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Election 2023: On the Campaign Trail – July 21, 2023

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A trimmed quote, an altered political cartoon, cutting a car in half and more in this week’s recap of what’s happening on the campaign trail in Mississippi ahead of the August 8th Primary Election.

Here’s a recap of the latest happenings on the campaign trail as Mississippi voters prepare to cast their ballots this fall.

Carr trims Maxwell quote to push campaign attack

Southern District Public Service Commissioner Dane Maxwell has repeatedly voiced opposition to utility ratepayers subsidizing the few who choose to participate in net metering.

Nelson Wayne Carr (left) and Dane Maxwell (right)

Yet, Maxwell’s opponent, Nelson Wayne Carr, released a statement and ad this week saying the first term incumbent is siding with the utility companies instead of ratepayers while pushing a “Stop the Steal” narrative.

In the release, Carr uses a quote from Maxwell that recently appeared in the candidate Q&A that appeared here in Magnolia Tribune. Carr clips the quote to make it seem as if Maxwell is pro-big utility and against ratepayers. See below.

What I do not support, and my record is clear, is policies promoting Net Metering. Last year, the Commission passed an updated Net Metering Rule that I did not support. The Rule and accompanying policies promote residential customers putting solar panels on their roofs and being compensated by the utility for excess generation …

However, the actual full quote regarding solar and net metering from Commissioner Maxwell in the Magnolia Tribune article reads:

Utility Scale Solar has a role to play, but it is important that the integration of solar energy into the state does not have a detrimental effect on reliability or place unnecessary upward pressure on rates. In my 3 plus years as Chairman of the Commission, we have undertaken Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Power Company’s first Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) cycle. The Commission’s IRP Rule is the process we use to ensure the utility’s generating fleet is meeting customer demand and following least cost resource principles. As I mentioned earlier, solar has a role to play but it is limited. Due to its intermittent nature, that is it cannot be dispatched like fossil fuel generating facilities, solar cannot serve as a base load fuel source.

What I do not support, and my record is clear, is policies promoting Net Metering. Last year, the Commission passed an updated Net Metering Rule that I did not support. The Rule and accompanying policies promote residential customers putting solar panels on their roofs and being compensated by the utility for excess generation at an inflated price; this inflated price is paid by everyone else. I have no issue with any Mississippian wanting to put solar panels on their roof. What I take issue with is everyone else having to pay more on their electric bill to improve the economics of their neighbor’s investment. I have and will continue to stand against these subsidies that result in higher electric bills.

Note that Carr clipped Maxwell’s quote just as the Southern District Commissioner was stating his concern with the “inflated price” paid by everyone who doesn’t participate. Maxwell even adds, “What I take issue with is everyone else having to pay more on their electric bill to improve the economics of their neighbor’s investment.”

Maxwell has said he voted against the new net metering rules for this reason. The three-man Public Service Commission passed it 2-1.

Maxwell and Carr will face off in the Republican Primary on August 8th.

Reeves campaign has fun with Marshall Ramsey cartoon

Well-known political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey works for Mississippi Today. His employer has been anything but neutral in the Governor’s race this cycle, consistently running articles, editorials and cartoons targeting incumbent Republican Governor Tate Reeves while giving his Democratic opponent Brandon Presley an open platform to share his campaign’s talking points.

Much of those Presley talking points and coverage from Mississippi Today center around the notion of expanding Medicaid as the central theme.

Ramsey’s latest cartoon, shown below on the left, fed the notion that Governor Reeves is uncaring or unconcerned with the plight of Mississippi hospitals because of his opposition to expanding Medicaid.

In truth, the Legislature passed, and Governor Reeves signed a number of bills this last session aimed at assisting struggling hospitals in the state. Yet, he and other Republican leaders have remained opposed to Medicaid expansion, repeatedly voicing concerns related to the additional growth of the welfare program such a move would cause and its long-term impact on state taxpayers.

Reeves’ campaign team called out Mississippi Today’s advocacy by altering Ramsey’s cartoon to highlight the media outlet’s bias against the incumbent Governor (see below on the right). Reeves has previously referred to Mississippi Today, a non-profit, as a “Democrat SuperPAC.”

