BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES.
IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR BECAUSE TIME IS PRECIOUS.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
AG Secures $69M with 3 Publishers Over E-Book Price Fixing
JACKSON, MS (Oct. 17, 2012) --Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood and 54 attorneys general in other states, districts and U.S. territories have reached an antitrust settlement with three of the largest book publishers in the United States -- Hachette Book Group Inc., HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C. and Simon & Schuster Inc -- which has resulted in more than $69 million being returned to consumers to resolve antitrust claims of an alleged unlawful conspiracy to fix the prices of electronic books (E-books). The publishers have also agreed to change the way they price E-books going forward.
The settlement occurs in conjunction with a civil antitrust lawsuit filed recently in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Hachette, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster. In the lawsuit, the States allege that the three settling publishers and others (known as the Agency Five) “conspired and agreed to increase retail E-book prices for all consumers” and “agreed to eliminate E-book retail price competition between E-book outlets, such that retail prices to consumers would be the same regardless of the outlet patronized by the consumer.”
The lawsuit and settlement stem from a two-year antitrust investigation which developed evidence of a conspiracy by the Agency Five to end E-Book retailers' freedom to compete on price by taking control of pricing from E-Book retailers and substantially increasing the prices that consumers paid for E-Books. As a result of this conduct, the States allege that consumers paid millions of dollars more for their e-books.
“Our legal action sends a strong message that competitors cannot get away with price-fixing,” Hood said. “Colluding to fix prices raises costs for customers, who, in this case, have paid millions dollars more for some of the most popular E-Book titles. In addition to the restitution consumers will receive, this settlement will restore competition in the E-Book market by promoting E-Book competition among retailers. "
If the Court gives final approval to the settlements, Hatchette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster will compensate consumers who purchased E-books from any of the Agency Five during the period of April 1, 2010 through May 21, 2012. Consumers in Mississippi are expected to receive up to $407,823 in total compensation. The settling defendants will also pay approximately $7.5 million to the states for fees and costs.
Most people eligible to receive restitution have already received notice by email or postcard from E-book retailers who volunteered to provide notice as a service to their customers. Anyone who thinks they may be included but who has not received notice should visitwww.EBookAGSettlements.com or call 1-866-621-4153 to learn more about the settlements and decide whether or not to file a claim. Claim forms must be filed online or postmarked by December 12, 2012. Links to the settlement site can also be found atwww.agjimhood.com on the main page under “Important”. Click on “E-Book settlement”.
In addition to paying the $69 million consumer compensation, Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster have agreed to terminate their existing agency agreements with certain retailers, requiring the publishers to grant those retailers–such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble–the freedom to reduce the prices of their E-book titles. For two years they will be prohibited from making any new agreements that constrain retailers’ ability to offer consumer discounts or other promotions which encourage the sale of e-Books. The settlement agreement also precludes the three publishers from further conspiring or sharing competitively sensitive information with their competitors for five years.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Young People Needed for Bone Marrow Drive
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MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Rotary Club President Linda Walsh is really hoping for a good turnout among young people at a bone marrow drive set Thursday in honor of Mississippi Gulf Coast native and Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts.
"We are so excited to have this for Robin Roberts," said Walsh. "She is doing so well. We are happy to be able to draw attention to the fact that so many more people need to register."
She said members of the Moss Point Rotary Club only recently learned that the national registry -- www.bethematch.org -- has changed its age limit, down from 18 to 60 years old to those ages 18-44. The change took effect Oct. 1.
"This is a big, big deal as far as getting younger people out," she said Tuesday.
She said the age change eliminates the large number of retirees in Jackson County who normally volunteer and participate in community events.
"There's not one Rotary member that's young enough to register, but we are very excited to support it and to come out."
Moss Point High seniors and ROTC members will earn service hours while they help register residents from noon to 6 p.m. at Dantzler United Methodist Church. "We hope teachers and students can come during lunch time," said Walsh.
"We are reaching out to high school students who are over 18, college students, young professionals like young attorneys, anybody at the hospitals, young teachers, anybody under 44," said Walsh.
