The House and Senate have dealt with the majority of legislation and expect to complete their work and adjourn the session tomorrow. The House adjourned earlier this afternoon, and the Senate wrapped up for the day just now. Among the bills that have not yet been finalized is the PreK-12 funding bill. There is lots of talk about what the funding outcome will be, but as of this writing the conference report has not been filed.
Yesterday, the Senate declined to confirm the nomination of Dr. Robert Taylor, who has been serving as State Superintendent of Public Education since January, having moved here from North Carolina after being appointed by the State Board of Education. I have been contacted by numerous educators and advocates across Mississippi who share my disappointment in that vote. The State Board met today and named Mr. Mike Kent Interim State Superintendent. The board noted that a timeline for a new search for a permanent state education chief will be announced at a later date.
Regarding school funding, all indications are that a deal has been reached, but as we always say, it isn’t over until it’s over.
Please continue to reach out to your legislators and ask that they make good on their promise to Mississippi children.
Capitol Switchboard: 601.359.3770
Find additional contact information for legislators
Speaker Philip Gunn: 601.359.3300
House Appropriations Chair John Read: 601.359.3340
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann: 601.359.3200
Senate Appropriations Chair Briggs Hopson: 601.359.3250
We expect to have school funding news tomorrow. In the meantime, you can check the status of all the bills we are following on the Bill Tracking page of our web site. Thank you for standing with us to bridge the gap for Mississippi children. They are mighty lucky to have you in their corner!
Nancy Loome, Executive Director
