Although Representative Janus has co-authored numerous pieces of legislation, voted on thousands of bills, and fought behind the scenes on vital projects utilizing his experience and influence, a few notable accomplishments stand out which reflect his commitment to South Mississippi and his conservative principles and values…
Hurricane Recovery
- As a Legislative Liaison member of the Governor’s Commission on Recovery, assisted in developing the Katrina Grant Program
- Personally assisted several non-MS residential construction companies in their efforts to introduce affordable housing alternatives to the Coast
- Authored and secured passage of a bill which creates an insurance premium reduction program patterned after the State of FL
- Assisted in the passage of a bill which will secure $475+ million for water/sewer infrastructure improvements in the six Coastal counties
- Other notable hurricane recovery legislation
Transportation
- In the aftermath of Katrina, worked closely with the MDOT to insure that the Popps Ferry Bridge was repaired quickly
- Worked to designate, fund and construct Cowan-Lorraine Road/Hwy 605
- As a member of the House Transportation Committee, championed the four-lane expansion of Hwy 67 which is currently under construction
- Authorized the construction of toll roads by state or private entities, but only in places where an alternate un-tolled route exists.
Education
- Phased in full funding of the MS Adequate Education Program, the main funding vehicle for the state's K-12 public schools, over a 4-year period which will increase funding 14% for the 2007-2008 school year
- Provided state universities with $85 million additional funding and community colleges with $35 million more for the next fiscal year. Enhanced salaries at both
- Established some "home rule" provisions for high-level schools and exempts them from certain requirements of the State Board of Education
- Pay increases to ALL teachers
- Reforming the education process with the passage of Taxation and the State Budget
- Turned our State’s budget deficit into a budget surplus through tough decision-making in order to pass fiscally responsible legislation
- Worked to improve the “Grocery Tax Reduction” Bill so that our cities and Katrina recovery efforts were not negatively impacted (See Here)
- Reduced unemployment taxes for employers and provided $20 million annual funds for training of workers
- Foreign-earned income which is excluded for Federal income tax purposes shall be excluded from gross income for State income tax
- Other notable taxation & budget legislation
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- Strengthened the registration of sexual offenders with an improved internet website; required sexual offenders to register in person and prohibits them from being present within 500 feet of a school building
- Created a presumption of the right to use defensive force and immunity from civil liability when a person feels threatened by an intruder to a home, place of business or employment or occupied vehicle
- Created a disability trust fund for law officers and firemen injured in line of duty
- Organized drug courts in each county to be funded through a variety of penalty increases on traffic, DUI, game and fish and litter citations
- Other notable public safety legislation
Economic Development
- Passed civil justice reforms in SPECIAL SESSION that set caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice in general business cases. Also revised venue and other provisions
- Created, and than enhanced, a new sales tax incentive program for tourist-oriented enterprises
- Passed "Momentum Mississippi," including the "At Risk Industries Act" to help companies stave off foreign competition
- Changed the Small Enterprise Development Finance Program so more small-to-mid-sized businesses can qualify for low-interest loans
Quality of Life
- Banned most abortions in Mississippi if the Federal Roe v. Wade law allowing abortions is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court (See Here)
- Provided for enhanced penalties for taking the property of vulnerable adults
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