Mary Lesueur, account executive with bethematch.org, said the age limit was reduced to increase the quality of bone marrow donations. "Those donors yield better results for the patients. The patients have a better outcome," she said.
Walsh said the other big deal about the bone marrow drive is that it takes only 10 minutes for residents to do paperwork and get a cheek swab to be placed on the registry. "We're hoping to get 100. That's our magic number."
Lesueur said that 35,000 people nationwide have registered since Roberts announced her need for a bone marrow transplant.
Roberts, a native of Pass Christian, announced in June that she had developed myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood and bone marrow disease that, in a rare instance, resulted from chemotherapy treatments for her previous breast cancer. She had chemo-therapy treatments during the summer and a transplant during September. Her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, donated the bone marrow.
MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Rotary Club President Linda Walsh is really hoping for a good turnout among young people at a bone marrow drive set Thursday in honor of Mississippi Gulf Coast native and Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts.
"We are so excited to have this for Robin Roberts," said Walsh. "She is doing so well. We are happy to be able to draw attention to the fact that so many more people need to register."
She said members of the Moss Point Rotary Club only recently learned that the national registry -- www.bethematch.org -- has changed its age limit, down from 18 to 60 years old to those ages 18-44. The change took effect Oct. 1.
"This is a big, big deal as far as getting younger people out," she said Tuesday.
She said the age change eliminates the large number of retirees in Jackson County who normally volunteer and participate in community events.
"There's not one Rotary member that's young enough to register, but we are very excited to support it and to come out."
Moss Point High seniors and ROTC members will earn service hours while they help register residents from noon to 6 p.m. at Dantzler United Methodist Church. "We hope teachers and students can come during lunch time," said Walsh.
"We are reaching out to high school students who are over 18, college students, young professionals like young attorneys, anybody at the hospitals, young teachers, anybody under 44," said Walsh.
Mary Lesueur, account executive with bethematch.org, said the age limit was reduced to increase the quality of bone marrow donations. "Those donors yield better results for the patients. The patients have a better outcome," she said.
Walsh said the other big deal about the bone marrow drive is that it takes only 10 minutes for residents to do paperwork and get a cheek swab to be placed on the registry. "We're hoping to get 100. That's our magic number."
Lesueur said that 35,000 people nationwide have registered since Roberts announced her need for a bone marrow transplant.
Roberts, a native of Pass Christian, announced in June that she had developed myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood and bone marrow disease that, in a rare instance, resulted from chemotherapy treatments for her previous breast cancer. She had chemo-therapy treatments during the summer and a transplant during September. Her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, donated the bone marrow.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
AG: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
JACKSON, Miss. (Oct. 2) -- As we enter the month of October, recognized by both federal and state authorities as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Attorney General Jim Hood encourages us all to take some time and remember our fellow Mississippians who are in danger every day in their own homes.
“Unfortunately, rather than being a safe haven, the home remains one of the most dangerous places for many of our citizens,” says Hood.
The domestic violence offense report database, maintained by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Domestic Violence Division, indicates that domestic violence remains one of the most common calls to which our law enforcement officers respond. Since Jan. 1, 2012, Mississippi law enforcement officers have investigated and entered into the database over 7,500 reports of domestic violence.
Our courts are also seeing firsthand the prevalence of this problem; since that same date, Mississippi courts have issued over 1,700 domestic abuse protection orders to protect victims of domestic abuse and their children from dangerous abusers. Even more tragic, since Jan. 1, 2012, the Attorney General’s Domestic Violence Division has been able to identify 17 separate incidents of family violence which resulted in the homicide deaths of 19 people and the suicides of four others.
“It is simply disgraceful that offenses of this nature continue to occur in our communities," said Attorney General Hood. " It is the duty of all Mississippians to speak out and do all that they can to help combat this form of domestic terrorism. ”
“The overwhelming grief of the families and friends of those who were physically harmed or lost their lives is hard to imagine, particularly when you consider that these cases don’t happen in a vacuum, that in many instances these offenders had been arrested and charged with violence against their loved ones in the past," says Heather Wagner, director of the Attorney General's Domestic Violence Division.
