BIPEC- Business and Industry Political Education Committee

01 Jul
2025

2025 “BUSINESS & JOBS” LEGISLATOR REPORT CARD

BIPEC (Business and Industry Political Education Committee) has released its Legislator “Business & Jobs” Report Card for the 2025 legislative session. The BIPEC Report Card is a way to highlight pro-business legislators for their work supporting economic growth, job development, and business-related issues from the 2025 legislative session.

“BIPEC recognizes and appreciates the efforts of legislators who work to support Mississippi’s business climate and job creation,” said BIPEC President & CEO Derek Easley. “For the business community of Mississippi, the Report Card is meant to serve as a resource. It is a tool to see our legislators’ measured performance and support for the growth of jobs and economic development in Mississippi.”

BIPEC is a 501(c)(6) membership organization founded in 1980 by Mississippi’s business and professional leaders. BIPEC is a nonprofit association comprised of individuals, trade associations, and companies that unite to protect and advance free enterprise through research, education, and member action. BIPEC’s purpose is to learn about the backgrounds, voting records, and key positions of members and candidates for the Mississippi Legislature, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals. BIPEC disseminates credible research findings to its members and educates the membership network on the impact that legislator- and judge-made decisions have on Mississippi’s economic growth, business attractiveness, and the general prosperity of the State’s employers.

View the Senate scores
View the House scores

View the list of Bill Descriptions Included in the Report Card

17 Jul
2024

2024 “BUSINESS & JOBS” LEGISLATOR REPORT CARD

BIPEC (Business and Industry Political Education Committee) has released its Legislator “Business & Jobs” Report Card for the 2024 legislative session. The BIPEC Report Card is a way to highlight pro-business legislators for their work supporting economic growth, job development, and business-related issues for the legislative session.

“BIPEC recognizes and appreciates the efforts of legislators who work to support Mississippi’s business climate and job creation,” said BIPEC President & CEO Derek Easley. “For the members and supporters of BIPEC, the Report Card is a resource for the business community. It is a tool to see our legislators’ measured performance and support for the growth of jobs and economic development in Mississippi.”

BIPEC is a 501c6 membership organization founded in 1980 by Mississippi’s business and professional leaders. BIPEC is a nonprofit association comprised of individuals, trade associations, and companies who unite to protect and advance free enterprise through research, education, and member action. BIPEC’s purpose is to learn backgrounds, voting records, and key positions of members and candidates for the Mississippi Legislature, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals. BIPEC disseminates credible research findings to BIPEC members and educates BIPEC’s membership network on the impact that legislator and judge-made decisions have on Mississippi’s economic growth, business attractiveness, and the general prosperity of the State’s employers.

View the Senate scores
View the House scores

View the list of Bill Descriptions Included in the Report Card

31 Oct
2023

Importance Of Gubernatorial Appointments

On Tuesday, November 7, Mississippians will vote to elect a Governor. This race will have a significant impact on the future of our state. Attached, you will see how the next Governor will affect everything from the courts to state agencies. Governor Tate Reeves has a proven record and has shown leadership on issues vital to the continued growth of Mississippi’s economy.

People need to know that Gubernatorial appointments directly impact the success of Mississippi’s businesses.

The Importance of Gubernatorial Appointments

In the Courts

In the event of a vacancy, the Governor appoints judges to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and County Court.
To get an idea of how many judicial appointments the next Governor might make, as of October 2023, the total number of judicial appointments made by Governor Reeves is 15. Former Governor Bryant made 21 appointments to the judiciary, and former Governor Haley Barbour made 19. Former Governors Bryant and Barbour appointed five of the nine current Supreme Court Justices. Governor Reeves and former Governor Bryant appointed five of the ten current Court of Appeals Justices.

At the Federal Level

In case of a vacancy in the office of a US Senator, the Governor appoints a Senator to fill the vacancy.
- Governor Haley Barbour appointed Senator Roger Wicker (R)
- Governor Phil Bryant appointed Senator Cyndy Hyde-Smith (R)
The Governor must approve congressional redistricting, which is the process of drawing new congressional district boundaries.

At the State Level

The Governor himself serves on numerous boards and commissions that serve an essential role in shaping public policy and programs that have long term impacts on the state. The Governor serves on the following:
- State Bond Commission
- Election Commission
- Appalachian Regional Commission
- Delta Regional Authority
- Southern States Energy Board
- Occupational Licensing Review Commission

Also, the Governor is empowered to call special legislative sessions and set the purpose and agenda for the session in advance. The Governor also has the power to veto legislation.

