Phil Bryant in State of Mississippi Archives
On Abortion:
Signed "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks
In March, Gov. Phil Bryant signed the "heartbeat bill" into law, banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can come as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.The law is being
challenged in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked
from taking effect.
Of the legislation, Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible. It also protects, we believe, the physical and
mental health of the mother. We here in Mississippi believe in protecting and defending the whole life of that child."
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13.
Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting records: HB 732
May 20, 2019
On Gun Control:
Protect schools from violence with active shooter drills
Unfortunately, a problem exists in our schools today that threatens children of all ages. It has become commonly known as the active shooter. To help protect our students and those who teach them, I will ask you to pass a comprehensive plan to keep
our school children safe. The recommendations come from a year-long study for effective results. If you will pass and fund the Mississippi Safe School Act, our parents, teachers and administrators will be allowed to care for our children in a safe and
protected environment.Analysis by Mississippi Today, Jan. 31:House Bill 1283 requires active shooter drills in addition to fire drills and emergency drills which already occur.
This legislation follows last year's bill, also called the Mississippi School Safety Act, that would have allowed teachers to carry guns in the classroom after specialized training--it died in the House.
Source: 2019 State of the State on Mississippi voting record HB1283
Jan 31, 2019
On Education:
Teachers deserve first pay raise since 2014
No one throughout our state's history has sacrificed more to better the lives of Mississippi children than our teachers. Our gratitude to these classroom heroes and the essential value of public education are why we passed a $100 million teacher pay
raise in 2014 and why I now call on the members of this body to join me in giving teachers their second pay raise in five years. Send me a bill to authorize a pay raise for these most critical guardians of Mississippi's future, and I will sign it.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 15, 2019
On Families & Children:
Pro-active on needs of foster children
Three years ago, you joined me in seeing the need to establish Child Protection Services as its own agency, accountable directly to the governor. For those families who are reunited, CPS is working in proactive ways to better assist them,
such as developing new methods to help parents released from incarceration better support their children. Perhaps the most incredible success has occurred with adopted families. The number of adoptions has more than doubled in just one year.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 15, 2019
On Free Trade:
Mississippi is part of global market, from Tel Aviv to Tokyo
I have assured presidents and prime ministers and chief executive officers that Mississippi works and they have listened. From Tel Aviv to Tokyo, we have traveled the globe seeking investment in Mississippi, and our efforts are paying dividends.
More than 155 international corporations now have a presence in our state. Our exports have increased by more than 259 percent in the last decade, and over the last several years we have shown world leaders that Mississippi is more than just a river
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 15, 2019
On Jobs:
Apprenticeship program boosts economy
Our success in growing the economy is demanding that our focus on workforce be sharpened like never before. Workforce development must be and has now become our highest priority. Our plan utilizes every community college as a
Workforce Center of Excellence. Apprenticeship programs couple students with private companies to help them launch careers in targeted industries in their communities. These young workers have more opportunity than ever before now.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 15, 2019
On Abortion:
No abortion after 15 weeks of gestation, with no exceptions
[2019 Gubernatorial candidate Robert] Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-abortion legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals. In March, Foster was
one of the co-authors who introduced House Bill 1510, the Gestational Age Act, which prohibits abortions after 15 weeks even in the cases of rape and incest. Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law in March, but a federal court struck it down on Nov. 20.
Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1510
Dec 10, 2018
On Civil Rights:
2016: Let businesses refuse to serve LGBT people
[2019 Gubernatorial candidate Robert] Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-LGBT legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals.
In 2016, Foster wrote in support of House Bill 1523, the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act," which guarantees businesses the right to discriminate against and refuse to serve
LGBT people on the basis of personal religious beliefs about same-sex marriage and gender identity.Foster defended his support for the bill at the time, writing in
April 2016 that "dealing with discrimination is part of the price you pay to live in a free society." Later that month, Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law.
Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1523
Dec 10, 2018
On Abortion:
Ban abortions after 15 weeks, even if rape or incest
Legislative Summary: HB1510: The Gestational Age Act; to enact definitions; to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks' gestation. Analysis by Y'all Politics blog:
The bill would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks, with only few life-threatening exceptions. Typical viability, at its earliest, is close to 23 weeks, according the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Unusual for this type of legislation, it does not include an exception for rape or incest.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 35-14-3 on Mar/6/18; Passed House 76-34-10 on Mar/18/18; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Mar/19/18
Source: Y'all Politics blog on Mississippi voting record HB1510
Mar 19, 2018
On Abortion:
Make Mississippi safest place in America for an unborn child
After a heated floor debate, the Senate passed a bill 35-14˙to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, bringing the state one step closer to enacting the most restrictive abortion ban in the country. In a statement Gov. Bryant reiterated his support
for the measure."I have repeatedly said, I want Mississippi to be the safest place in America for an unborn child," Bryant said. "House Bill 1510 will help us achieve that goal, and I encourage the House to pass it and look forward to signing it.