"It is frustrating that in many instances the offenders are permitted to continue their patterns of abuse and terror against their victims. It is our job to help provide necessary tools to the justice system that will help in meaningful ways, before the situations rise to the level of a homicide,” said Wagner.
The Mississippi Attorney General’s office continues to work to support the justice system to help bring an end to domestic violence in Mississippi. During the last fiscal year, staff of the Domestic Violence Division developed new reference materials for use by law enforcement officers, and trained over 1500 law enforcement personnel on the laws and methods to assist officers to ascertain the potential for lethality in domestic violence cases.
Law enforcement officers who receive training are better able to make appropriate arrests and charging decisions, thus resulting in more effective prosecution, providing a very real deterrent for offenders. Dispatchers and court personnel were also trained by division staff. In addition, the division maintains the statewide offense report database and protection order registry, which once fully implemented by law enforcement and the courts, will give an accurate picture of the incidence of domestic violence on a statewide level for the first time.
“Whether you are a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, judge, or simply a neighbor, friend or co-worker, each of us has a role in helping hold offenders accountable for their criminal actions and providing services and resources for victims," said Hood.
"Even if all you can do is listen to a victim’s story and encourage him or her to reach out for help or provide information on resources to them, you have taken an important step. We cannot continue to be complacent about this issue if we ever hope to overcome it.
"If not every day, at least for the month of October, let’s try to keep our victims in our thoughts and prayers and do whatever is in our power to help them survive.”
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Robin Roberts Announces Blood Disorder
GULF COAST -- The Gulf Coast has responded with an outpouring of support to the annnouncement that ABC news anchor Robin Roberts has a life-threatening blood disorder known as MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome.
MDS is a blood and bone marrow disease once known as pre-leukemia.
According to ehow.com, Myelodysplastic Syndromes are a family of diseases that occur in patients whose stem cells don't mature into blood cells or function properly. Some forms of MDS are extremely mild and easy to manage, while others develop into leukemia, which can be life-threatening.
Roberts, co-anchor of "Good Morning America, made the announcement Monday, June 11, on the show among colleagues George Stephanopoulos, Josh Elliot, Lara Spencer and Sam Champion. ABC World News anchor Diane Sawyer, with whom Roberts made her breast cancer announcement five years ago, was on the GMA set with Roberts' older sister, Sally Ann Roberts, and Dr. Richard Besser.
"My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this, and I know it's true," said Roberts, who turned 51 Nov. 23.
Dr. Richard Besser with GMA said the blood disorder developed as a result of chemotherapy treatments Roberts received for breast cancer in 2007 .
Roberts is expected to have a bone marrow transplant later this summer or fall, and will take several months to recover. Her older sister, Sally Ann Roberts, an anchor for WWL-TV in New Orleans, is perfect donor match, said Robin Roberts, who said she would begin pre-treatment on Monday for the transplant.
Robin Roberts is the youngest of the four children of Lawrence and Lucimarian Tolliver Roberts, who moved to Biloxi when he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base. Lawrence Roberts, a Tuskegee airman, died in 2004. Lucimarian Roberts and Robin Roberts recently released a book, "My Story, My Song."
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Chamber Seeks Anchor Nominations
PASCAGOULA -- The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and its Small Business Issue Manager Group seek to recognize those small businesses andnon-profit/charitable organizations that are “anchors” of the community.
The ANCHOR Awards, created to honor, reward and celebrate the achievements of these small
businesses and charitable organizations, will be presented at Pelican Landing in Moss Point on Wednesday, August 22, at 8 a.m.
businesses and charitable organizations, will be presented at Pelican Landing in Moss Point on Wednesday, August 22, at 8 a.m.
Jerry St. Pé, former president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, will serve as master of ceremonies, and John McKay, president of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, will provide this year’s keynote address.
