The House and Senate have adjourned sine die, ending the 2025 Legislative Session without passing a state budget.
Public schools and other state agencies could shut down if no budget agreement is reached before July 1, when the new state budget year begins. To pass a budget, legislators will have to be called into a special session by Gov. Reeves.
In a special legislative session, the governor controls the agenda. While he cannot control the outcome of bills debated in a special session, Gov. Reeves will dictate what issues must be considered. It is possible that the governor’s special session agenda would force legislators to revisit the highly unpopular school choice and private school funding issues you already helped to defeat – before they would be allowed to take up state budget bills.
Please contact Gov. Reeves with this message:
Public funds are for public schools!
We want no increase in state funds subsidizing private schools, whether through vouchers, tax credits, or any other means.
Gov. Reeves: 601.359.3150
Many thanks are due Senate Education Chair Dennis DeBar and the Senate for refusing repeatedly to pass dangerous school choice legislation that threatens to weaken our public schools. I appreciate, too, House Education Chair Rob Roberson’s open-door policy. Even when we disagree, he always is willing to meet with me and listen to my concerns.
Please be sure to thank your own legislators, who have responded to your calls and texts and welcomed your input on critical education issues. Those relationships are essential.
I am exceedingly proud of and thankful for your terrific accomplishments this session, defeating every school choice bill, in keeping with state constitutional mandates and our commitment to strong public schools! The work you have done alongside your legislators has been truly remarkable. When my peers around the country ask how we have managed to beat back the relentless voucher lobby that is crippling public schools in other states, I tell them that the magic in Mississippi is you – and a wealth of legislators willing to stand up for public schools. Our children are so fortunate! It is why Mississippi is racing past the “school choice” states in student achievement.
Regrettably, many of the positive changes you pushed for in this session also died, falling victim to disagreements between the chambers:
- needed amendments to the statute allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom full time and state support for the Mississippi Teacher Residency Program, two measures meant to alleviate the teacher shortage
- adding grades 7 and 8 CTE to the funding formula
- state subsidies for dependent health insurance coverage for educators and state employees
You have been so very faithful, and I know it has been tiring, to say the least. It isn’t over. We will need you to stay engaged all the way through a special session, whenever that occurs. This is why it is critical that we have a broad and deep network of public school supporters – to spread the work out. The more folks we have helping us, the better.
If you are willing to have a 10-minute phone call to give us tips on ways to expand our network in your community, please email me at nloome@msparentscampaign.org with the subject line, “I’ll help!” and include your name as well as the name of your school district.
Our children and our communities rely on strong public schools to propel them toward success. You are making that hope a reality – what a blessing!
With a grateful heart,
Nancy Loome, Executive Director
