Stephen Koranda
Deadline Facing Revenue, Appropriations Bills
Sunday, February 22, 2009
It's expected to be a busy week for Mississippi lawmakers. Wednesday is the deadline for floor action on bills affecting how the state collects and spends tax dollars. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
Federal Dollars to Help Heal Medicaid Program
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The stimulus package could have a big impact on the Medicaid Program in Mississippi, which makes up around 30 percent of the state's total budget. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Reading Program Gives Students Bump in Test Scores
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mississippi is near the bottom of many education rankings. A program incorporation reading education in pre-kindergarten students could help change that. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
The interactive preschool reading program uses special television segments from the PBS children’s show Between the Lions, and integrates them with lessons in places like daycares, to get children ready to read and learn.
Bill Aimed At Helping Failing Schools
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Mississippi Department of Education could soon have more power to intervene in underperforming school districts, but some education advocates have concerns about the possible changes. MPB's Stephen Koranda has more.
State Officials Push for Healthy Marriages, But Are They Excluding Some Families?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Some state officials are promoting healthy families this week, but proponents of non-traditional households feel they're being excluded. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Heart Health in Mississippi Women
Thursday, February 12, 2009
More than 4000 Mississippi women die of heart disease every year, making it the leading cause of death for women in the state. In today's health report---- how to improve the heart health of Mississippi women. Stephen Koranda has more.
Fighting Diabetes in Mississippi
Monday, February 09, 2009
Every year more than 23-thousand Mississippians are diagnosed with diabetes, and more than 600 die from it. In today’s health report, MPB’s Stephen Koranda tell us how officials are hoping to control the disease.
Voter ID Making Headway at Statehouse
Monday, February 09, 2009
Legislation requiring Mississippians to show ID at the polls has been in and out of the state legislature for almost a decade. As MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports, this year it seems to be making headway.
State Officials Don't See Eye to Eye on Stimulus Package
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Some state lawmakers are concerned the Governor won't accept all federal stimulus money that could be available to Mississippi, should a stimulus bill pass in the nation's capital. But state legislators may be able to bypass the Governor to access federal dollars. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
House Republicans Try to Force Bills to the Floor
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
A deadline to get legislation out of committee had some Mississippi lawmakers butting heads on the House floor. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
State Officials Work to Attract High-Tech Jobs
Monday, February 02, 2009
State officials are focusing on growing industries to help offset job losses from the falling economy. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
Some Lawmakers Pushing for More Medicaid Home Services
Monday, February 02, 2009
It currently costs more than 55 thousand dollars a year to keep a single Medicaid patient in a nursing home. Some state lawmakers are pushing for changes that could cut those costs by more than half. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
Senate Committee Looks for More Affordable housing
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A bill in the state Senate could help provide affordable housing to Mississippians. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
Governor Pushes for Changes in Federal Children's Insurance
Monday, January 26, 2009
Governor Haley Barbour is pushing for changes in a bill before the US Senate to reauthorize a federal health insurance program. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Falling Casino Revenue Hits State Budget
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The economic downturn is hurting one of the state's largest industries...gaming. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports on how that's trickling down to the state's economy.
College Leaders Tell Concerns to Lawmakers
Thursday, January 22, 2009
State government budget cuts have cost Mississippi’s colleges and universities almost 40 Million dollars. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports on what this could mean to the schools.
Democratic Leaders React to Inauguration.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Democratic leaders gathered to celebrate the new President and kickoff a new administration. MPB's Stephen Koranda has some reaction.
Groups Push For Changes In Student Discipline
Monday, January 19, 2009
Youth advocacy groups in Mississippi are pushing for changing the discipline system in the state’s schools. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
Voter ID Bill Passes Senate
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A bill that would require most voters to show a photo ID at the polls has cleared the Senate. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
House Passes Tobacco Tax
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Mississippi House members are sending to the Senate legislation that would increase the states cigarette tax to one-dollar per pack. House members passed the bill with the hopes of putting a dent into the state’s deficit, which could reach 300 million dollars. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.