The deadline for PERS public comments has been extended to August 24. PERS set a new deadline after staff became aware that the original address posted for comment submission contained a clerical error. Read more about the proposed PERS rule reversal.
Please submit comments urging the PERS Board to vigorously pursue an amendment to state statute that would permit PERS retirees to draw their pensions while serving in the State Legislature.
Send comments via postal mail to arrive by Monday, August 24 to:
Ms. Davetta Lee
Public Employees’ Retirement System
429 Mississippi Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Mississippi school districts are working diligently to finalize their plans for a safe reopening of schools before tomorrow’s deadline to submit them to the Mississippi Department of Education. Gov. Reeves acknowledged today that school leaders face extremely difficult choices as they try to determine a path forward that considers safety and educational outcomes for students. The governor continues to press for a physical reopening of schools soon, predicting that MDE will not loosen the 180-day school year requirement and that state testing and accountability will be enforced, despite the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reeves has said that he will review all school districts’ plans and that it is possible that he will take executive action if there are plans he doesn’t like.
When asked about a date for a special session so that the Legislature can reinstate the public school funding Reeves vetoed weeks ago, the governor implied that the COVID-19 risk remains too great, commenting, “I don’t want to bring legislators back until I am convinced it is safe to do so.” Though school districts received some funding in July, they continue to operate with no budget for the year.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about Gov. Reeves’ plans for schools’ reopening and school funding – and will let you know if there are ways that you can help. In the meantime, stay safe, and please remember to submit your comments to the PERS board. Together, we’ve got this!
