Connect with us

Mississippi News

Mississippi lawmakers propose more pay for themselves

Published

on

Mississippi lawmakers propose more pay for themselves

The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would give lawmakers a pay bump of $6,000 for the first year of a four-year term, and $4,500 a year for the other three years of the term.

Mississippi’s part-time legislators are paid a base of $23,500 a year — although most make between $40,000 and $50,000 a year in salary, per diem, reimbursements and other payments. Some lawmakers’ total compensation is around $70,000 a year.

The $23,500 includes a base salary of $10,000 a year, plus $1,500 a month for office expenses during months when the legislature is not in session — despite the fact that most lawmakers have other jobs and don’t have separate legislative offices in their district. Many rely on Capitol staffers to help with administrative work year-round.

Lawmakers do not receive the $1,500 a month office payment when the Legislature is in session. Typically, the first year of a term the Legislature meets four months, then three months each of the following three years.

Senate Bill 2794 would pay lawmakers the $1,500 in months when the Legislature is in session.

Lawmakers also receive about $150 per diem — living expenses — for each day they spend in Jackson (including those who live in or near it), and mileage reimbursement set at the federal government rate, currently about 58 cents a mile. All members are allowed at least four days a month at the Capitol, with chairmen allowed six days and vice chairmen five days. Extra days must be approved.

The Senate bill, which now heads to the House for consideration, was passed on a “morning roll call vote,” with only a few senators saying they wanted to be counted as a no vote.

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

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Mississippi News

Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending