Mississippi News

Elected officials pay raise passes

Published

3 years ago

April 27, 2022

Amid vetoes, Gov. Reeves lets pay raises for elected officials pass

by Geoff Pender, Mississippi Today
April 27, 2022

Gov. Tate Reeves has allowed large pay raises for statewide elected officials — including the governor — to pass into law without his signature amid his vetoing a handful of other measures.

Starting in 2024, after the next election, Mississippi’s statewide elected officials will see pay increases ranging from $25,000 a year to $60,000 a year, or 22% to 67% increases. The governor’s salary will increase 31%, from $122,160 to $160,000. Lawmakers, with some debate, passed the salary increases at the end of this year’s legislative session. A proposal to raise legislators’ pay died.

Lawmakers this session passed a raise in teachers’ pay that averages $5,140, increasing starting teacher pay from $37,123 to $41,638.

Mississippi’s median household income is $45,081 a year — the lowest in the country.

The increases for statewide elected and other officials taking effect in 2024 are:

Office	Current salary	2024 salary
Governor	$122,160	$160,000
Attorney General	$108,960	$150,000
Secretary of State	$90,000	$120,000
Insurance Commissioner	$90,000	$150,000
Treasurer	$90,000	$120,000
Auditor	$90,000	$150,000
Agriculture Commissioner	$90,000	$120,000
Transportation Commissioners	$78,000	$95,000
Public Service Commissioners	$78,000	$95,000

The lieutenant governor and House speaker’s salaries will increase from $60,000 a year to $85,000 a year under the new law.

Reeves did not comment on the pay raises. But in a social media post on why he vetoed lawmakers’ spending $50 million on upgrades at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Reeves said: “It is important to ensure that your money is invested wisely: based on creating value for you. This is the first of several spending vetoes that we will share and answer questions on in the coming days.”

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related Topics:Attorney General Governor Reeves University of Mississippi Medical Center

Up Next

Phil Esposito named Sea Wolves head coach- WXXV 25

Don't Miss

Mississippi 4th Congressional District candidates debate in Pass Christian

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-08-01 07:06:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (August 1-3) in Mississippi offers diverse activities across the state. In Central Mississippi, enjoy Latin music and salsa at Fondren Fiesta in Jackson, family fun at 042 Nights in Brandon, food trucks in Byram, art exhibitions in Natchez and Jackson, and farmers markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Special events include hurricane remembrance, back-to-school drives, and community wellness fairs. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg hosts Denim & Diamonds Casino Night, live music, themed balls, 5K fundraisers, and movie screenings. Laurel offers karaoke, art workshops, and a family farmers market. Activities cater to all ages, promoting culture, health, and community engagement.

Read the full article

The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3 appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27

Published

2 weeks ago

July 25, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-07-25 06:41:00

SUMMARY: Mississippi is packed with events this weekend (July 25–27), including the JXN Film Festival, interactive exhibits, and art showcases in Jackson. Clinton screens *Train to Busan*, and Vicksburg features live events, a catfish tournament, and farmers markets. Natchez hosts its Food & Wine Festival and community celebrations, while Ridgeland offers art parks and dinner theater. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg offers comedy, musical theater, a Jane Austen tea, and a murder mystery dinner at Ross Mansion. Toy, gun, and farmers markets span multiple cities, while special events like the Little Miss Black Mississippi Pageant round out a diverse, festive weekend.

Read the full article

The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27 appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students

Published

2 weeks ago

July 23, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-23 12:37:00

SUMMARY: Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for the brutal 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to avoid the death penalty. During sentencing, families shared emotional testimonies of loss and anguish. Kohberger, a criminology graduate student, broke into the victims’ home and killed them without known motive, remaining silent at the hearing. Police used DNA and genetic genealogy to identify him. The case deeply affected the community, with misinformation spreading online. Kohberger waived his right to appeal. Some victims’ relatives offered forgiveness and sought answers.

Read the full article

The post Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students appeared first on www.wjtv.com