Big Tax Breaks for Businesses in Housing Bill

By STEPHEN LABATON and DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
Published: April 16, 2008 The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Senate proclaimed a fierce bipartisan resolve two weeks ago to help American homeowners in danger of foreclosure. But while a bill that senators approved last week would take modest steps toward that goal, it would also provide billions of dollars in tax breaks — for automakers, airlines, alternative energy producers and other struggling industries, as well as home builders.

The tax provisions of the Foreclosure Prevention Act, which consumer groups and labor leaders say amount to government handouts to big business, show how the credit crisis, while rattling the housing and financial markets, has created beneficiaries in the power corridors of Washington.

It also shows how legislation with a populist imperative offers a chance for lobbyists to press their clients’ interests.

This has proved especially true on the housing legislation, which many lawmakers and lobbyists view as one of the last opportunities before Congress grinds to a halt amid election-year politics.

Read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/business

Resolution could hike cigarette, liquor tax rates; Proposal aims to make up shortfall in Medicaid funding in Mississippi

Tax increases on liquor and cigarettes were added Friday to a growing list of possible ways to take care of the Division of Medicaid's multimillion deficit.

Narrowly approved by the Mississippi House, Senate Concurrent Resolution 655 - which would allow a new bill to be drafted past the deadline - was amended to include statute sections that could implement the proposed tax increases.

But how the changes will go over across the hall remains to be seen, as many key senators have maintained raising the tobacco tax should wait until another year.

The measure, which required a two-thirds vote because bill deadlines have passed, was approved with 81 representatives in favor and 38 against.

It could be up for more debate before heading back to senators for concurrence.

Read the full article by Leah Rupp in April 5, 2008 edition of The Clarion -Ledger http://clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080405/NEWS010504/804050356/1205/NEWS010504

Entergy plans 1% rate hike in 2009 if legislation OK’d in Mississippi

Further increase may follow once new plant is under construction

Entergy officials said Monday they hope to seek a rate increase in 2009 if legislation is approved that eventually could allow utility companies to charge ratepayers before some plants are built.

Rates would be hiked 1 percent during the preconstruction phase of Entergy's $5 billion nuclear plant, officials said Monday at a meeting with The Clarion-Ledger editorial board. They said they didn't know how much rates would rise during construction.

Building an additional nuclear plant next to Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson would make future costs of electricity more affordable than relying on natural gas, officials said.

But the "pay-as-you-go" financing mechanism also being sought by Mississippi Power faces hurdles from legislators and Public Service Commission members concerned ratepayers would be stuck with the tab if construction plans fall through.

Legislation that would grant commissioners authority to consider incremental rate hikes for Entergy's facility and Mississippi Power's $1.8 billion coal plant in Kemper County cleared the Senate floor last week. But a key House leader said Monday he's not sure he'll bring up a companion bill by Thursday's deadline.

"I just don't think ratepayers should bear 100 percent of the burden," Northern District Commissioner Brandon Presley said. "Somewhere, utilities have to look at investing themselves."

Read full article here http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/NEWS010504/802260378/1205/NEWS010504

Voter ID issue remains controversial in Mississippi

The battle about whether voters should be required to show identification at the polls is a legal matter now, but the state Legislature may decide the outcome.

Despite a recent federal court ruling that says lawmakers are under no immediate mandate to enact the change, heavy hitters in Mississippi politics say they'll try again to pass a voter ID bill this session.

"I can't believe we've spent so much time and energy arguing about this. Who could be against it?" incoming Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant said. "Most of us already have a photo ID. We call it a driver's license."

Critics counter they're ready to fight any legislation, though.

There are a lot of people who are not for this because of the struggles they have faced in the past trying to vote," said Sen. David Jordan, D-Greenwood.

Read the full story by Jackson, Mississippi's The Clarion-Ledger reporter Leah Rupp www.clarionledger.com

Tax bill on cigarette, food taxes doubtful in Mississippi

Passing a law this year that would lower grocery taxes and increase cigarette taxes in Mississippi appears doubtful after two years of legislative debate and gubernatorial opposition - despite the bill's bipartisan support and popularity among voters.

Some legislators who pushed a bill that would halve the 7 percent grocery tax and raise the 18-cent-per-pack cigarette tax to $1 have muted their support, although a few said they will make a third attempt. Others said they will champion different legislation now that statewide elections are over.

Read full article by Natalie Chandler published in the January 6, 2008 edition of Jackson Mississippi's daily newspaper, The Clarion-Ledger. http://www.clarionledger.com/

The 2008 Legislative Session began Tuesday, January 8.

Surprise, surprise, surprise

I typically find the rest-of-the-nation-laughs-at-us Southern mindset stale and uninteresting. While Southerners may be unfairly stereotyped, it's nothing unique to this region.

That said I found this newspaper front page (from a Rupert Murdoch-owned paper no less) slightly off-putting.

Mike Huckabee is a out of step with the American mainstream on many counts. However, he is not a typical GOP Southern politician. His challenge to the GOP status quo is reflected by ferocity with which the country club conservative set is attacking him.

Who you calling Gomer, pal? And would you be willing to deal in regional stereotypes concerning other candidates?

(Small personal note: It's been awhile since I blogged here. Thanks to Andy Brack for welcoming back this prodigal blogger.)