Ramsey initially shared the altered version beside his original drawing on Twitter, saying, “Bless their heart,” followed by a laughing emoji. He went on to add, “If altering my cartoons solves the state’s very real hospital crisis, I’ll send my cartoon to whoever altered this every day until it is.”

Ramsey then tweeted again, writing, “I am sure that this was not altered by the Governor’s staff – the state has real problems to deal with and I know they are too busy. All the governors I’ve covered roll with editorial cartoons (even if they disagree with them) and I know Governor Reeves is no different.”

Ramsey later said he deleted the tweets as it wasn’t a good use of his time.

Presley releases new ad showing him cutting a car in half

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley’s campaign released a new ad this week titled “Buzzsaw.”

In the ad, Presley is shown cutting a car in half using a reciprocating saw as a way of promoting his message of cutting state car tag fees and ending the sales tax on groceries.

“As governor, I’ll finally axe the grocery tax,” Presley says, adding, “And how about this? I’ll take a saw to the cost of car tags and cut them in half.”

What Presley does not tell viewers is that without the support of the Legislature, neither action is possible. It is the Legislature that must pass bills with these intents before a Governor can consider signing them into law.

The “grocery tax” is the same sales tax rate – 7% – as Mississippians pay on other purchases in state. Past legislative discussions have caused concern from local communities that rely on its sales tax base, of which the sales tax on groceries is a large portion, to fund their municipal budgets.

As for car tag fees, the Mississippi Department of Revenue shows that registration fees are $12.75 for renewals and $14.00 for first time registrations. All the other taxes and fees are based on the type of vehicle, the value of that vehicle, and where you live – the city and county. Cutting the state car tag fee in half equates to $6.38 for renewals and $7 for first time registrations.

Presley’s new ad is shown below.

Young challenges Watson to debate in SOS race

Democratic nominee for Mississippi Secretary of State Shuwaski Young is seeking to raise his campaign’s profile by challenging incumbent Republican Secretary of State Michael Watson to a town hall debate.

Watson’s camp, likely unwilling to give Young any airtime, has not responded to the challenge.

Shuwaski Young (left) and Michael Watson (right)

“For too long, Mississippians have not had the privilege to observe their elected officials and opposing office challengers in real-time debate,” Young said in a statement. “My hope is that Michael Watson is willing to defend and articulate his policies in the public square and give Mississippians what they deserve: An opportunity to see the difference between someone married to the latest paranoid partisan talking points and a candidate dedicated to doing the extensive, important, statutory work of the office.”

Campaign finance reports show that Young’s campaign, thus far, has not gained much steam this cycle. The former Democratic congressional candidate only has $850 cash on hand based on the end of June reporting period. He raised just $3,200 that same period.

Watson, however, is sitting on $883,000 after bringing in another $104,000 in June.

The two will speak at the Neshoba County Fair next week and then meet in the November General Election.

Democratic candidates for Agriculture Commissioner to hold virtual debate

The three Democratic candidates for Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner vying to win the party’s nomination on August 8th will meet online for a virtual debate on Friday, July 21st.

The Facebook Live event will feature candidates Terry Rogers, Bethany Hill and Robert Bradford. Details can be seen on the flyer.

The winner of the Democratic Primary will move to face incumbent Republican Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson in the November General Election.

All candidates for Ag Commissioner are expected to speak at the Neshoba County Fair next week.

Democratic candidate for Attorney General picks up endorsement

New York-based Political Action Committee Vote Mama has endorsed Mississippi Democratic candidate for Attorney General Greta Martin.

Vote Mama touts itself as the first PAC in the country dedicated to increasing the political power of Democratic moms by disrupting the systems that hold women back through direct financial support, mentorship, and endorsements. Since launching in 2019, Vote Mama claims it has helped more than 400 Democratic moms run for office.

The PAC’s endorsement of Martin is largely due to her support for abortion. Liuba Grechen Shirley, Vote Mama Founder and CEO, said as much in a statement announcing Martin’s endorsement.

“Now more than ever, we need leaders who will defend our most basic rights — the right to vote, our reproductive rights, and our health care freedoms. Vote Mama is proud to support Greta Kemp Martin in her campaign for Mississippi Attorney General,” said Grechen Shirley. “Mississippi’s current Attorney General authored the lawsuit that overturned Roe v. Wade, refuses to hold corrupt officials accountable, and prioritizes special interests above everyday Mississippians. Unlike her opponent, Greta Kemp Martin has dedicated her life and career to fighting for equity and opportunity. I am confident that she will use the full power of the Attorney General’s office to stand up for women and children, and champion progress to move her state forward.”

