Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/121480
Lunch & Learn Meetings Bring in Record Numbers The 2013 MSAE luncheon series is off to a tremendous start bringing in an average of 80 people to the January and March events. MS House Speaker Phillip Gunn and MS Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney were the speakers delivering timely, pertinent messages to the membership. An additional feature of Lunch & Learn is the Association Spotlight where one association executive informs the attendees about the unique aspects of their association and it's functions. In January Mark Leggett, President of the MS Poultry Association, spoke of the importance of the poultry industry in Mississippi as well as the unique membership structure. New Member Peter Stokes, Executive Director for MS Pharmacists Association, shared his vision for setting a strong future for the association's legislative activites and the great aspect that his membership had more than doubled within the last 3 years. January Lunch & Learn Highlights As always networking was at its best to catch up with colleagues and make new connections. Join us for the next four Lunch& Learns as well as the information receptions scheduled Tuesdays prior to the luncheons. 26 Philip Gunn, Speaker of the House, Addressed MSAE Members Mississippi House Speaker Phillip Gunn (R-Clinton) touched on issues of charter schools, gun laws and the state budget during his keynote address at the January Lunch and Learn. Gunn spoke of GOP legislative successes of the past year and House focus for 2013. • Redrawing the legislative districts based on the current census – DeSoto County has added 51,000 out of the 104,000 new residents in Mississippi, while the Delta has suffered huge decreases in population. • Reworking the budget. Gunn vowed no new taxes and reduced dependency of "one-time money" so the state lives within its means. $500 million two years ago in one-time funds was reduced to $400 million last year. The goal for 2013 is $150 million. • Education reform and charter schools. Gunn said government is failing students when they are required to attend failing school in their districts; students and parents must have options. Other education reform efforts include a bill to require that all students be able to read by third grade. Gunn also spoke about his support for making all school district superintendent positions appointed rather than elected. • Adding jobs. Gunn said he supports passing reforms to make Mississippi more business friendly. This includes providing an educated workforce and ensuring communities are safe for companies that choose to relocate to those areas. Gunn previously appeared at a press conference on gun control prior to attending Lunch and Learn. "The government should not have the right to tell us how many bullets we can have." He spoke about President Obama's push to issue an executive order that, according to Gunn, will infringe on our constitutional right to keep and bear arms. CONNECTIONS | SPRING 2013