun Democrat 68
C
Dana Criswell Republican 6
C
Oscar Denton Democrat 55
P
C
Deborah Butler Dixon Democrat 63
C
John G. Faulkner Democrat 5
P
P
C
Debra Gibbs Democrat 72
P
P
C
Karl Gibbs Democrat 36
C
D. Stephen Holland Democrat 16
C
Gregory Holloway Democrat 76
C
Lataisha Jackson Democrat 11
P
C
John Thomas "Trey" Lamar Republican 8
NV
NV
C
Carl Mickens Democrat 42
C
Omeria Scott Democrat 80
EA
EA
EA
EA
NV
EA
EA
C
Preston E. Sullivan Democrat 22
C
Sara R. Thomas Democrat 31
EA
EA
EA
C
Charles Young Democrat 82
NV
D
Jeramey D. Anderson Democrat 110
P
D
Willie Bailey Democrat 49
D
Earle S. Banks Democrat 67
NV
P
D
Edward Blackmon Democrat 57
D
Alyce G. Clarke Democrat 69
D
Stephen A. Horne Republican 81
D
Abe Hudson Democrat 29
D
Jay Hughes Democrat 12
EA
D
Robert L. Johnson, III Democrat 94
NV
NV
D
Kabir Karriem Democrat 41
P
P
D
Tom Miles Democrat 75
D
Orlando Paden Democrat 26
NV
D
Willie J. Perkins Democrat 32
D
Thomas U. Reynolds Democrat 33
NV
D
William Shirley Republican 84
NV
D
Rufus Straughter Democrat 51
NV
NV
D
Kathy Sykes Democrat 70
D
Cheikh Taylor Democrat 38
D
Kenneth Walker Democrat 27
D
Percy W. Watson Democrat 103
P
P
D
Sonya Williams-Barnes Democrat 119
P
NV
NV
NV
F
Bryant W. Clark Democrat 47
P
F
Jarvis Dortch Democrat 66
F
Bob Evans Democrat 91
NV
P
NV
P
F
John W. Hines Democrat 50
NV
NV
P
P
F
Robert E. Huddleston Democrat 30
NV
NV
F
Adrienne Wooten Democrat 71
P
P
Results: 120