Incumbent Republican Attorney General Lynn Fitch is staunchly pro-life and continues to seek ways to advance the pro-life agenda in the wake of the Dobbs ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court last summer.

Martin’s campaign has struggled to really compete with Fitch. According to the June campaign finance reports, Martin has nearly $18,000 cash on hand while Fitch is flush with cash, showing over $1.2 million.

The two candidates will speak at Neshoba County Fair next week and then will be on the November General Election ballot.

SOS releases Absentee Ballot Report for July 17th

As of Monday, July 17th, the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office said the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 12,030 absentee ballots requested so far ahead of the August 8th Primary Election. The SOS also showed that their office has sent out 11,567 absentee ballots and have received back 6,475 absentee ballots as of this week.

The SOS notes that the requested total reflects the number of Mississippi voters who have requested an absentee ballot through their local Circuit Clerk’s Office. The sent total reflects the number of absentee ballots sent to voters from Circuit Clerk Offices. The received total reflects the number of completed absentee ballots returned to Circuit Clerk Offices.

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Magnolia Tribune will bring you more happenings from the Mississippi campaign trail throughout the 2023 election cycle. Be sure and check back often for more updates.

The post Election 2023: On the Campaign Trail – July 21, 2023 appeared first on Magnolia Tribune.

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By: Frank Corder
Title: Election 2023: On the Campaign Trail – July 21, 2023
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Published Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:30:50 +0000

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Staring mortality in the face at Christmas

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11 months ago

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December 16, 2023

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My friend Jarrod is dying after an eight year battle with cancer. He’s lived a life worth celebrating, one that has drawn people to Christ.

I was going about my business this week when I received a text that stopped me in my tracks. A college friend was being moved to hospice care.

Jarrod Egley was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in early 2017. In the fall of 2018, tests revealed the cancer had spread to his lungs and Jarrod’s cancer was classified as Stage IV.

For almost eight years from the date of the original diagnosis, he’s fought. Through surgeries, radiation, endless rounds and cycles of chemotherapy, and experimental immunotherapies, he’s fought.

Last year, I flew out to California and spent some time with Jarrod and his wife, Emily. We sat outside one night. He acknowledged to me that it was not a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’ the cancer would claim his life. I told him I was sorry, because what else is there to say?

We talked about our faith, about the trials of Job, about Jacob wrestling with God, about Paul’s affliction. But mostly we reflected on our time together in school, on the good things, and the mundane things, that happened since.

Jarrod and I met at Tulane University. One Sunday morning in the Spring of my freshman year, I rose from my dorm room bed, dressed, and began walking down Saint Charles Avenue in New Orleans with no particular agenda. I walked until I came across First Baptist Church and the thought flickered in the vacuous recesses of my brain to enter.

Some would say it was a lark. The Calvinist in me says providence. The walk that morning changed the trajectory of my time at Tulane and my life on the whole. Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and the Baptist Collegiate Ministry became central to my life and put me in regular league with Jarrod. I met him first at the BCM and we ultimately ended up attending church together.

Jarrod was a faithful servant on and off campus. He helped organize a group of us that would weekly make our way down to the Esplanade seawall on the backside of the French Quarter to feed the homeless. On Friday nights, he could be found at chapel with a small cadre of students foregoing Bourbon Street for early 2000s worship music.

Jarrod was a loyal friend in those years. Never rude or biting. Not prone to an insult for an easy laugh. Persistently encouraging. An engineering student, his mind worked linearly and was oriented to problem solving. There were never a lot of wasted words — always a lot of deliberative questions when he disagreed or did not understand a point. He exhibited intelligence, empathy, and the kind of moral conviction that sets someone apart.

He also had a wry and dry sense of humor and a penchant for beating people at Madden football. He was fair-to-midland on the ultimate frisbee pitch. Along the way, there were crawfish boils, Mardi Gras outtings, poorly attended Tulane football games, and more than a decent amount of wing eating.

