Legal &8220;seeds&8221; planted in the Miss-Lou more than four years ago continue to reap great benefits for the state of Mississippi.

For some of us the tort reform movement in Mississippi seemingly began just yesterday when the rumble was first heard in Natchez. Eventually that rumble became a statewide roar.

Leading the pack of physicians seeking reform was a small, but determined group of Natchez physicians. Despite their efforts the group probably has not received the recognition and thanks it deserves for helping insist that the issue stay on the front burner of statewide issues.

Because of their efforts in carrying the tort reform torch to the Capitol, the issue eventually caught fire and the laws were tightened up.

This week, the Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi announced it would reduce its medical liability insurance rates for the third straight year.

As many people may remember, prior to tort reform, a number of physicians were losing their coverage or paying exorbitant premiums.

That&8217;s all in the past now. Today, as Gov. Haley Barbour said, &8220;It is another concrete example of how tort reform is working to protect the quality and availability of health care by ending lawsuit abuse.&8221;

The state medical community is stronger and more stable today thanks to the hard work, dedication and persistence of a number of Natchez physicians who helped get the buzz rolling.