Good day fellow Republicans.

On the National level several Republican candidates have announced their candidacy for president for the 2016 election.

According to the 2016 political tracker the current Republican Candidates are Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Rand Paul. Most likely to enter the race are Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, Bobby Jindal, Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson, and Mitt Romney. What a list of finalists! As Republicans we should be able to select a wonderful candidate and win hands down.

However, this will require we come together and choose carefully.

We need a leader that can be supported by the majority. We need a leader that can pull votes from several sectors. We need a leader that can LEAD.  Now is the time to begin to investigate these candidates and get behind who represents your ideals that is electable.

Statewide the Senate has finished its work for the spring 2015 session.

Lawmakers in the final days passed a budget of $6.26 billion which will begin in the coming year in July 1.

Spending on K-12 education was increased by 100 million. This brings the education funding for K-12 to $2.5 billion.

The Medicaid budget is up to more than $1 billion, increased by $83 million.

Lawmakers left without passing tax cuts due to caucusing of the Democrats to prevent the super majority necessary to pass a compromised plan presented by the Republicans.  (Clarion Ledger)

Locally the Republican Women will meet on May 7th at 11 a.m. at Paul’s Pastry.

The meeting will be the installation of officers.  Please call Melony Brewer at 601-798-6549 to RSVP. Republican Women, The Founders Committee and The Executive Committee will be collaborating to bring state and local candidates for a forum in July.

Details will be announced at a later date.

By Bonnie Holland.