Now is the time that we begin our planning session for the 2008 Mississippi Legislative Session. While they do not go in until early January, there is a lot of work that needs to take place between now and that time. First, we have to identify what our legislative priorities will be and have those approved by the MSTA board. Second, we then research what state law says about that issue and begin drafting legislation. Finally, we’ll look to see what other states are doing and begin finding legislative sponsors for those issues that the board adopts. Our “Move Over” bill was the brainchild of a red leg, and that idea was then presented to the board. We developed our version of that bill after reviewing numerous other state laws. So, if you have an idea that we should explore, let us know. You never know - next year, YOU might be the one at a bill signing with the governor!

As you may know, other our trooper starting pay is just a little better than the bottom of the southeastern average. However, that number is always going to be a moving target as other states see what we have done and then seek to get their own legislators to increase their starting salaries. There are a couple of options that we want to review this summer. One, request another pay increase. In order to continue to recruit the best of the best and retain troopers, we must have competitive salaries. Remember, last year we found a muncipality that paid their starting officers out at $38,000. Second, we might propose increasing the pay according to pay steps. Alabama just redid their pay steps last year, and Louisiana redid their pay steps a couple of years ago. When the Legislative PEER Committee and the State Personnel conducted studies earlier this year, we found that the pay steps here were about $20,000 lower than steps of equal rank. So, we might ask the legislature to address our pay steps for years one through ten. The next session we would address steps eleven through twenty. Finally, well, that just depends on you. Your voice is heard through your board reps, and they take your suggestions very seriously! Let them know of your ideas for legislative issues to recommend for the 2008 Legislative Session.

Thanks for what you do, and I look forward to hearing your ideas for another successful year at the capitol.