Appointments to State Agencies, Boards & Commissions

The governor appoints directors of state agencies and numerous boards and commissions which regulate business and industry, healthcare, public safety, local governments, etc. within the state.

Banking & Consumer Finance
Child Protective Services
Department of Employment Security
Department of Environmental Quality
Department of Finance & Administration
Department of Human Services
Department of Marine Resources
Department of Medicaid
Department of Public Safety
Department of Rehabilitation Services
Department of Revenue
Homeland Security
Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
National Guard Adjutant General
State Aid Road Construction
State Public Defender

Agencies, Boards & Commissions Appointed by the Governor

ABLE Board of Directors
Accountancy, State Board of Public
Adjutant General
Aging, Mississippi Leadership Council On
Agriculture and Commerce Department
Air Ambulance Service Board of Southeast Mississippi
Animal Health, State Board of
Architecture, State Board Of
Arts, Mississippi Commission On
Athletic Commission
Auctioneer Commission
Autism Advisory Committee, Mississippi
Autism Board, Mississippi
Banking and Consumer Finance, Department Of
Banking Review, State Board Of
Barber Examiners, State Board Of
Bicentennial Celebration Commission, MS
Blind, Mississippi Industries for The
Blues Commission, Mississippi
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Board
Bond Attorney, State
Business Finance Corporation, Mississippi
Capital City Convention Center Commission
Central Market Board
Charter School Authorizer Board, Mississippi
Chiropractic Examiners, Board Of
Civil Rights Museum Advisory Committee
Civil War Battlefield Commission
Claiborne County Port Commission
Coast Coliseum Commission, Mississippi
College Savings Plans of Mississippi
Commercial Mobile Radio Service Board
Community College Board, Mississippi
Contractors, State Board Of
Corn Promotion Board, Mississippi
Corrections, Department Of
Cosmetology, State Board Of
Counselors, State Board of Examiners for Licensed
Country and Western Music Commission
Crime Stoppers Advisory Council
Dental Examiners, Board Of
Development Authority, Mississippi
Development Disabilities Planning Council
Disabilities Planning Council, Development
Drug Utilization Review Board, Division of Medicaid
Early Childhood Education and Care, State
Early Learning Collaboration Grant Program
Ednet Institute
Education, State Board Of
Educational Television Authority (Miss. Public Bro
Egg Marketing Board
Electronic Protection Licensing Advisory Board
Electronic Recording Commission, Mississippi
Emergency Management Agency
Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council
Employment Security, Department Of
Engineers and Surveyors, Mississippi Board of Lice
Environmental Quality Permit Board
Environmental Quality, Mississippi Commission on
Ethics Commission
Fair Commission
Finance and Administration, Department Of
Forest Inventory, Mississippi Institute For
Foresters, Board of Registration for
Forestry Commission, Mississippi
Funeral Service, State Board Of
Gaming Commission
Geologists, Board of Registered Professional
Grand Gulf Military Monument Commission
Greenville Port Commission
Gulf States Marine Commission
Gulfport, State Port Authority at
Hancock County Port Harbor Commission
Harrison County Development Commission
Hattiesburg-Laurel Airport Authority
Health Care Trust Fund
Health Insurance Management Boards
Health, State Board of
Holocaust Commission
Home Corporation, Mississippi
Home Inspector Regulatory Board
Hospital Equipment Facilities Authority, Mississippi
Human Services, Department Of
Humanities Council, Mississippi
Independent Living Council, Statewide
Information Technology Services Authority
Institutions of Higher Learning
Insurance Department
Interior Design Advisory Committee
Jackson County Port Authority
Jail Officer Standards and Training Board
Judicial Advisory Study Committee, Mississippi
Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee
Land, Water, And Timber Resources Board
Landscape Architecture Advisory Committee
Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training
Library Commission, Mississippi
Local Government Records Committee
Lottery Corporation Board of Directors
Marine Resources, Mississippi Commission On
Marine Resources, Mississippi Department of
Massage Therapy, Mississippi State Board Of
Medicaid, Mississippi Division Of
Medical Care Advisory Committee
Medical Licensure, State Board Of
Mental Health, Board Of
Motor Vehicle Commission, Mississippi
Nursing Home Administrators, Mississippi
Nursing, Mississippi Board Of
Oil and Gas Board, State
Optometry, Mississippi State Board Of
Parole Board
Pat Harrison Waterway District
Peanut Promotion Board
Pearl River Basin Development District
Pearl River Industrial Commission
Pearl River Valley Water Supply District
Personnel Board Advisory Council
Personnel Board, Mississippi State
Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee-Division
Pharmacy, Board Of
Physical Fitness and Sports, Governor’s Comsn.
Physical Therapists, Mississippi State Board Of
Polygraph Examiners Board
Post-Secondary Education Financial Assistance
Prison Industries Corporation Board
Psychology, Mississippi Board Of
Public Defender, Office of the State
Public Employees Retirement System of MS
Public Procurement Review Board
Public Safety, Department of
Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood Control
Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification
Real Estate Commission, Mississippi
Rehabilitation Services, State Department of
Remote Sensing &Geographic Information Systems
Residential Builders and Remodelers
Revenue, State Department of
Rice Promotion Board
River Parkway Commission, Mississippi
Road Protection Commission
Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Comsn.
Small Business Compliance Advisory Panel
Social Workers & Marriage and Family Therapists,
Soil and Water Conservation Commission
Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste
Southern Growth Policies Board
Southern Rapid Rail Transit Commission
Soybean Promotion Board
State Aid Engineer, Office of State Aid Road Const
State Interagency Coordinating Council for Early I
Tax Appeals Board, State
Tenn-Tombigbee Water Development Authority
Tobacco Control Advisory Council
Tombigbee River Valley Water Mgmt. District
Tombigbee Valley Authority
Tort Claims Board, Mississippi
Transportation Commission Appeals Board
Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board
Uniform State Laws, Commission on
Veterans Affairs Board
Veterans Home Purchase Board
Veterans Monument Commission, Mississippi
Veterinary Medicine, State Board Of
Volunteer Service, Mississippi Commission For
War Veterans Memorial Commission
Warren County Port Commission
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Commission On
Windstorm Mitigation Coordinating Council, Mississippi
Windstorm Underwriting Association, Mississippi
Women, Mississippi Commission on The Status of
Workers Compensation Commission
Workforce Investment Board, State
Yazoo County Port Commission
Yellow Creek-State Inland Port Authority

