Recent editorials from Mississippi newspapers:
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Oct. 14
The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal on state lawmakers approving an additional $150 annual tax on electric vehicles:
After years of delays on the issue, the Mississippi Legislature passed in August a comprehensive package to fund needed repairs to the state’s roads and bridges. The package included a new lottery and also diverted revenue from online sales taxes and sports gambling. It is projected to eventually provide about $130 million annually in much-needed funds to patch a crumbling infrastructure system.
Recently, however, one of the lesser known measures of that package has begun to get more attention. State lawmakers approved an additional $150 annual tax on electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are now subject to $75 of additional taxes each year. The state Department of Revenue has recently begun mailing notices of the new tax to owners of such vehicles, as reported by the Daily Journal’s Caleb Bedillion. The amounts are set to increase with inflation in 2021 and subsequent years.
Despite the latest effort to direct different sources of revenue toward infrastructure, the primary source of funding for Mississippi’s roads and bridges remains the state’s 18.4-cent per gallon gas tax. We have written before that this is the appropriate mechanism, with the idea being those who are using the roads and bridges are paying for their upkeep.
Part of the idea behind the tax on hybrid and electric cars is ensuring those drivers are contributing to infrastructure repairs since they are spending less on gas, and therefore paying less in gas taxes.
Critics of the new tax have correctly pointed out that many new traditional cars are getting as good of gas mileage as some older hybrids.
This is an important point that the legislature should consider as it adjusts infrastructure funding going forward.
But, the fact remains that maintaining roads and bridges is a core function of government. And doing so requires money.
The new tax on hybrid and electric vehicles has been as unpopular as you would expect a new tax to be. But we believe it should remain as part of a package for keeping the state’s roads and bridges the best they can be.
Online: http://www.djournal.com/
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Oct. 14
The Natchez Democrat on breast cancer:
Six letters can stop any of us in our tracks and change our lives forever - c-a-n-c-e-r.
The diagnosis of cancer is one that hundreds of thousands of Americans receive each year.
This month the nation focuses on breast cancer awareness with a special designation and lots of pink events.
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The great attention and focus are fitting and needed.
National statistics show approximately one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lives.
This year, more than one-quarter million new breast cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S.
That’s a staggering statistic that shows the potential impact of this frighteningly bad, but increasingly less deadly disease.
Vast improvements in early detection and treatment have greatly reduced the rates of deaths connected to breast cancer.
Yet more can be done.
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Several nonprofit groups have recognized this and are taking on the challenge of helping provide funding for individuals without the means to obtain tests.
We applaud those efforts and continue to be amazed and thankful for the generosity of people in the community who are helping make a difference in the lives of others by either giving money or their time to help.
Together, we can continue to improve our knowledge and treatment options for breast cancer, one day and one dollar at a time.
Online: https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/
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Oct. 15
The Daily Leader on getting the flu vaccine:
Flu season is coming soon, and the Mississippi State Department of Health is encouraging people to get vaccinated. Seasonal flu vaccination is recommended for anyone aged six months and older as a way to prevent the spread of flu, and more importantly, save lives.
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“Last year an estimated 80,000 adults nationwide died from the flu, with 183 influenza deaths in children - three of which were in Mississippi,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “We know that nationally, 80 percent of the pediatric deaths were in children who were not vaccinated against the flu. Flu vaccine is the best way to protect both children and adults from serious complications such as hospitalization, and in many cases, death.”
Flu season in Mississippi usually peaks in January through March, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the virus sooner.
“We recommend getting vaccinated now before we reach peak flu activity. Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older,” he said. “Those particularly at risk for influenza complications include young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. It is especially important for persons at high risk and those in close contact with them to be vaccinated to prevent the severe complications that can come with infection.”
County health departments only provide adult flu vaccines to certain individuals who qualify: uninsured, underinsured or those who meet high-risk criteria. If you fall outside of those groups, you will need to get a vaccine through a private physician, pharmacy or at other locations that offer them.
The pediatric flu vaccine is for those 18 and under who are eligible. The cost is $10. Insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepted for children’s flu shots.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and body aches and fatigue. Most people recover from the flu without complications, but nationwide there are up to 200,000 hospitalizations from flu each year, MSDH reported.
While vaccination is the best protection, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated, according to MSDH. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently.
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Online: https://www.dailyleader.com/
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