The Rankin County Democratic Executive Committee is excited to announce the election of two officers and the election of three new Committee members.

Sandra Foote was elected as our new Vice Chairperson, and Ron McLaughlin was elected to be our Parliamentarian.  These two bring a wealth of experience to their positions, and we are happy to have them in these important roles.

Joining the committee for the first time are Lorenzo Evans from District 4, David Carr from District 5, and Susan Weatherholt as an At-Large member.  These individuals have been tremendous volunteers, and their energy will be a great asset as we build a stronger Democratic Party in Mississippi.

Congratulations to all!  We look forward to working with you!

Election Day is quickly upon us!  This is an exciting time for Democrats across our state.  We have an opportunity to put points on the board for Mississippi Democrats, and we need your generosity to help our front line Democrats in the June 4 general election!

Will you donate $10, $20, or even $100 to help our Democrats win next month?

You can donate to a must-win race in Meridian with mayoral candidate Percy Bland leading the charge HERE.  Percy is challenging incumbent tea party Mayor Cheri Barry.

Contribute to one of our leading female Democrats, Ocean Spring Mayor Connie Moran, HERE.

Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman is moving his city forward with positive, energetic leadership.  You can donate to him HERE.

These candidates will help build a new generation of leadership for our state.  Please take a moment to donate $10, $20, or even $100 to these outstanding candidates.

Onward to victory Tuesday, June 4!

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  Check out our website for news and event updates.

Greetings!

Election Day 2013 is quickly upon us.  We have terrific candidates running for municipal office in all corners of our state.  If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer and help our candidates to victory, please contact Jacqueline Amos-Norris, Mississippi Democratic Party Field Director, at [email protected] or 601-969-2913.  Every little bit goes a long way.  Onward to victory!  Election Day is Tuesday, June 4.

You can donate online today to help Rankin County Democrats by clicking here!

The Mississippi Democratic Party recently issued the first in an ongoing series of newsletters.  These are fantastic resources to help keep you informed of what is happening within your Mississippi Democratic Party.  In case you missed it, you can read it online here.  Be sure to check out their website atwww.mississippidemocrats.org.

Earlier this month, our friend Atlee Breland wrote a blog article about pay inequality in America.  Her piece found its way onto the pages of the Clarion-Ledger.  We are proud that Rankin County Democrats continue to lead on this critical issue.

Our Chairman had a Letter to the Editor published in the Clarion-Ledger that points out the Republican Party’s refusal to have an open and fair debate on Medicaid expansion in Mississippi.  You can read the letter here.

Below are upcoming events Rankin County Democrats are hosting.  We hope you, your family, and your friends will be able to participate.  Everyone is welcome!  Check out our calendar for more details on these and other events.

• Our monthly Breakfast with Democrats will be on Saturday, May 4, at the Flowood Corner Bakery from 8:30 am – 10:30 am.
• The Rankin County Federation of Democratic Women will hold its next meeting Tuesday, May 7, at the Pearl Library from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.
• Rankin County Democrats are hosting a Democrats on Tap happy hour Thursday, May 9, at Hal and Mal’s from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
• The Rankin County Democratic Executive Committee is holding a special meeting Thursday, May 23, at Pearl City Hall from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  We will have elections to fill vacancies on the Committee.

Please don’t forget to donate online to help out Rankin County Democrats!

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  Check out our website for news and event updates.

Today, April 9, is Equal Pay Day, representing how far into 2013 an average woman must work to earn as much as the average man earned in 2012. Nationally, women’s earnings average 77 cents per dollar of male earnings. The statistics for women of color who work full-time are even worse: 64 cents per dollar for African American women, and only 55 cents per dollar for Hispanic women. Mississippi is ranked #46 in pay equity, and female earnings average just 73.5 cents per dollar of male earnings.

The wage gap isn’t just a women’s issue — it’s vitally important to the economic well-being of Mississippi families. We have more female-headed families than any other state in the nation, and just over 50% of them fall below the poverty line, including 17% whose female heads work full-time. Pay equity would raise their incomes by 33%, and lift many of these families out of poverty.

Even most two-parent families simply don’t have a financial choice about whether women will work, because they need both incomes to be economically stable. A two-parent family of four where one partner works full-time at $10/hour earns just $20,000 per year. For these families, women’s income is the difference between poverty and the middle class, and pay disparity hurts them too.

This isn’t about “entitlement”. By definition, pay equity is about leveling the playing field for people who are already working hard to get by. Nor is it about family or job choices: the pay gap exists even between men and women in the same career, affects mothers who continue to work full-time, and even impacts women without children. And while most mothers only have young children for a small portion of their working lives, the pay gap persists and even widens over the course of their careers.

As Democrats, we believe that working people ought to be paid according to their skills, not their gender. We’re proud of our party’s achievement in passing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, despite opposition from most of Mississippi’s Congressional delegation. This year, we’re calling upon our representatives and senators to support the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 377/S. 84), which closes loopholes and strengthens penalties for employers who discriminate against female employees.