“Small businesses and charitable organizations are critical to the economic success of our community. Nomination for an Anchor Award is one way we can salute them and thank them for their contribution,” said Anita Brooks/Geiger Promotional Products, 2012 Anchor Awards chairperson.
Applications are currently being accepted for Anchor Awards nominees in four categories:
Rookie Business of the Year Award (open one to three years with less than 200 employees)
Small Business of the Year Award Category 1 (50 or fewer employees)
Small Business of the Year Award Category 2 (51-200 employees)
Non-Profit Organization (An entity with IRS Section 501(c)(3) status)
Contact the chamber at 228-762-3391 or visit www.jcchamber.com today to nominate a Jackson County Chamber of Commerce business and/or non-profit member for this year’s ANCHOR Awards. Be sure to reserve your table or tickets today!
June 29 is the deadline for nomination, and the nomination application must be received by July 9, 2012, for the business/non-profit to be eligible for the ANCHOR Award.
Median Becomes Center of Attention
Progress continues on streetscape for Pascagoula Srteet near the Downtown Plaza and Pascagoula Library. The median will be filled with greenery.Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Rain Thins Live Oak Crowd But Tree Festival Still Fun
PASCAGOULA -- Chris Covacevich and Mike Nelson decided at the last minute to attend the third annual Live Oak Arts Festival held in downtown Saturday.
"I think the weather messed everything up," he said. "We weren't even coming because of the rain."
The Ocean Springs couple said the rain almost put them off, though there really wasn't much rainfall from overcast skies in Downtown Pascagoula during the day. Nelson said Saturday's forecast had been for a 100 percent chance of rain.
"It sprinkled in Ocean Springs this morning," said Covacevich. "At the last minute I said, 'Let's go.'"
A graduate from Pascagoula High School, she and Nelson were found looking over classic vehicles that lined Pascagoula Street across from the city library. Nelson priced the 1964 Corvette on display.
"He likes Corvettes," she said.
The festival featured a number of activities, including a train trolley, a DJ on the east end of Delmas Avenue and live bands at the west end of the street, where vendors provided an array of foods and beverages, and children played on space houses.
Councilman Frank Corder and his family left the festival around early afternoon, leaving behind a markedly smaller crowd than the past two years since the festival celebrating the city's Live oaks began.
"It's kind of slow because of the weather," he said, "but I still had a good time."
Though she now lives in Ocean Springs, Covacevich has attended the Live Oak Arts Festival before in Pascagoula. She and Nelson make a point of attending such events in other South Mississippi cities.
"We love coming to these things," she said.
"I think the weather messed everything up," he said. "We weren't even coming because of the rain."
The Ocean Springs couple said the rain almost put them off, though there really wasn't much rainfall from overcast skies in Downtown Pascagoula during the day. Nelson said Saturday's forecast had been for a 100 percent chance of rain.
"It sprinkled in Ocean Springs this morning," said Covacevich. "At the last minute I said, 'Let's go.'"
A graduate from Pascagoula High School, she and Nelson were found looking over classic vehicles that lined Pascagoula Street across from the city library. Nelson priced the 1964 Corvette on display.
"He likes Corvettes," she said.
The festival featured a number of activities, including a train trolley, a DJ on the east end of Delmas Avenue and live bands at the west end of the street, where vendors provided an array of foods and beverages, and children played on space houses.
Councilman Frank Corder and his family left the festival around early afternoon, leaving behind a markedly smaller crowd than the past two years since the festival celebrating the city's Live oaks began.
"It's kind of slow because of the weather," he said, "but I still had a good time."
Though she now lives in Ocean Springs, Covacevich has attended the Live Oak Arts Festival before in Pascagoula. She and Nelson make a point of attending such events in other South Mississippi cities.
"We love coming to these things," she said.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Trade Show Good for First-Timers, Business Contacts
Loretta Jennings talks to Sam Cunningham with Mississippi Phophates during the Jackson County Industrial Trade Show on Tuesday. Jennings, an agent with State Farm Bureau, made her first appearance as a vendor this year at the business display and marketing venture.
