Home News

8/31/2006 - Gov. Barbour to address MMA Convention Oct. 28

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has confirmed that he will address MMA members Saturday morning, Oct. 28., at the 2006 MMA Annual Convention in Destin, Fla. MMA’s 54th Annual Convention will be held October 25-28, 2006, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach. On Nov. 4, 2003, the Yazoo City native was elected Mississippi’s 63rd governor in the largest turnout in a gubernatorial election in state history. Barbour’s term has been highlighted by:

• The most comprehensive tort reform in the nation, restoring balance for plaintiffs and defendants in the state’s civil justice system;
• “Momentum Mississippi,” an update to the state’s long-range economic development strategy. Mississippi has now seen the largest increase in net new jobs since 1999 and the largest increase in personal income since 1998.
• “UpGrade,” across-the-board reforms in public education. Adopted in the 2006 legislative session, the new law rewards teacher and school performance, reduces state bureaucracy and strengthens discipline. Also, during his term state funding has increased for public education from K-12 through community colleges, and the state”s universities and colleges.
• Saving the Medicaid program for truly needy recipients, emphasizing preventative care and implementing the strongest anti-fraud plan in the history of Mississippi Medicaid.
• Tougher measures to fight the scourge of illegal drugs; drug arrests are up 73 percent.
• Protecting the unborn. The governor initiated and the Legislature has passed six pro-life laws that make Mississippi “the safest place in America for an unborn child,” according to a national right-to-life organization.

In the face of the worst natural disaster in American history -- Hurricane Katrina, which struck on August 29, 2005 -- Barbour took the lead early on helping Mississippians rebuild and recover. He and First Lady Marsha Barbour, his wife of 33 years, have worked tirelessly and innovatively with local, state and national leadership to tap into many resources of assistance for victims of Hurricane Katrina. He created the Governors Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding, and Renewal to develop a broad vision for opportunities to help South Mississippi rebuild bigger and better than ever. The Commission now has been folded into the Office of the Governor, where its work continues. For his leadership after Katrina, Barbour was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Freedom Award, which is presented by the American Legislative Exchange Council to a nationally recognized public sector leader who has an extraordinary record of successfully advancing the Jeffersonian principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty and federalism. For more information about MMA's 54th Annual Convention or to register, download a convention brochure or contact Stacey Smith at MMA.

Download Article

Back to Articles