Pay equity isn’t just about fairness — it’s the right thing to do for families. We encourage you to contact Rep. Gregg Harper, Sen. Thad Cochran, and Sen. Roger Wicker to encourage them to support the Paycheck Fairness Act in 2013.

Another legislative session is in the books.  The Republican-controlled legislature pushed most of its agenda through while minority Democrats put up a loyal opposition.  Even though Democrats are currently in the minority, their influence cannot be ignored.

One of the biggest fights legislative Democrats took on this session was over the expansion of Medicaid.  In a state like Mississippi, there is no doubt that this is an issue worth debating.  According to independent estimates, thousands of Mississippians would obtain health insurance assistance, billions in federal dollars will come to the state, and hospitals would not be burdened with so much money lost in uncompensated care from treating individuals without health insurance coverage.

Earlier in the session, Governor Bryant announced that Mississippi will not expand Medicaid.  In his opinion, the state cannot afford to have thousands of additional Mississippians on the Medicaid rolls.  It should be noted that throughout his entire adult life, Governor Bryant has been a government employee and offered government-subsidized health insurance coverage.

House Minority Leader Bobby Moak (D-Bouge Chitto) made it clear that House Democrats wanted a debate and a vote on Medicaid expansion.  Win or lose, Moak wanted to take on the fight.  The response from Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton): no deal.  Gunn refused to bring up a bill that would allow for an open debate on Medicaid expansion.  He suggested that proponents of Medicaid expansion do not have enough votes to pass it so it is a waste of time to even discuss it.

What is Speaker Gunn afraid of?  Is he afraid that he may be wrong?  Many of Gunn’s rank and file members represent areas where large hospitals reside.  Look no further than River Oaks Hospital and the University Medical Center to know that the entire Rankin County delegation would vote on a bill that could impact some of their constituents’ jobs.  Why would he want to put his members in a position to vote for a Democratic-supported bill that might pass?!

Three times this session, our legislative Democrats held firm to reject the strong-armed tactics of the Republicans.  Democrats insisted that until the Speaker and Governor agree to allow for a debate and vote, Democrats will use their leverage to fight for this critical issue.  Since Republicans failed to negotiate, a special session of the legislature is expected to take place in late June.  The agenda will certainly include Medicaid.

Democrats in the Mississippi legislature are more unified in a way we have not seen in a long time.  We should be grateful that they have the strength of their convictions to stand up and fight.

March has been an exciting month for Rankin County Democrats.  Our community presence is increasing and enthusiasm continues to rise.

On March 2, Democrats from across Mississippi convened in Jackson for a campaign seminar.  Speakers educated attendees on better ways to fundraise, use social media and new communication techniques, and how to organize grassroots supporters.

On March 5 and 7, we organized the Pearl and Brandon Democratic Municipal Committees.  These groups will help mobilize Democratic activity in their respective cities as we work to move the needle for Democrats in Rankin County.

Yesterday, Rankin Democrats co-hosted a new event called Democrats on Tap.  This was an opportunity for us to meet, have a refreshment, make some new friends, and network.  The response was tremendous!  It was wonderful to see so many new faces in the crowd.  Mississippi Democratic Trust Executive Director Brandon Jones and members of the legislative Democratic caucus were on hand to greet our guests.  We will continue to hold these events so be on the lookout for details.

Earlier this week, Rankin Democrats issued a press release calling out the Rankin County Board of Supervisors for granting a $12,000 annual pay raise to the county Tax Collector as well as additional raises to her staff.  In these economic times, it is inexcusable that some members of the Board made such a poor decision.

A letter to the editor was submitted and was published in the Clarion-Ledger on March 9.  In the letter, Rankin Democrats called out the hypocrisy of Senator Wicker’s position on the sequester.  A rebuttal was issued by a defender of the senator’s.

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing on county precinct redistricting.  The hearing will be held in the supervisors board room Monday, April 1, at 9:00 am.  You can find the proposed map here.  Data show that there may be changes coming to precincts in areas such as Flowood, Pearl, Crossgates, and Park Place.  Please attend this important hearing, if your schedule allows.

Our monthly breakfast will be at the Flowood Corner Bakery on Saturday, April 6, at 8:30 am.  Everyone is welcome to attend!  We hope to see you there!

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  Check out our website for news and event updates.

Rankin County Democrats denounce the recent action taken by the Rankin County Board of Supervisors in allowing a pay raise for certain county employees.

At their March 15 meeting, the Board granted a $12,000 annual salary increase for the Tax Collector and additional pay raises for her staff while wages for hard-working Rankin County residents stagnate.

The Board recently elected to raise taxes arguing that the county does not have the resources necessary to balance its budget.  It is inconceivable that some members of the Board would raise taxes and give pay raises without bearing in mind the hardships faced by those who pinch pennies to make ends meet and do not have the ability to raise their salaries with the stroke of a pen.