PASCAGOULA -- Loretta Jennings said her booth at the Jackson County Trade Show on Tuesday was her first foray into the business display and promotion sponsored by the county's Chamber of Commerce.
The show is a marketing and networking venture for large industries and businesses. Still, year after year, the show attracts numerous small businesses from national franchises to local start-up companies.
"I just wanted to do something different and creative this year," said Jenninngs, owner of a State Farm Insurance office in Moss Point. "I've got a new person who is creative."
Donna Joseph, new agent, said, "We knew this year would be a good opportunity to come out and network with some of the businesses."
Jennings and the other businesses provided their own door prizes, winners chosen from visitors who either left business cards or filled out information sheets for the drawings. S
he gave away a $50 gift certificate."In return we get names and numbers of people we can offer services to," she said.
Dennis Freeman with Mississippi Power took a spin at a prize wheel at one booth. He was taking a walk-through the site, showing someone around the industries at the B.E. "Mac" McCinty Civic Center and under the pavilion at the county's fairgrounds on Shortcut Road.
"I think it's good. It promotes our businesses and it shows what's available here, and it keeps money here (in the county). It let's folks put their eyes on what's here," said Freeman.
Robert Holder, business development, said this year's show as a first for Modern Tech of Foley, Ala. He said about 50 people had stopped by the booth about midday.
Holder, in business development, said that Modern Tech has hundreds of busines
s contacts in South Mississippi, but the trade show would increase the contacts. He plans to follow-up with all of the business professionals he talked to at the annual trade show.Linda Johnson with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce said that about 1,500 people may have come through the civic center doors Tuesday. Usually, about 1,800 visitors attend the trade show each year, she said.
The Jackson County Industrial Trade Show ended Tuesday with Business After Hours sponsored by the chamber. The show concludes today.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Multicultural Jam Fest at Musaic Performing Arts School
What: Multicultural Jam Fest
When: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 18-19
Where: Musaic School of Performing Arts, 1518 (South) Market St., Pascagoula
Details: Tickets are $5 at the door
Contact: Leah Rollins at 355-0740, Amber Rollins-Boone at itunes@themusaic.com, or visit www.themusaic.com. Individual performers should make contact before Feb. 12.
PASCAGOULA -- a Multicultural Jam Fest scheduled for Feb. 18 will take residents around the world through music.
Leah Rollins, owner and instructor of the Musaic Performing Arts on South Market Street, wants Gulf Coast residents to celebrate the cultural and musical diversity of the arts through instrumental, vocal and acting skills.
Visitors and participants are encouraged to wear attire or costumes that represent music periods, styles, and ethnic groups of people around the world.
A "Tour of 7 Continents" will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The tour includes musical trips from the largest to the smallest of the continents -- Asia, Africa, North Ameria, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
Musicians, vocalist, dancers and visual artists are invited to attend and participate. Genres include but are not limited to classical, jazz, gospel, blues, and folk music. There will also be a jam session and "open mic" for performers.
The public should bring lawn chairs for outdoor events, if weather permits.
When: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 18-19
Where: Musaic School of Performing Arts, 1518 (South) Market St., Pascagoula
Details: Tickets are $5 at the door
Contact: Leah Rollins at 355-0740, Amber Rollins-Boone at itunes@themusaic.com, or visit www.themusaic.com. Individual performers should make contact before Feb. 12.
PASCAGOULA -- a Multicultural Jam Fest scheduled for Feb. 18 will take residents around the world through music.
Leah Rollins, owner and instructor of the Musaic Performing Arts on South Market Street, wants Gulf Coast residents to celebrate the cultural and musical diversity of the arts through instrumental, vocal and acting skills.
Visitors and participants are encouraged to wear attire or costumes that represent music periods, styles, and ethnic groups of people around the world.
A "Tour of 7 Continents" will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The tour includes musical trips from the largest to the smallest of the continents -- Asia, Africa, North Ameria, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
Musicians, vocalist, dancers and visual artists are invited to attend and participate. Genres include but are not limited to classical, jazz, gospel, blues, and folk music. There will also be a jam session and "open mic" for performers.