15 Jun
2023

BIPEC Names Delbert Hosemann Best For Business & Jobs

Jackson, Miss.—The Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC), which represents business and industry leaders in Mississippi, named Delbert Hosemann as “Best for Business & Jobs” in the upcoming election for Lt. Governor. BIPEC President and Chief Executive Officer Derek Easley noted Hosemann’s leadership in cutting taxes and growing the State’s educated workforce. The Republican Primary will take place on August 8. The General Election is November 7.

Hosemann was first elected as Lt. Governor in 2019 with more than 60 percent of the vote.

“Delbert has personal experience running a business and he has always brought this knowledge to the legislative arena, first as Secretary of State and also in his first term as Lt. Governor,” Easley said. “He has used this knowledge to make it easier to start and maintain a business in Mississippi. We applaud his administration’s efforts and look forward to a second term.”

Under Hosemann’s leadership, the Mississippi Senate cut the income tax by $525 million without raising any taxes. This will result in a flat income tax rate of 4 percent in 2026. Additionally, he oversaw passage of legislation otherwise making the tax code more favorable for businesses, such as allowing a full and immediate deduction on equipment rather than depreciation.

“We have worked hard to champion the interests of our businesses, increase opportunities for workforce training, and otherwise make Mississippi an attractive place to open or expand,” Hosemann said. “We are thankful for BIPEC’s endorsement.”

In his first term as Lt. Governor, Hosemann also oversaw the:

Creation of MFlex, a performance-based, easy-to-calculate economic development tax incentive for new or expanding industry;
Consolidation of workforce development efforts under one agency—Accelerate Mississippi, which is refocusing resources on training for high-demand, high-wage jobs and implementing a career coaching program in K-12 schools; and
Investment of billions of dollars in road, bridges, broadband, and other infrastructure in order to prepare for and encourage economic development throughout the State.

As a steadfast conservative who spent most of his career as a businessman in the private sector, Hosemann previously served as Secretary of State. Raised in Warren County, Mississippi, Hosemann holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Notre Dame, a law degree from Ole Miss, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University. He is a former partner of Phelps Dunbar, LLP. Hosemann also served his country in the United States Army Reserve.

