Working Together to Invest in Our State

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Working Together to Invest in Our State

Days after we gaveled out of the 2021 Legislative Session, we began traveling the state. Our reasons for getting out of the Capitol and into your county have been two-fold.

First, we learn more when we visit with Mississippians directly about the real issues they are grappling with in their communities. We will take what we learn, follow up with research, and try to implement solutions to the problems constituents face in the next Legislative Session.

Second, our state is set to receive a windfall over the next year from Congress, including $1.8 billion in unallocated federal money, and billions more to citizens, local governments, and other state agencies. Our discussions with city and county officials in more than a dozen counties so far have centered on one goal: we must stretch these dollars to make positive changes which last beyond one or two years, instead lasting for one or two generations.

While other states may focus on frivolous, one-time pet projects, if we engage in proper planning now, challenge ourselves to think conservatively and long-term, and work together, we can invest in Mississippi’s future in a more responsible way.

We will keep you updated as we move throughout the state. As always, if you have an idea or question, please do not hesitate to reach out to me: delbert@delberthosemann.com.

Thank you for your continued support!

Third Senate Room to Soon Begin Streaming

When the Senate gavels in for the 2022 Session, a third committee room will be ready for streaming content. Room 210 is under construction now, with cameras installed and sound technology on its way.

Almost a year ago, the Senate installed webcasting equipment in Room 216, the former courtroom of the Mississippi Supreme Court and largest committee room on the Senate side of the Capitol. Room 409, the second largest committee room, onboarded shortly thereafter.

Webcasting all public legislative meetings has been a priority for Lt. Governor Hosemann, who has said Mississippi citizens should have access to their Capitol no matter where they are in the State.

Live debate can be viewed on the Legislature’s YouTube channel.

Redistricting Committee Members Named

Lt. Governor Hosemann named 10 members of the Senate to the committees responsible for redistricting Congressional and state legislative districts.

Members include: Senators David Parker (1^st Congressional District), Angela Turner-Ford (1^stDistrict), Briggs Hopson (2^nd District), Derrick Simmons (2^nd District), Josh Harkins (3^rd District), Dean Kirby (3^rdDistrict) (Chairman), Dennis DeBar, Jr. (4^th District), Brice Wiggins (4th District), Jeff Tate (Chairman of the Elections Committee), and Hob Bryan (Vice Chairman of the Elections Committee).

The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced it would deliver redistricting data to all states by September 30, 2021.

An organizational meeting will be called in the next few months.

Local Economic Developers, Lt. Governor Continue to Push for New Performance-Based Jobs Incentive

Lt. Governor Hosemann continues to push for the adoption of MFLEX, a performance-based jobs incentive devised by local experts on the front lines of economic development in the state.

Designed to be competitive with neighboring states, MFLEX is easy to calculate and understand, and transparent with taxpayer money — allowing flexibility while requiring reporting and accountability. If the business seeking the incentive does not meet their stated goals, they do not receive the incentive.

“In terms of the driving creators of jobs, our bench is deep in Mississippi,” Lt. Governor Hosemann said. “We look forward to bringing forward MFLEX again next Session and to eliminating tax incentives which are seldom used or have generated a negative return.”

More information on MFLEX is located here.