SUMMARY: The Mississippi Senate, after negotiations, has agreed to replace the existing public education funding system, MAEP, with a new formula presented by the House, known as the INSPIRE Act, though not under the same name. This change follows longstanding criticism of MAEP and contentious debates between the Senate and House. The new proposal, receiving Governor Tate Reeves' support, offers more money per pupil and extra funds for disadvantaged students. House Speaker Jason White claims it will lead to $200 million extra for education, fairly distributed, without previous revenue guarantees for districts. The House plans to pass a rules suspension to facilitate the transition.

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SUMMARY: Medicaid expansion discussions in Mississippi reached an impasse as Senate representatives failed to attend a planned meeting with House members. The House expressed a readiness to negotiate, proposing coverage for individuals up to 138% of the federal poverty level with a tentative work requirement. The plan could potentially cover 200,000 residents, with a 90-10 federal to state cost-share. The Senate's counter-proposal requires a 30-hour workweek for coverage up to 100% of the poverty level, with a 77-23 federal to state cost-share, impacting around 80,000 people. Mississippi remains one of 10 states without expanded Medicaid.

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SUMMARY: U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson, visiting Jackson Preparatory School for a speech, joined “MidDays with Gerard Gibert” to discuss national and international issues. Johnson denounced pro-Palestinian campus protests, citing extreme violence in a recent attack attributed to Hamas and calling for student protection, especially for Jewish students. He supported additional aid to Ukraine, emphasizing American interest in the aid and the need to project strength. Johnson also addressed border security concerns, criticizing Biden's policies, and emphasized the need for a change in budgetary processes, advocating for split and detailed appropriations bills. Johnson succeeded McCarthy as House Speaker.

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