Delbert and Lynn Hosemann, married for more than 52 years, have three children and eight grandchildren.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.delberthosemann.com.

BIPEC reviews backgrounds of candidates running for the Legislature and statewide offices. BIPEC disseminates research findings to members and educates its members on the impact elected officials could have on economic growth and MS employers. It is an independent, autonomous organization and is not affiliated with any political party or candidate. BIPEC actions are limited to advocacy, candidate research, and candidate recommendations. BIPEC evaluates many factors while considering recommendations, including potential election unity within the business/employer community.

31 May
2023

2023 “BUSINESS & JOBS” LEGISLATOR REPORT CARD

BIPEC (Business and Industry Political Education Committee) has released its Legislator “Business & Jobs” Report Card for the 2023 legislative session. The BIPEC Report Card recognizes pro-business legislators for their work supporting economic growth, job development, and business-related issues for the legislative session.

“BIPEC recognizes and appreciates the efforts of these legislators,” said Derek Easley, BIPEC President & CEO. “For the members and supporters of BIPEC, the Report Card is a resource for the business community. It is a tool to see our legislators’ measured performance and their support for the growth of jobs and economic development in Mississippi.”

BIPEC is a 501c6 membership organization founded in 1980 by Mississippi’s business and professional leaders. BIPEC is a nonprofit association comprised of individuals, trade associations, and companies who unite to protect and advance free enterprise through research, education, and member action. BIPEC’s purpose is to learn backgrounds, voting records, and key positions of members and candidates for the Mississippi Legislature, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals. BIPEC disseminates credible research findings to BIPEC members, educates BIPEC’s membership network on the impact that legislator and judge-made decisions have on Mississippi’s economic growth, business attractiveness and general prosperity of the State’s employers.

View the Senate scores

View the House scores

View the list of Bill Descriptions Included in the Report Card

15 Sep
2022

2022 “BUSINESS & JOBS” LEGISLATOR REPORT CARD

BIPEC (Business and Industry Political Education Committee) has released its Legislator “Business & Jobs” Report Card for the 2022 legislative session. The BIPEC Report Card recognizes “Business & Jobs Champions” for their work supporting economic growth, job development, and business-related issues for the legislative session.

For over 40 years, BIPEC has been the organization that provides you with information to assess the legislature’s performance on business issues. The BIPEC “Business & Jobs” Legislator Report Card is THE resource for employers to gauge their legislator’s pro-business acumen.

We will continue to protect your interests by supporting candidates, promoting “Business and Jobs” champions, and educating our members and the public about important legislation and elections.

View the Senate scores | View the House scores

View the list of Bill Descriptions Included in the Report Card

07 Jun
2021

2021 “BUSINESS & JOBS” LEGISLATOR REPORT CARD

BIPEC (Business and Industry Political Education Committee) has released its Legislator “Business & Jobs” Report Card for the 2021 legislative session. The BIPEC Report Card recognizes “Business & Jobs Champions” for their work supporting economic growth, job development, and business-related issues for the legislative session.

For over 40 years, BIPEC has been the organization that provides you with information to assess the legislature’s performance on business issues. The BIPEC “Business & Jobs” Legislator Report Card is THE resource for employers to gauge their legislator’s pro-business acumen.

The past two years have brought unprecedented challenges for businesses. It highlighted the importance of an organization like BIPEC that brings awareness to legislation that might bolster or harm Mississippi’s economy.

Included in the scorecard this year are votes on two bills in the House of Representatives to phase out the individual income tax. While exploring the elimination of the income tax has merit, their proposal would have imposed significant increases in sales taxes on certain business inputs.

House Bill 1439 would have increased taxes on the following industries: manufacturing, farming, timber, dairy, and automobile dealers. Electric power associations would have also faced increased costs that would likely be passed on to consumers, including business customers, in the form of higher rates. All businesses and industries would have paid 2.5% more in sales tax on purchases of business-related goods, services, telecommunications services, and utilities currently subject to the 7% rate.

Senate Bill 2971 was amended in the House to include a version of HB 1439. While the amendment removed tax increases on some industries, many still faced significant tax increases on business inputs. However, all businesses and industries would still have paid more in sales tax. The regular retail sales tax rate applicable to ordinary purchases of business-related goods, services, telecommunications services, and utilities would have increased from 7% to 9.5%.