After college, I lost touch with Jarrod. He moved back to his home state of California. He got married to his college sweetheart, who could not have anticipated her husband’s journey, but has been a steady and constant helpmate throughout. Jarrod became a very successful engineer and a bourbon connoisseur. One of his bucket list trips took him to Kentucky, where he got to meet and became friends with bourbon “Hall of Famer” Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace acclaim.

Jarrod at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Spring 2022).

Sitting in his backyard nearly 20 years after graduating from Tulane, I saw many of the same qualities I had grown to admire when we were students together. I saw a husband who doted on and supported Emily’s passions. But I also saw someone whose body had been beaten to hell and back, who was tired, and who, like Jacob, had been wrestling with God. We quickly fell back into friendship, which perhaps is the mark of good friendship.

We all have aspirations in our youth — for the kind of spouse or parent we might be, for what we might accomplish, for what we might experience. Along the way, dreams are satisfied, modified, or they die on the vine. The clock inevitably works against all of us. That night in Oceanside, California, Jarrod, a numbers guy, saw that time was not on his side. He believed, as we all would, that he still had more to give, more impact to be made, and more things to see and experience.

After that trip, Jarrod and I stayed in touch, most frequently triggered by news of his cancer. It has been mostly the bad variety in recent months. Now spread throughout his body, down to his bones, he has lived in constant pain for months. Not even a steady diet of morphine and an implanted pain pump solve for it. Jarrod’s been hospitalized twelve times just in 2023.

But his matter of fact sense of humor and way of seeing the world remains in tact. So too does his faith that despite these trials, he has always been safe in the hands of Christ.

There are people in the world who believe that life is random, disordered, and without reason. I am not among them. I think my friend is staring mortality in the face at Christmas for a reason.

For thousands of years before Christ came, there was darkness and despair. Sin and shame gripped the hearts of men. Until one holy night, God, in His infinite love, mercy and wisdom, sent His son to save. Jesus is the light of the world and the hope of man. He has won victory over death and Jarrod’s will not be the exception. Jesus came for Jarrod, and for you.

For thousands of years since Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, His disciples have been used as divine instruments to point the way to God. Jarrod is among them. If life expectancies were the measure, Jarrod would be at the midway point for most people. He’s made a lifetime of impact for the Kingdom and on other people.

So, to my friend Jarrod, you were placed here with a purpose. You have run your race. You are loved. And when this chapter closes, you will hear “well done, my good and faithful servant.” There is no greater evidence of a life well lived.

While Jarrod and Emily have been fortunate to have health insurance, their portion of the medical bills so far in 2023 have eclipsed $30,000, and Emily is facing additional uncovered expenses during Jarrod’s hospice care, including a night nurse that costs over $400 a night. If you would like to help defray the cost, a contribution can be made at their Go Fund Me page.

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Title: Staring mortality in the face at Christmas
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Published Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2023 15:05:22 +0000

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Magnolia Mornings: December 15, 2023

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11 months ago

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December 15, 2023

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Important state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion to start your day informed.

In Mississippi

1. Laurin St. Pe’ named CEO of Singing River Health System

Laurin St. Pe

The Board of Trustees of Singing River Health System announced the immediate appointment of Laurin St. Pe’ as the Chief Executive Officer on Thursday.

“We are thrilled to announce Laurin St. Pe as the new CEO of Singing River,” said Steve Ates, Board President in a statement. “His wealth of healthcare experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader to steer our health system toward its next phase of growth and success.”

St. Pe’, who has been serving as Interim CEO since July 2023, said he is honored to assume the role of CEO at Singing River. He has worked at Singing River as Administrator of Singing River Health System’s Pascagoula Hospital and Gulfport Hospital, in addition to overseeing program service lines throughout the entire system to his subsequent appointment as Chief Operating Officer of Singing River.

The health system says St. Pe played a crucial role in the financial revitalization of Singing River Health System while steering the organization toward financial stability.

2. Gulfport-Biloxi airport, Stennis evacuated after threats

The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport was evacuated on Thursday morning “out of an abundance of caution,” airport officials said, after receiving an emailed threat to certain transportation entities across the state.

The airport was thoroughly security swept, cleared and reopened in just over two hours. Gulfport-Biloxi is now operating regularly.

The threat was also sent to Stennis International Airport. Their staff and personnel were also evacuated until the facilities could be swept and cleared.

Any passenger whose travel was affected by the evacuation is encouraged to contact their respective air carrier.

