SUMMARY: For the second consecutive year, a bill aiming to close the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman has stalled in committee. Senate Bill 2047, introduced by Sen. Juan Barnett, proposed a four-year phasedown of Parchman’s operations, transferring inmates and staff while leasing most of the site. The bill suggested contracting with a nearby private prison for inmate housing. During discussions, some committee members expressed concerns over financial estimates. Barnett argued that closing Parchman, which has faced scrutiny for poor conditions, would save money compared to maintaining the facility. While past efforts showed promise, this year’s proposal faced similar challenges.

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SUMMARY: During his State of the State address, Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves highlighted the state’s achievements, including record private sector investment and improvements in education. He called for the elimination of the state’s income tax, arguing it would benefit hardworking Mississippi residents. While supporting a House plan to phase out the income tax, Reeves urged Senate collaboration on tax reform. However, Democratic Sen. David Blount criticized this plan, attributing the state’s financial stability to federal pandemic funds and warning against potential revenue loss. Medicaid expansion was also debated, with Blount advocating for its benefits to healthcare access and the economy.

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SUMMARY: State Sen. David Blount delivered the Democratic response to the State of the State address, prioritizing issues like tax cuts, infrastructure, education, Medicaid expansion, and protecting public employee retirement. He criticized proposed income tax abolishment, arguing it would burden working families and decimate funding for essential services. Blount emphasized the need for fully funded public schools and urged for Medicaid expansion to secure over $1 billion in federal funds, providing health insurance for 200,000 Mississippians. He called for restoring the initiative process and combating corruption, advocating bipartisan cooperation to address challenges facing the state. Blount urged constituents to voice their opinions to lawmakers.

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