Since the pro-business vote was in opposition to the legislation, many in the House of Representatives were negatively affected in their BIPEC grade.

We will continue to protect your interests by supporting candidates, promoting “Business and Jobs” champions, and educating our members and the public about important legislation and elections.

View the Senate scores | View the House scores

View the list of Bill Descriptions Included in the Report Card

25 Nov
2020

Special Election: Joseph Tubb Declared Winner in HD 87

Joseph Tubb has won a special election runoff for House District 87. According to WDAM, Tubb received 58% of the vote to defeat Matthew Conoly for the House of Representatives’ seat. House District 87 represents parts of Forrest and Lamar counties. This seat was previously held by Billy Andrews.

Tubb was named back in October as “Best for Business & Jobs” by BIPEC.

BIPEC reviews backgrounds of candidates running for the Legislature. BIPEC disseminates research findings to members and educates its membership on the impact that elected officials could have on economic growth and MS employers. It is an independent, autonomous organization and is not affiliated with any political party or candidate. BIPEC actions are limited to advocacy, candidate research and candidate recommendations. BIPEC evaluates many factors while considering recommendations including potential election unity within the business/employer community.

Derek Easley
President & CEO, BIPEC

10 Sep
2020

2020 LEGISLATOR “BUSINESS & JOBS” REPORT CARD

BIPEC has released its Legislator “Business & Jobs” Report Card for the 2020 legislative session. The BIPEC Report Card recognizes “Business & Jobs Champions” for their work supporting economic growth, job development, and business-related issues for the legislative session.

View the Senate scores
View the House scores

View an explanation of each bill here

We will be mailing a printed version of the report card to all BIPEC members in the coming days. If you would like additional copies of the report card, please let us know.

At BIPEC.org you can view the interactive version of the report card. Click the heading links to switch between Representatives and Senators. The report card is sortable by grade, legislator name, party, and district. You can hover over the bill names to see a description of each bill. When you click on a legislator’s name, you will see a list of bills with links to the bill and to the individual votes recorded at the Mississippi Legislative Website.

02 Jul
2020

MS Back-to-Business Liability Assurance Act going to the Governor

Legislation that will help protect businesses and healthcare providers against frivolous COVID-19-related claims is on its way to Governor Reeves for his signature. BIPEC led a coalition of business groups to pass what is known as the “Mississippi Back-to-Business Liability Assurance Act.” This important act will preserve both justice and economic recovery in Mississippi by enacting reasonable safeguards against a potential surge of coronavirus lawsuits. We believe that this legislation is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, COVID-19 liability bills in the country. You can view it HERE.

There are a growing number of COVID-19 related lawsuits across the United States. Some personal injury lawyers view individuals exposed to COVID-19 as a vast new pool of plaintiffs, and healthcare providers, businesses, non-profits, charitable, and religious organizations that aid in the response effort or provide essential services as defendants to cast blame. The first lawsuits targeting healthcare providers, employers, retailers, and other businesses have been filed. Many more are to come.

It is good public policy to give our courts clear direction and to distinguish valid claims from meritless lawsuits in this unprecedented time. Many of Mississippi’s employers are concerned that they may not survive the pandemic and are dealing with a crisis through no fault of their own. They are doing everything possible to remain open to serve their customers. We commend legislative leaders for taking this action. Below is a quick synopsis of what the legislation does.

Who is covered?
A person is defined as someone who attempts, in good faith, to follow applicable public health guidance.
What is the definition of a person?
Person means an individual, state, political subdivision, association, educational entity, for-profit or non-profit entity, religious organization, or charitable organization.
What is the definition of public health guidance?
Public health guidance means any written guidance related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, issued by an executive agency or regulatory agency of the federal government or an executive agency of the State of Mississippi.
Who is not covered?
Any defendant shown by clear and convincing evidence to have acted with actual malice or willful or intentional misconduct is not covered.
Who has liability protection?
Premises: This means any physical place serving a commercial, residential, educational, religious, governmental, cultural, charitable, or health care purpose.
Businesses: The bill protects businesses (essential and non-essential) through the definition of “person.”
Product liability: The legislation provides protections to anyone that designs, manufactures, labels, sells, distributes, or donates personal protective equipment in response to COVID-19.

BIPEC Updates

The Importance of Gubernatorial Appointments

In the Courts

At the Federal Level

At the State Level

Appointments to State Agencies, Boards & Commissions