Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives Jason White provided members of the Mississippi Press Association with a legislative update during a luncheon event in Biloxi. Topics covered included tax reform, mobile sports betting, a new funding formula for K-12 public education, and Medicaid expansion, which was a major focus of discussion.
White highlighted the House’s efforts to address the coverage gap faced by working Mississippians with a bill proposing full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. However, Governor Tate Reeves would not have signed the bill if passed. White also discussed uncertainties regarding the number of new Medicaid enrollees and the associated costs.
One legislative achievement this year was the implementation of a new funding model for K-12 public education, providing additional funding to districts in need. Other education-related topics, such as accountability models and school choice, were also discussed.
Speaker White announced the formation of new legislative committees focusing on tax reform, rising prescription costs, and healthcare issues relating to certificate of need laws. Discussions on mobile sports betting, aimed at generating tax revenue for road and bridge projects, faced setbacks but will continue.
Despite challenges, White emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions beyond annual surpluses in addressing various legislative issues. The report was originally published in the Magnolia Tribune by Jeremy Pittari.
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