Recent editorials from Mississippi newspapers:
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March 27
The Oxford Eagle on investing in the state’s infrastructure:
As Mississippi lawmakers grapple with piecing together a state budget without enough money they are taking another step into a deeper hole for the long term.
The problem in Mississippi boils down to a lack of economic growth, meaning the state’s income is so low legislators don’t know what to do but cut and take away.
By following a strategy of tax cuts and reduced infrastructure investment, Mississippi has left itself in a situation that looks a little bit like ship full of people, stagnant at sea, slowly taking on more water.
Legislators try annually to toss a little water out to keep the ship floating, but it isn’t going anywhere.
Truth be told we need some new ships - infrastructure investment - to get moving again.
Tax cuts and reduced spending without a long-term strategy have proven not to work. Our roads and bridges in the state need a big infusion. Our schools need new buildings. Our state capital needs investment, and so does the Delta.
And let’s not forget that our universities are the driving force of Mississippi, creating jobs directly and spurring entrepreneurial activity that leads to more jobs. We need to make sure they can build infrastructure and grow according to long-term strategy.
That’s why Mississippi’s legislators need a strong plan, the kind President Donald Trump has said works.
It’s called infrastructure investment.
Online:
https://www.oxfordeagle.com
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March 26
The Greenwood Commonwealth on seat belt legislation:
The Mississippi Senate has correctly concurred with the House to make seat belts mandatory for everyone, regardless of age or where in the vehicle they sit.
The legislation, assuming it receives Gov. Phil Bryant’s signature, is going to be lifesaving by extending the same requirements to back-seat passengers as they now exist for those in front.
Everyone should buckle up. A back-seat law will persuade even more to do so.
Online:
https://www.gwcommonwealth.com
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March 26
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal on the upholstered furniture industry:
Northeast Mississippi received encouraging news last week during a meeting on the state of economic development.
The keynote speaker at the event held at the BancorpSouth Conference Center said the upholstered furniture industry - which is anchored in Northeast Mississippi - is on the upswing.
Jerry Epperson is a veteran industry observer and analyst with more than 30 years of experience. He said that while the overall economic recovery has been going on for seven years, the furniture industry is only in its third year of recovery from the Great Recession, as reported by Daily Journal business editor Dennis Seid.
That’s good to hear, particularly given the hit the industry has taken over the past decade-plus, when about a third of its jobs disappeared since the early 2000s. And that downturn took a toll on a regional economy that relies heavily on the furniture industry.
Mississippi currently has more than 18,000 furniture manufacturing jobs and more than 21,000 supplier jobs, according to the latest figures from Mississippi State University’s Franklin Furniture Institute. Most of those are centered here in Northeast Mississippi.
The state leads the nation in the manufacturing and shipment of upholstered furniture, and it ranks third nationally in overall furniture shipments.
So an upswing in the upholstered furniture industry would very much reverberate locally.
Epperson said the growth of imports has dramatically changed the industry, with imports making up about 60 percent of furniture in the U.S. Upholstered furniture has been better positioned against the wave of imports, which make up about 45 percent of the segment.
The upholstered furniture industry also has made great strides in improving itself, with better fabrics and the addition of power and other special features to motion furniture that appeals to more consumers.
With the technology available and the increased use of automation in manufacturing today, domestic upholstered furniture is in good shape, Epperson said.
He also spoke about the importance of companies continuing to evolve, noting that the buying habits of Millennial consumers are much different than those of previous generations. It is important for furniture companies to evolve to meet those needs and produce products that continue to be in demand.
Epperson also presented a good outlook for the Tupelo Furniture Market, which he said continues to serve an important niche in the industry. It remains strong, Epperson said, because it offers a good variety of price points and does so in an attractive, hospitable location that people enjoy visiting.
We are encouraged by the favorable outlook. Good news for the U.S. furniture industry is good news for Northeast Mississippi.
Online:
https://djournal.com
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