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House passes bill scrapping MAEP formula in favor of new funding model for public schools
SUMMARY: Mississippi's House of Representatives passed HB 1453, the INSPIRE Act, with a vote of 92-13, aiming to overhaul the state's K-12 funding formula. Authored by Education Committee Chair Rob Roberson and supported by House Speaker Jason White, the INSPIRE Act would replace the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), which has struggled with full funding since its 1997 start. The proposed legislation introduces a more transparent and flexible funding system that prioritizes students from low-income backgrounds, English language learners, and those with special needs. Proponents argue it will increase educational equity by directing more funds to districts with greater needs. The bill also establishes a committee to review and recommend formula adjustments every four years. The Senate is now considering the bill alongside other proposed changes to MAEP.
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Reeves celebrates Medicaid expansion dying as Hosemann questions governor’s numbers
SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers did not agree on a Medicaid expansion plan during their session. Governor Tate Reeves, who opposes such expansions, celebrated the halt as a victory on social media, deeming it an “Obamacare Medicaid Expansion scheme.” The Senate's only vote on the issue showed more favor than opposition among Republicans but was not enough to override a veto. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann pointed out that the House and Senate supported expansion but clashed over work requirements. Hosemann believes CMS may accept a work requirement in the future. Current costs would be largely federally covered, with Mississippi benefiting financially. Mississippi remains one of the few states without Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, and rural hospitals are advocating for it to alleviate costs from uninsured patients.
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Report: Mississippi’s unemployment rate reaches new record low
SUMMARY: Mississippi's unemployment rate has hit a historic low at 2.8%, announced by Governor Tate Reeves. This drop is attributed to advances in education, including a top-five ranking for pre-K quality and record-high high school graduation rates. Significant private investments, including a $10 billion project by Amazon Web Services and a $1.9 million EV battery plant, are also key contributors. These developments have resulted in thousands of new jobs, reinforcing Reeves' message that anyone seeking work in Mississippi can find a job. The downward unemployment trend began in March 2023 and has persisted into 2024.
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State to allocate $95M in bonds for construction of new liquor storage facility
SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers have passed a bill authorizing up to $95 million in bonds to construct a new state-owned liquor warehouse. The facility will store alcoholic beverages before distribution to retailers in the state, which controls liquor sales at the wholesale level. The current warehouse in Gluckstadt is outdated, causing distribution delays and shortages for retailers, including restaurants and package stores. To fund the new warehouse, a $1.50 bailment fee will be charged on each case of liquor. Despite $119.7 million in revenue from 2023 liquor sales, there's debate about whether Mississippi should remain in the distribution business. The construction contract must be finalized by October 1.
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