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Reeves gives bonuses to state law enforcement

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Reeves uses federal funds to give bonuses to state law enforcement

by Bobby Harrison, Mississippi Today
December 20, 2021

State law enforcement officers — about 1,750 in various state agencies — are slated to receive a $1,000 bonus before the end of the year for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tate Reeves announced.

The cost of the bonus, about $2.3 million, will be paid through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that was passed on a bipartisan basis during the Trump administration to provide funds to the states to help battle the pandemic.

At the time, Reeves argued that he should have discretion to spend the entire $1.25 billion the state received from the CARES Act. But the Legislature blocked Reeves’ effort and spent the bulk of the funds. The Legislature provided the governor discretion in how to spend $50 million of the funds.

Reeves said Monday he had about $5 million left in the discretionary funds that he must dish out by the end of the year. He did not give details of how all of the remaining funds will be spent, though he did say that $688,000 would be allocated to the Department of Child Protective Services to help with the expenses they incurred trying to ensure safety of their staff and the foster children they oversee during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Gov. Reeves got $50 million in CARES Act money. Here’s how he spent it.

Reeves said he wanted to provide the bonuses or hazard pay to the officers because “day in and day out they put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”

He said they have not had the option to work from home during the pandemic.

About half of the sworn law enforcement personnel who will receive the bonuses are in the Department of Public Safety. The others are in a litany of state agencies, ranging from the Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and Insurance.

Sean Tindell, the commissioner of public safety, attended the Reeves news conference and said about 50 law enforcement officers — at both the state and local levels — have died of the coronavirus. The bonuses were allocated only for state officers.

“We just buckled down and did the job no matter what. Sometimes that entails wearing masks. We were in and out of that,” said Trooper Craig James who spoke at the news conference.

James said it was “humbling” that the governor would provide the funds “at this time of the year.”

Earlier this year, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn urged Reeves to call a special session to allow the Legislature to appropriate funds from another pot of federal money — the American Rescue Plan Act — to provide bonuses for health care workers who were overwhelmed during a COVID-19 surge in the late summer.

Reeves did not call a special session. On Monday, the governor praised health care workers, but did not make any comment on whether he would support such bonuses. He said the theme of the Christmas decorations at the Governor’s Mansion in 2020 was to honor “health care heroes.”

“We had a lot of health care heroes. No doubt about it,” the governor said.

FOLLOW THE MONEY: How will Mississippi spend billions in federal pandemic stimulus dollars?

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

Mississippi News

Fires continue into the weekend in Los Angeles

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www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-01-11 09:56:00

SUMMARY: Wildfires have devastated parts of Los Angeles, with over 12,000 structures destroyed and at least 11 confirmed fatalities. Many residents, like Bridget Berg, returned to their neighborhoods to assess the destruction, finding only ashes of their homes. Firefighters gained control due to calmer winds, but the threat remains as new evacuations were ordered. Criticism arose over city leadership’s failure to ensure adequate firefighting resources. As recovery efforts begin, community efforts are underway to support those affected. Celebrities like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaging in relief efforts, emphasizing the widespread impact on a diverse community.

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LIVE: Firefighters hope for a break from fierce winds in LA

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www.wjtv.com – Marc Sternfield – 2025-01-10 08:58:00

SUMMARY: Massive wildfires in Los Angeles have killed 10 people and destroyed over 10,000 structures, including homes, schools, and historic landmarks. Winds have fueled the blazes, with the largest fire in Pacific Palisades being the most destructive in LA’s history. As firefighters gain some containment, the threat remains with winds expected to intensify again. Over 180,000 people are under evacuation orders, and schools have closed due to smoke. California National Guard troops have been deployed to protect communities. The fires, exacerbated by climate change, are expected to extend the state’s already lengthening wildfire season. The damage is estimated at up to $150 billion.

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LIVE: Thousands of homes burn in Los Angeles wildfires

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www.wjtv.com – Tony Kurzweil – 2025-01-09 07:37:00

SUMMARY: Firefighters in Los Angeles are battling several major wildfires that have claimed five lives and destroyed nearly 2,000 structures, including homes and businesses. Among the hardest hit are the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires, with the Palisades Fire becoming the most destructive in the city’s history, scorching over 17,000 acres. Strong winds have hampered firefighting efforts, but conditions improved slightly, allowing teams to make progress. Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 130,000 residents, and notable figures, including celebrities, lost their homes. The destruction has targeted densely populated areas, revealing the growing impact of climate change on wildfire seasons.

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