State Legislatures are where the citizens and lawmakers interact and work together the most. In today’s society many Americans feel disconnected and underrepresented by their federal representatives but state legislators are hard at work for their constituents and in direct contact with them. When disasters happen, it is the state government that responds first and provides the needed help, whether its financial or food and shelter. Big things are happening in my state’s legislature this year in the session that just started in January. Moves to continue building on our states education successes by adopting more school choice policies, increasing teacher pay, fixing the state’s retirement system, banning Sharia law, fighting fraudulent use of government funds, attempts to restrict hunting rights, re-instating the citizen ballot initiative, and closed primaries are just a few of the major policy debates and actions happening right now in the state capital. These policy proposal debates are all about taking care of our citizens directly and ensuring we are as free as possible. My guest today to talk with us about these issues and is Mississippi State Representative Fred Shanks. Fred represents State House District 60 just east of Jackson in central Mississippi. Rep Shanks serves on several committees, including Chair of the Rules Committee. He has served as a reserve police officer for the City of Brandon and previously worked at Brandon Discount Drugs. Before his election to the state legislature, he served on the Brandon Board of Aldermen.