SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers debated extending Medicaid to the working poor but failed to reach an agreement by the legislative deadline. The House passed a bill for a Medicaid expansion to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) with a work requirement. The Senate, led by Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, proposed an expansion to 100% FPL without the federal 90% match rate and insisted on a strict work requirement. Efforts to reach a compromise or to put the expansion to a voter referendum failed. Governor Tate Reeves has threatened to veto any expansion, labeling it as “welfare.” Despite some bipartisan support, the legislature will revisit the issue in the 2025 session.

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SUMMARY: Senate Bill 2487, aimed at supporting first responders, is on its way to Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves for approval. The bill proposes increasing the death benefits for first responders who die in the line of duty from $100,000 to $250,000, along with covering up to $15,000 in funeral expenses. Additionally, it introduces a grant program to improve training and safety equipment for first responders throughout the state. Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell has championed the bill to enhance the support for those who risk their lives, emphasizing the sacrifices made by first responders. This follows another recent legislative success requiring driver's education in Mississippi.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi will receive $28.65 million in federal funding to replace lead pipes, ensuring safer drinking water. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with a total of $3 billion designated to the cause. President Joe Biden aims to remove all lead pipes to protect health, with a focus on children, who are particularly vulnerable to lead's harmful effects on brain development. The investment aligns with the Justice40 initiative, aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasizes the urgency of removing harmful lead pipes from water systems across the country.

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