The public should bring lawn chairs for outdoor events, if weather permits.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Raccoon Makes Visit to Dentist Office
GAUTIER -- Excitement reigned for about 15 minutes Jan. 24 at the office of Dentist Michael Steward when an injured raccoon made a surprise visit to the Gautier-Vancleave Family Dentistry. A patient first noticed the wayward wildlife at the front window. Other patients and office employees were delighted at how close the animal came to the building.
As the mammal made its way around to the north side of the building, people spilled out to watch the slow, halting progress of the animal.
Everyone soon realized why the raccoon did not seem to be in a hurry to scramble away from humans repeating oooh and aaahs and other excited noises.
The raccoon was injured, moving with a pronounced limp through flowers and other scrubbery along the dentistry on Gautier-Vancleave Road.
The Procyon lotor stopped at the back door for a while before making its way again to the front, where cell phone cameras and videos made him the highlight of the day.
The wife of the patient who first spotted the raccoon called animal control, who arrived within minutes, much to the surprise of everyone. There was hope that the animal would be taken care of, and dread that capture could spell its demise.
"You know they've going to put him to sleep," someone commented. Still, Darrenda was hopeful. "You think they will take care of it, huh?"
More drama ensused. After striking out toward woods behind the office, the arrival of animal control sent the "coon" scrambling across Gautier-Vancleave Road, where there were two near collisions as one vehicle stopped to avoid hitting the raccoon, and another behind had to skid to a stop to avoid rear-ending the stopped automobile.
Soon, the rascal was captured, but resisted the leach, pulling back and lying down on the pavement. It didn't matter. He was handily placed inside a cage on the back of an animal control truck and hauled off.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Bryant outlined general solutions to those problems, but said that state residents must work together.
"We must dedicate ourselves to the belief that we may fall separately, but we will surely rise together. And if we are to rise together, we must do so with the inherent characteristics of Mississippi," he said.
Bryant was installed as the state's new governor during an hourlong inauguration that started at 11 a.m., and had been moved to the House of Representatives after rain canceled an outdoor ceremony planned on the steps of the capitol's south lawn. Bryant took the oath of office about noon with his wife Debby standing beside him and holding is grandmother's Bible.
The ceremony was broadcast live by WLBT TV in Jackson, and seen at WLOX TV's website in Biloxi.
Prior to his speech, Gov. Haley Barbour received a standing ovation for his two-term leadership.
Posted: Jan 10, 2012 11:02 AM CSTUpdated: Jan 10, 2012 12:03 PM CST
JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) --
Phil Bryant was sworn in Tuesday as Mississippi's 64th governor. The ceremony was moved inside the House chamber of the state capitol because heavy rain was expected in the Jackson area. The inaugural parade has been postponed until Jan. 21.
The following is the text of Governor Bryant's inaugural address:
Thank you, Mr. Lt. Governor. I look forward to our term of service together. Deborah and I are so proud to work with you and Elee in this crowded hour. Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice, for your work in the Judiciary and for guiding me through the oath of office. Governor Barbour, Senator Wicker, Congressmen Harper, Nunnelee and Palazzo, Speaker Gunn, Senate and House members, and all elected officials, I offer a warm welcome with profound gratitude for your presence here today.
I am joined on this delightful occasion by my family, both immediate and extended. Holding my Grandmother's Bible for my oath is the one who has supported my dreams and challenges for thirty-five years.
The person who has held my heart in her hands: my wonderful and patient wife, and our new First Lady, Deborah. Also here are my two children, Katie and Patrick, who are the light of my life, and Stephen who will soon join our family as Katie's husband.
I am so grateful for God's great gift of such a beloved family. My two older brothers are by my side today as they have been since my earliest memory. Larry, the oldest, set the example with his passion for success and dedication to achievement. Chuck, the middle child, has been the balance between hard work and a love for life. I am here today because I stood on their shoulders.
