The Senate is debating waving requirements for state agencies to go through the Personnel Board before they could fire workers.
The plan has been touted as a way to streamline agencies and in turn save costs. At a press conference this morning, Gov. Haley Barbour, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and several other statewide elected officials said they supported the plan.
"Senate Bill 2680 is common sense legislation that will rid our agencies of burdensome red-tape and enable us to have substantial cost savings, as we did in 2004 when I proposed the Legislature approve the plan that gave Commissioner Epps the authority he needed to reorganize the Department of Corrections," Barbour said at the press conference. "Since then, we've saved over $14 million within the agency. I urge lawmakers to adopt this proven, fiscally responsible legislation so we can reduce waste, streamline costs, and foster better government practices."
Senate Democrats have criticized the bill, saying the Board offers employees protection from wrongful dismissal. Sen. Hob Bryan, D-Amory, said the plan could create an environment where good employees are dismissed in favor of those who are more politically connected.
Stay tuned.
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