By By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
June 13, 2001
The war of words continues over Janice Broome Brooks' recent decision to fire 20 employees.
Brooks is the director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Brenda Scott, president of the Mississippi Alliance of State Employees/Community Workers of America expressed her outrage Tuesday at Sen. Robert "Bunky" Huggins' comments earlier this week.
Scott disagrees.
Scott said Huggins' mischaracterized the fired employees as "low level."
The Department of Human Services employs 3,581 people statewide, with an average salary of $25,000.
Rep. Bobby Moody, D-Louisville, responded to Scott's statements. He said Scott has no facts to back up her claims.
Scott also said firing employees in bulk is nothing new. She feels the conservative legislators are badgering Brooks a gubernatorial appointee in an attempt to undermine Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.
Brooks has declined comment about the situation.
The members of the House/Senate Oversight Committee are scheduled to meet this morning in Jackson to continue hearings into the matter.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228, or e-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.