Mississippi News
Hosemann wants to cut Mississippians a tax rebate check
Hosemann wants to cut Mississippians a tax rebate check
In his Neshoba County Fair speech on Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said that with state coffers at historically full levels, “This year, it's time to give you your money back.”
“It's not the government's money,” Hosemann said. “It's your money.”
Hosemann said that lawmakers could have provided a rebate last year, but were focused on passing the largest income tax cut in state history. In setting up his proposed rebate, he told fairgoers, “Inflation is scaring me. The possibility of a recession is scaring me.”
Mississippi, like most states, is collecting an unprecedented amount of revenue thanks to a number of factors, including federal COVID-19-relief money directed to the states, inflation and strong consumer spending. About 20 states already have opted to return some of those record revenue collections to taxpayers through direct payments. While Hosemann proposed a direct rebate during the 2022 session, the Legislature opted instead to provide the record tax cut that will not kick in until calendar year 2023. The income tax, when fully enacted in 2026, will be the largest in state history, taking about $525 million out of state coffers.
In addition to that tax cut, Hosemann renewed his call for a direct rebate during the 2023 session at the Nashoba County Fair speech, saying the state had the funds to do both.
The state ended the just completed fiscal year with $1.4 billion above the revenue projection and concluded the previous fiscal year about $1 billion about the official projection. The official revenue projection for the just-completed fiscal year was $5.9 billion. The state collected $7.4 billion in tax collections.
Hosemann said Wednesday that he's “proud Mississippi led the way with the Dobbs case” to end the national constitutional right to abortion. But he said now Mississippi faces a challenge to provide health services to mothers and children and to be “pro child.” He lamented that the House shot down proposals to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage for working mothers, which “the Senate voted for three times to have.”
“How can we celebrate the rights of the unborn and then when they get here tell them, good luck?” Hosemann said. “We are better than that.”
The first-term Republican lieutenant governor made clear that the Senate where he presides will again make it a priority to extend postpartum coverage. Under current state law, pregnant women who fall below a certain income level are eligible for health care coverage through Medicaid. But the Medicaid coverage extends only 60 days after the pregnancy.
He cited Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana among the states that have extended postpartum coverage and said Mississippi should do the same.
Hosemann recapped an “historical” legislative session early this year, including spending about $1 billion in federal funds for water, sewer and other infrastructure and reducing state debt.
“And one other thing — we passed the largest teacher pay raise in Mississippi history, $246 million,” Hosemann said. “… The greatest asset that Mississippi has is a child's brain.”
Hosemann also made clear he is running for a second term as lieutenant governor, and not seeking any other office.
“If you'll rehire me for another four years, I promise to come back to work for you,” Hosemann said.
Hosemann and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney spoke Wednesday on the opening day of the fair's political speakings. The six other statewide elected officials and House Speaker Philip Gunn are scheduled to speak Thursday.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Relatively quiet pattern continues for north Mississippi – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: Near average temperatures will continue through mid-week in Columbus, Mississippi. Warmer weather is expected for the weekend and most of next week. Cloud coverage will increase on Wednesday with highs in the middle to upper 70s. A weakening front may bring a few spotty showers, but most places will stay dry. Thursday could see some pop-up showers or storms as the front remains stationary. The weekend will bring spring-like temperatures in the 80s with little rain, perfect for outdoor activities. Next week, there is potential for storms on Monday and a few lingering showers on Tuesday.
The post Relatively quiet pattern continues for north Mississippi – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
CMSD Superintendent explains why new school bond is needed
SUMMARY: Columbus Municipal School District is in need of upgrades to improve student learning and safety. A $36 million school bond will focus on facility upgrades, safety, security, academics, and sports. Superintendent Dr. Ellis believes these upgrades will benefit students for years to come. House bill 1341 allows military families to choose any public school in the state, strengthening the relationship between the school district and the air force base. The school bond will be completed in 3 phases and requires a 60% majority to pass. City voters will decide on May 14th. Overall, the goal is to create a conducive environment for student learning and support military families.
The post CMSD Superintendent explains why new school bond is needed appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Warming up, with a mid-week rain chance – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: There will be a chance for mid-week rain in Columbus, Mississippi due to a stalled front, with warmer air moving in by Friday bringing temperatures into the low to middle 80s for the end of the week and weekend. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with temperatures in the low to middle 50s. Wednesday and Thursday will see a weakening front bringing showers in the afternoon with temperatures in the upper 70s. The weekend will bring much warmer air with highs in the 80s on Friday and Saturday, while a slow-moving cold front may bring showers on Sunday evening.
The post Warming up, with a mid-week rain chance – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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