Rankin County Democrats call upon the Board to reverse this misguided decision.  In these tough economic times, it was a bad call by the Board and the Tax Collector to hold themselves to a different standard for the work they perform on behalf of the voters and taxpayers of Rankin County.

February has been a busy month for Rankin County Democrats!

On February 15, Rankin Democrats spoke before a public hearing of the county Board of Supervisors to express concern over how some supervisors’ districts were drawn.  This meeting is a result of us challenging the Board’s procedures when calling a public hearing. We will continue to monitor this and other electoral changes that take place within the county.

Earlier this month, the state House of Representatives passed a bill that would keep the state Department of Revenue in Speaker Gunn’s Clinton-based district.  An amendment was offered to move the Department to Pelahatchie.  That amendment was defeated by Rankin Republican Representative Tom Weathersby.  Rankin Democrats issued a press release highlighting the blank check the Speaker is cutting on behalf of Mississippi taxpayers and that Rankin representatives are fighting for Hinds County jobs.  You can read our press release here.

Saturday, February 16, was the launch of Extra Shot of Blue.  These are coffee shop-based events designed to help us broaden the community outreach of Rankin Democrats.  Thanks to everyone who came out for our inaugural event.  The next Extra Shot of Blue will be Saturday, March 23, at the Pearl Dunkin’ Donuts.  You can find more information on our calendar.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Rankin County chapter of the NAACP, please email [email protected] or call Lorenzo Evans at 601-316-8000.  A membership drive is underway so please show your support.  Anyone who lives or works in Rankin County can join.  You can download the registration form here.

Our monthly breakfast will be Saturday, March 2, at 8:30 am.  We will meet at the Flowood Corner Bakery.  Everyone is welcome to join us!

There are two important events coming up next week.  The Brandon and Pearl Democratic Municipal Committees will hold their organizational meetings.  Pearl will hold its meeting on Tuesday, March 5, at Pearl City Hall.  Brandon will hold its meeting on Thursday, March 7, at the Board of Supervisors board room in downtown Brandon.  Each of these meetings will begin at 7:00 pm.  The purpose of these meetings is to elect officers and executive committees for each city so they may certify municipal candidates on Friday, March 8.

Rankin Democrats will join Keep the Rez Beautiful on Saturday, March 9, for the Great American Cleanup.  This is part of a national day of action to help inspire greater community involvement.  For those able to participate, please bring some trash bags and gloves with you.  We will meet across the street from Lakeside Presbyterian Church on Spillway Road at 9:00 am.  You can find more information about the Great American Cleanup on their Facebook event page or their website.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure will lead the Steel Magnolias Race for the Cure on Saturday, April 13, in Jackson.  This is a terrific way to show your support for breast cancer awareness and research.  You can find more details and register to join the race on their website.

Please be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  Check out our website for news and event updates.

An article published in Politico this morning caught my eye.  In light of the bad press Mississippi has received lately, this story did not do anything to mitigate any criticism.

In his 18-year-long Congressional career, Senator Roger Wicker has had one driving passion: cutting spending.  He rode the 1994 wave of anti-big spending crusaders into Washington with the objective of reducing federal spending.  While that is a legitimate position to have, I cannot understand how he can, with a straight face, maintain his support for federal spending projects in Mississippi while voting repeatedly to stop federal spending for projects in Mississippi.

There is no question that federal spending is an issue which deserves our full attention and action in Congress.  With the sequester set to take effect in a matter of days, the senator’s flip flopping is the type of thing that makes voters cynical about Washington.  I wish the senator would make up his mind whether he wants to say one thing and do another or be consistent in his beliefs.

Rankin County Democrats wish to express our disappointment that the Republican delegation from Rankin County spoke and voted unanimously in favor of a bill that keeps jobs and economic opportunity from coming to Rankin County.  They voted against Rankin County jobs not once but twice.

Earlier today, the Republican-led Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 1337.  This piece of legislation allows the state to purchase property in Hinds County to house the state Department of Revenue.

When a request was made to determine how much the bill would cost taxpayers, that request was refused.  The bill gives a blank check on behalf of hardworking taxpayers to politically-connected special interests in Hinds County.  They hope that the legislature provides no oversight and will be trusted to do what’s best; in essence, we have to pass the bill to know how much it will cost taxpayers.

An amendment was offered to move the state Department of Revenue to Rankin County instead.  The Chairman of the Public Property Committee, Rankin County’s own Representative Tom Weathersby, led the charge to defeat the amendment.

“It is a sad day when our own delegation would rather support the patronage agenda of  Speaker Gunn than fight for Rankin County jobs,” argued Atlee Breland of the Rankin County Democratic Executive Committee.  “At a time when our neighbors in Rankin County are still looking for work, it is troubling that our legislators will fight for jobs and economic development for the Speaker’s home district in Hinds County.”

The Rankin County Democratic Executive Committee hopes that Rankin County natives Lt. Governor Tate Reeves and Governor Phil Bryant will show better judgment and fight to bring these desperately-needed jobs to Rankin County.