3. Cassidy arrested in Iowa for beheading Satanic Temple statue

Former Mississippi congressional and legislative candidate Michael Cassidy was arrested this week in Iowa for beheading a statue at the state’s Capitol erected by The Satanic Temple.

Cassidy reportedly decapitated the statue and turned himself to police on Thursday. He was charged with fourth degree criminal mischief. He then started an online legal defense fund where he’s raised upwards of $20,000 as of Thursday night, according to his X account.

4. “Serial fraudster” ordered to cease offering investments into companies

According to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, on October 26, 2023, Secretary Michael Watson and the Securities Division issued an order against Stephone N. Patton. The SOS says Patton is a serial fraudster with multiple criminal convictions in Mississippi and Florida.

Through business filings with the SEC and Mississippi, Patton has held himself to be the CEO of various companies, including Star Oil and Gas Company, Inc., North Gulf Energy Corporation, Inc., Patton Oilfield Services, Inc., and Patton Farms, LLC.

The SOS says using these business filings and company websites, Patton claimed to have raised hundreds of billions of dollars through investment opportunities. Through investigative efforts and collaboration with the SEC, the SOS discovered none of Patton’s companies are operational, have any assets, or generate any revenues. Account records show Patton spent investors’ funds almost as soon as he received them on personal expenses. The total amount of known investments made to Patton’s fraudulent companies is over $80,000. Further, none of Patton’s investment offerings have been registered or notice filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.

The SOS order requires Patton to cease and desist from offering investments with his companies, requiring Patton to permanently deactivate his companies’ websites to prevent any further dissemination of his false or misleading information. Patton is also ordered to pay an administrative penalty of $25,000 to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office for these violations, in addition to restitution owed to all his Mississippi investors.

National News & Foreign Policy

1. Congressional retirements mounting as 2024 election cycle nears

Retirement and departure announcements are piling up ahead of the start to the 2024 election cycle. The New York Times has developed a Retirement Tracker that currently shows 22 Democrats and 11 Republicans who are in Congress now will not be seeking re-election next year.

“Dozens of members of Congress have announced plans to leave their seats in the House of Representatives, setting a rapid pace for congressional departures, with more expected as the 2024 election draws closer,” the NY Times reports. “Given Republicans’ razor-thin House majority, the wave of exits has the potential to lead to a significant shake-up next year.”

You can find the tracker here.

2. Texas, Daily Wire, The Federalist sue U.S. State Department over media censorship

The U.S. State Department’s Global Engagement Center has come under fire as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton along with The Daily Wire and The Federalist have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the department funded technology that could “render disfavored press outlets unprofitable.” They claim that the department has helped social media – Facebook, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) – to censor free speech while funding technologies used to censor right-leaning news outlets such as theirs.

New Civil Liberties Alliance is representing The Daily Wire and The Federalist. Paxton and the outlets claim the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), a British think tank, received a $100,000 grant from the State Department in 2021, and NewsGuard, which rates the “misinformation” levels of news outlets, received $25,000 from the State Department in 2020, according to the lawsuit.

According to the State Department’s website, the Global Engagement Center’s mission is to direct, lead, synchronize, integrate, and coordinate U.S. Federal Government efforts to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining or influencing the policies, security, or stability of the United States, its allies, and partner nations.

As reported by Reuters, the lawsuit cited a GDI-produced list from December 2022 that ranked The Daily Wire and The Federalist as among the 10 “riskiest sites” for news while the least-risky included The New York Times, Associated Press and NPR. Reuters notes that the lawsuit alleges such “blacklists” are reducing revenues to The Daily Wire and The Federalist along with their visibility on social media and ranking results from browser searches.

Sports & Entertainment

1. SEC releases 2024 schedules

Wednesday evening, the Southeastern Conference released the 2024 football schedules for its member schools, including of interest in the Magnolia State the schedules for Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

It is the first schedule that includes new conference members University of Oklahoma and University of Texas, bringing the conference to 16 schools. Each SEC team will play eight conference football games plus at least one required opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 12 or major independent, each team will have two open dates.

The 2024 season will be the first year the SEC will play a schedule without divisional competition since 1991. The top two teams in the league standings based on winning percentage will play in the 33rd SEC Football Championship Game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, December 7.