Our parents, Dewey and Estelle, would have been equally proud of all their children today. Our mother was the lighthouse that would bring us home when we lost our way. They were simply the best part of our lives, and we loved them with all our hearts.
To my mother-in-law, Doris Hays, I extend heartfelt thanks for your acceptance and willingness to allow your daughter to marry a young deputy sheriff so many years ago. I know you all, both Hayses and Applewhites, must be equally surprised. You are my family, and my world would have been empty without your love and support.
To former Speaker Billy McCoy, I am honored by your presence today and thankful for our years of service together. I ask for God's blessing upon you and yours.
To newly elected Speaker Philip Gunn, I extend a hearty congratulation. I look forward to our time together and your great service to the citizens of our beloved Mississippi.
And I want to give a very special "thank you" to Governor Barbour and Marsha for your leadership and service. Mississippians will long remember and appreciate your dedication and sacrifice. I think I can speak for all Mississippians when I say: "Well done our true and faithful servants."
In addition to my parents, there are others I wish could be here today. I would have enjoyed having Governor and Mrs. Fordice here. Pat would have been gracious with her comments, and Kirk would have said: "Keep it short, Phil."
I was elected to the House of Representatives on the same day Kirk Fordice was elected Governor. I ran for that office after I had a rare opportunity to visit the White House for a meeting with President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Inspired by his admonitions to rise above our own self interests and to stay the course of his conservative revolution, I returned to Mississippi determined to make a difference.
I have been blessed on my journey with some unique perspectives of this wonderful place. I have seen from behind a badge as a deputy sheriff how Mississippi keeps the peace. I have seen from its records as a state auditor how Mississippi spends its money. I have seen from the floor of the Senate as Lt. Governor how Mississippi makes its laws. And at each step along the way I have marveled at our people.
I give my sincerest thanks to the incredible people of Mississippi who made today possible. You are all truly amazing in my eyes, which makes my presence here today as your Governor all the more humbling.
Today we start a new administration, one that will reflect upon the success of our past with admiration and respect, while looking for greater achievements in our future. It would be timid and insincere to believe all our problems are solved or our shared potential exhausted. We must dedicate ourselves to the belief that we may fall separately, but we will surely rise together. And if we are to rise together, we must do so with the inherent characteristics of Mississippi.
We are a people of character who value hard work and treasure loyalty to our families, state and country. And, as the prophet Isaiah described so long ago, we are a people of faith who "will soar on wings like eagles" because our trust is in the Lord.
With the Lord's blessing, I want to help the people of Mississippi to be a people of opportunity, and there are four important opportunities that should start our work: every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be gainfully employed right here at home; every Mississippian should have the opportunity to actually learn from the best educational system we can offer; every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be born into a mature, two-parent family; and every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be sure his or her tax dollars are put to proper use.
First, our most important work is making sure that Mississippians have work. Providing job opportunities is critical for Mississippi's long-term success. And there are two sectors we can foster that have incredible promise to bring more jobs to Mississippi over the next decade: energy and health care.
Mississippi is becoming a center of power – the very power that fuels modern life. Natural gas, bio-]fuels, solar power, clean coal technology and tertiary oil recovery are all adding to our position as a leader in the energy economy of the 21st century. Mississippi can not only create thousands of homegrown jobs with an energy economy, but we can help this nation become energy independent while we do it.
Mississippi's other potential growth sector for enhancement is healthcare. Look around: many of us here are "Baby Boomers." Whether it is hula hoops, automobiles or housing; we have driven the economy since the 1950s. We now need additional healthcare.
To meet this demand, I have proposed adding 1,000 new physicians by 2025 -- knowing that each doctor and the support services surrounding that doctor -- bring $2 million into the community in which he or she settles. To do this, we will complete our new medical school as we plan new medical zones across Mississippi.
The thousands of jobs that will be created by this public and private venture is just the beginning. The lives that will be saved, the diseases that could be eradicated and the education of the nation's finest medical professionals will be transformational. Together, we can enhance the health of our bodies and the health of our economy at the same time.
