On Thursday, we made history at the state Capitol by having the first husband and wife pastors in the history of the Senate, to deliver a joint blessing over the body.

The Rev. Denny Read and his wife, the Rev. Noelle Read, pastors of First Presbyterian Church of Natchez, who also are my personal pastors, prayed for us.

We passed Senate Bill 2495 that allows the governor to cut state agency budgets up to 10 percent because of a $400 million revenue shortfall.

The measure passed on a 29-19 vote. I voted against extending the governor’s budget cutting authority beyond the 5 percent that he is currently allowed.

The House must sign off on Senate Bill 2495 before it becomes effective.

There have been 570 bills filed at this point and budget discussions are underway.

We recessed on Thursday, because of continued inconveniences created by broken water pipes throughout Jackson that left the Capitol, as well as many other state buildings and businesses, without water.

Please feel free to contact me at 601-359-3244 or e-mail me at bdearing@senate.ms.gov

Sen. Bob Dearing

Natchez resident