March Stennis-Capital Press Luncheon
The timing could not have been any better for the topic that was the subject of the March 3, 2010 Stennis-Capitol Press Luncheon. Legislation had been introduced in the Mississippi legislature requiring a “soda tax,” Mississippi continued to retail the most obese state designation and First Lady Michelle Obama was scheduled to visit the Magnolia State two days later to promote her “Let’s Move” campaign. Consequently, there was heavy press coverage of Stennis Institute Research Associate Judith Phillips’ presentation on her research entitled, Obesity and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: An Overview for Decision-Makers

The following is a sampling of the press coverage:

MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL (Magnolia Marketplace Blog): Phillips released the findings of a report she just completed that looks at some of the facts and figures associated with obesity – more specifically, how much sugar-sweetened drinks contribute to the condition. Click to View Article

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL: BOBBY HARRISON: Soft drink and tobacco tax comparisons are flawed. Click to View Article

WDAM-TV: State Senator Deborah Dawkins and Representative John Mayo asked the John Stennis Institute of Government to conduct a research study to see if there is a correlation between obesity and soda consumption. Click to View Article

WLBT-TV: (video included) Soda Tax proposed to help offset Mississippi's high obesity rate. Click to View Article
 

SEDI Dates Announced
The dates for the next State Executive Development Institute (SEDI) have been announced. Please check back with us as more information will come available.

MML Small Town Meeting

Each fall the Mississippi Municipal League welcomes public officials from Mississippi's "small towns" for an educational opportunity focused on the needs of Mississippi towns under 2,500 in population. This year, the topic was "Back to Basics", recognizing the many new Mayors and Aldermen who have been elected to serve in Mississippi's small towns in 2009.

Mississippi State's own Dr. P. Edward French, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, was the keynote speaker, speaking on "Managing Change in Small Communities." A number of Stennis staffers presented in the break-out sessions.
 

Presentations from the meeting:
Legal Requirements of Public Meetings
Principles of Municipal Law Enforcement
 

Dr. Marty Wiseman appears at Gautier Council meeting on August 24, 2009  Read Story

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