Governor Barbour and I have had a singular focus on economic development for an important reason: when a Mississippian has a job it changes absolutely everything. A Mississippian with a job doesn't need public assistance, adds taxes to the state treasury, is an example of responsibility to his or her children, and is more likely to avoid crime, to vote and to participate in a community. State government cannot create jobs, but we can remove as many obstacles as practical to make our state a magnet for the people and companies who do.
Every day I am Governor I will make it my job to make sure that more Mississippians have a job of their own.
Second, we must change our discussion of education from one only of dollars and cents to one that makes sense. Early childhood learning, charter schools, classroom redesign and higher qualifying standards for teachers will be our goals.
We must also attack the dropout rate by allowing children to take standard high school classes and workforce learning in community colleges at the same time. A dropout who would otherwise be preordained as a societal failure could be valued as a craftsman with such programs.
And we must re-focus our efforts on the most important factor in education: a child's ability to read. We know a child who cannot read at a standard level by the fourth grade is almost always destined to failure. We cannot continue to stand-by and allow this failure. The future our children live in will be written, and I want every child in Mississippi to be able to read it.
Third, the epidemic of teenage pregnancy in this state must come to an end. Churches, schools, community organizations and most importantly, families, must realize that the highest teen pregnancy rate in America will eventually cripple our state.
Such a change in a societal norm is possible. Forty years ago many of you here today would be smoking during this ceremony. It was the norm and few would have noticed. Society, however, decided that smoking was harmful and a slow but certain repudiation of the habit began.
A similar repudiation of teen pregnancy must begin throughout Mississippi society. Every church, health care provider, teacher and employer must help in identifying teen pregnancy as an activity more devastating than smoking. Friends, we can no longer turn our heads and pretend the problem doesn't exist. Teen pregnancy in Mississippi must be reduced if we are to reach our full potential.
And finally, our people need to know that the precious tax dollars they send to Jackson are spent with the upmost care. Mississippi's budget process is broken and must be fixed. Our state cannot be successful in the 21st Century with a budget system from the 19th Century.
Most importantly, it is inefficient at a time when we can ill afford inefficiencies. Instead of measuring outcomes and appropriating for success, our state budgets are set by two deciding factors: what was last year's budget number and who did you know at the Capitol. This is no way to treat our people's tax dollars. We will work smarter than our sister states, make spending transparent and design budgets based on performance and not politics.
An appropriation of money will not solve all of our problems, but an appropriation of leadership can. Not just the kind of leadership at the State Capitol, but the kind of leadership that has helped Mississippi endure great challenges.
Friends, Mississippi has endured a Civil War, a Reconstruction, a Great Depression, poverty, racial strife and the worst natural disaster in American history. We have been branded by the rest of the world by these challenges. But the world cannot deny our resilience and perseverance.
From a state that seceded from the Union, we are now home to thousands of U.S. military men and women and some of the most patriotic people in this Union. From the depths of Delta poverty, we cradled the birth of America's music -- from blues, to country to rock-n-roll. From the bitter and righteous struggle for Civil Rights, we gave inspirational rise to some of the country's foremost writers, musicians, artists and leaders.
With each challenge we have, as William Faulkner said, not only endured but prevailed. Our endurance and perseverance has been at its best when the waters have risen around us.
Mississippi has become accustomed to rising water. Over the last decade alone, Hurricane Katrina and the Mississippi River have given us historic and painful examples of the waters' depth. But there is something we have learned from it. The rising water forced us to higher ground. It forced us to build stronger and better. It made us climb to new heights.
My fellow Mississippians, it is true that in years past our troubles have risen around us like the rising water. But we have persevered, and each time we have climbed to the new perspective of that higher ground.
As we make our way deeper into this new Century, let us rise together. Let us ascend to a place where the troubled waters can no longer touch us -- a place where the view of the water is big and wide and beautiful.
Let us rise together, Mississippi -- and with the guiding hand of God Almighty – let us take that first step up together.
God bless you; God bless Mississippi; and God bless the United States of America.
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