BIPEC rates legislators

By By William F. West / community editor
October 19, 2002
BIPEC rates more than just state Supreme Court justices.
The pro-business watchdog group in Jackson also annually rates state legislators on a 100-point scale, with those receiving a score of 76 or better being labeled a "champion of business."
BIPEC said a score of 56-75 indicated "moderate business support," 41-55 indicated "marginal business help" and 40 or below indicated "anti-business."
The BIPEC legislative study was completed last month. Legislators were graded on their votes, leadership in committee and floor debates and encouragement of other lawmakers to support economic growth.
Among East Mississippi legislators, BIPEC gave a 91 to Rep. Greg Snowden, R-Meridian; an 85 to Sen. Terry Burton, D-Newton; an 84 to Rep. Eric Robinson, R-Quitman; and a 78 to Rep. Billy Nicholson, D-Little Rock.
BIPEC also gave a 73 to Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian; a 47 to Rep. Charles Young, D-Meridian; a 46 to Sen. Sampson Jackson, D-DeKalb; a 41 to Rep. Tommy Horne, I-Meridian; and a 32 to Rep. Reecy Dickson, D-Macon.
Burton said his rating is a reflection of his and other like-minded lawmakers' support of business and industry.
Jackson laughed when asked about his score.