JACKSON – Eric Powell, D-Corinth, is one of three senators Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant has selected to negotiate a compromise with the House on the size of the cigarette tax increase.
During debate on the legislation, Powell opposed the Senate leadership position of a 31-cent increase to 49 cents per pack. He supported a larger increase.
Powell’s position will be overruled by the two other Senate negotiators, Finance Chairman Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, and Vice Chairman Buck Clarke, R-Hollandale.
Still, it is unusual that a freshman from the presiding officer’s opposition party is named to be a key negotiator on one of the largest pieces of legislation of the 2009 session. It speaks to the respect he has engendered in the chamber.
The thee negotiators appointed by Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, are Ways and Means Chairman Percy Watson, D-Hattiesburg, Bobby Moak, D-Bogue Chitto; and Angela Cockerham, D-Magnolia.