2. White, Jesiolowski, Jones honored by MAIS

John White

The Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) in Mississippi, comprised of non-public schools, announced this week that Madison-Ridgeland Academy’s senior quarterback John White was named the 6A Player of the Year while Hartfield’s Reed Jesiolowski and Hartfield Chris Jones were named the MAIS 6A Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively.

All three have committed to play college football at the University of Mississippi.

White is Mississippi’s all-time leader in career passing yards with 15,259 yards, a record he broke during the 2023 season.

MAIS, like the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) for public schools, is broken down into classifications, from 1A to 6A. However, MHSAA added a 7A this season.

Markets & Business

1. Consumer retail sales up as energy, gas prices move down

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this week that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.1% in November after being unchanged in October. Retail sales rose 0.3% in November after rising 0.2% in October, meaning consumers continue to spend at the start of the holiday season.

The CPI or inflation rate is 3.1%, higher than the Federal Reserve target of 2% but below the 9% peak in 2022 which reached a 40-year high.

As for the energy index, BLS reported that it fell 2.3% in November after decreasing 2.5% in October. The gasoline index decreased 6% in November, following a 5% decrease in the previous month.

The index for fuel oil fell in November, decreasing 2.7%. However, the natural gas index rose 2.8% over the month after rising 1.2% the previous month. The index for electricity also rose 1.4% in November, after increasing 0.3% in October.

The energy index fell 5.4% over the past 12 months. The gasoline index decreased 8.9%, the natural gas index declined 10.4%, and the fuel oil index fell 24.8% over this 12-month span.

2. Week’s market rally continues into Friday

At close of trading on Thursday, the U.S. markets continued the week’s rally, pushing the Dow up 158 points to 37,248 while the Nasdaq and S&P also made gains, 27 points and 12 points, respectively, to close at 14,761 and 4,719.

The record high for the Dow on Thursday moved futures up 102 points.

According to CNBC, the major averages are headed for their seventh straight positive week. As of Thursday, the Dow is higher on the week by 2.8%. The S&P 500 is up by 2.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.5% this week.

Stocks rallied after the Federal Reserve left rates unchanged this week while members look towards cuts in the new year and beyond.

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Published Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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New water rates expected in Jackson come 2024; those who don’t pay face shut off

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11 months ago

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December 15, 2023

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Interim Third-Party Director Ted Henifin said this week that only about 59% of the City of Jackson’s water customers are paying their bills.

JXN Water has announced new rates and fees coming in 2024. Those who are not paying will be at risk of shut offs.

The company, which was established by federal appointed interim Third-Party Director Ted Henifin, has been overseeing the city’s water system for the better part of a year.

Officials estimated that the average cost for water in the city was $76 per month for residents. Henifin clarified that JXN water will not attempt to recoup any charges prior to November 29, 2022, and will work with those who have failed to pay since that time.

He said only about 59 percent of the city’s water customers are paying their bills.

“You can’t forgive bills, so we have to be creative in how we part that,” said Henifin in reference to Mississippi’s laws that prevent giving away water.

According to a release by JXN Water announcing the rate changes, residents in single family households with small meters that use up to 748 gallons daily would see a bill increase of roughly .30 cents per day. Research indicates that the average U.S. family uses 300 gallons per day.

SNAP customers will have a new rate tier that could lower their bill by up to .69 cents per day, on average.

“Those who need to save the most benefit from saving money by drinking tap water. This new rate structure makes water affordability possible for 12,500 JXN Water customers who receive SNAP benefits,” said Henifin in the release.

Read more about the anticipated rate changes here.

New fees will also be implemented, including a new service fee of $50, service deposit of $100, returned check fee of $25, service restoration fee of $100, and meter tampering charge of $500. 

JXN Water has continued to encourage residents to use the water, with Henifin going on the record in a federal status hearing saying that the water “was safe to drink.”

More conversation regarding the billing process is expected to come at next week’s Jackson City Council meeting.

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By: Sarah Ulmer
Title: New water rates expected in Jackson come 2024; those who don’t pay face shut off
Sourced From: magnoliatribune.com/2023/12/15/new-water-rates-expected-in-jackson-come-2024-those-who-dont-pay-face-shut-off/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-water-rates-expected-in-jackson-come-2024-those-who-dont-pay-face-shut-off
Published Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000

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