Scorecard Methodology

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT  — DETAILS ABOUT THE EVALUATION PROCESS

How to use the BIPEC Legislator Business & Jobs Report Card?

In 1980, the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) was founded by Mississippi’s business and professional leaders to supply needed political research information. Founders wanted credible information to identify legislative candidates who understood needs and concerns of employers…these employers are the people who take risks to create jobs, stimulate our economy and give back to communities!  Use this guide to determine and assess your legislator’s support of the employers who provide the jobs our state needs to thrive.  Our objective is to assist with the constituent/voters quest for legislative accountability and transparency.  Please visit www.bipec.org for additional information and for links to various other resources that will help you to seek accountability from your elected officials.

What are the five performance levels?

Lawmakers are given one of five performance grades.  Each grade indicates to business leaders how, in general, legislators support economic growth, jobs and other broad job-related issues.

What does a performance evaluation mean?

BIPEC’s performance evaluation is a measuring stick used to determine each legislator’s business philosophy, attitude and effectiveness in supporting the growth/enhancement of jobs in Mississippi.  The BIPEC “Business & Jobs” grade is composed of two parts, the objective portion, which is reflective of the selected votes legislators cast and detailed with the enclosed “vote key”, and the subjective portion, which is used to measure the non-voting actions of the legislator. Over 35 business and professional leaders participate in the rating process.  Key factors of the assessment are:

• Legislator’s votes on clearly identified economic principles and employer issues
• Leadership in committee and floor debates on job-related issues
• Encouragement of other legislators to support economic growth and build coalitions to promote job development

What types of votes are used in the ratings?

It is important to note that no single issue dominates BIPEC’s ratings.  A great deal of effort is made to ensure that the votes chosen represent a broad cross-section of employer-related issues.  Votes impacting operating costs and restriction of management choices are viewed as very important.  Key subject areas include:

• Government growth
• Government regulation
• Privatization of government services
• Lawsuit reduction
• Environmental protection
• Labor/management issues
• Incentives for job growth
• Workers Compensation
• Business taxation
• Government spending controls

For additional information including direct links to the MS Legislature website, previous years BIPEC Report Cards, Bills and Action Cards, and Voting Keys, please visit www.bipec.org.