Source: Clarion Ledger on Mississippi voting record: HB 1510
Mar 6, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Created Imagine Mississippi PAC for post-term-limit career
Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, who is term limited, transferred his campaign cash last year to a political action committee called Imagine Mississippi PAC. In the annual report,
Bryant's PAC reported $220,000 in spending in 2017, including donations to several Republican politicians and political candidates. The PAC reported $543,211.66 cash on hand.
Source: N.E.Miss. Daily Journal on 2019 Mississippi Governor race
Feb 3, 2018
On Corporations:
Growing business is best jobs program
Twice last year, the unemployment rate in Mississippi fell to 4.9 percent, and was 4.8 percent in November. That is the lowest since unemployment levels began to be recorded in 1979.
I believe every Mississippian deserves an equal opportunity for a good job, and I am working hard to make this belief a reality. As Ronald Reagan once said, the best social program is a job.
Now, that's a program we have been very successful in expanding. In the past, Mississippi has had people looking for jobs. Today, we have more than 40,000 jobs looking for people.
This session, I will have some other recommendations to reduce more government regulations and unleash the independent spirit that will make Mississippi the most job-friendly state in America.
Source: 2018 Mississippi State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
On Education:
Parents should have school choice
This session, I will ask you again to expand school choice for certain categories of children, offering special needs scholarships to even more students.
I continue to believe parents should have the freedom to use their tax dollars to send their child to the school of their choice, not one decided by the government.
Source: 2018 Mississippi State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
On Health Care:
Medicaid patients are responsible for bad choices
Poor health choices have resulted in higher mortality rates and treatment of even more disabling illnesses. Consequently, Medicaid costs have continued to increase, straining our state and federal budgets. Frankly, we have spent far too many years
believing that funding for Medicaid is unlimited and should be unquestioned. We must change that way of thinking. We must also insist that positive health care outcomes be the first responsibility of the Medicaid recipients.
As you know, I have requested a workforce requirement for able-bodied adults from the Center of Medicaid and Medicare Services. This is not, as some would have you believe, a punitive action aimed at recipients.
It will actually help this population reap the rewards of a good job, and one day receive health care coverage from their employer, not the state or federal government.
Source: 2018 Mississippi State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
On Jobs:
Mississippi Model: Cutting red tape increases jobs
Working together, we have also made it easier for our entrepreneurs to pursue the American dream, ridding our occupational licensing system of red tape that for too long had served as nothing more than a barrier to market entry.
Other states are just now moving to adopt our plan to reduce regulatory burdens on professional services. It has become known across the United States simply as the "Mississippi Model."
Source: 2018 Mississippi State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Let business use religious belief to not serve LGBT people
Analysis of HB 1523 by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: A reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide, the Mississippi bill seeks to protect by law the
belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and prevents government intervention when churches or businesses act "based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction."
The advocacy director for the Mississippi Center for Justice said HB 1523 "violates a fundamental American value and strikes at the very heart of our work towards a fairer and more just state. This law is discriminatory."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-17-1 on Mar/30/17; Passed House 69-44-8 on Apr/1/17; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Apr/19/17.
Source: Y'all Politics blog on Mississippi voting record HB 1523
Apr 19, 2017
On Drugs:
More drug testing for unemployment insurance applicants
We write to you today in support of H.J. Res. 42, your legislation that would disapprove of the US Department of Labor's recent regulation regarding states' ability to drug test individuals who apply for unemployment insurance (UI).
Congress authorized the Labor Department to craft a rule that would provide states the option to drug test unemployment insurance applicants. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration drafted the rule too narrowly, undermining the intent of
Congress and permitting drug testing in too few instances.
Drug testing UI applicants can help individuals suffering from substance abuse to access necessary care and treatment so they may re-enter the workforce as healthy and productive members of
society. We believe this rule should be replaced with a new rule that allows increased flexibility for states to implement UI drug testing that best fits the needs of each state. We look forward to working with Congress on this issue going forward.
Source: 2019 Mississippi Governor campaign press release
Feb 10, 2017
On Budget & Economy:
Implement a state lottery; Arkansas got $80M last year
I believe it's time to look at ways to grow revenue, without raising taxes. I am open to a general discussion regarding the implementation of a state lottery. As you know, voters cleared the legal pathway for a lottery in 1992 when they chose to
remove the constitutional prohibition and allow the Legislature to provide authorization and control.Arkansas--the state closest to us in population and demographics--received $80 million from its lottery last fiscal year.
That kind of data demands attention. When we see traffic crowded on the Mississippi River bridge taking revenue to our neighboring state, it may be time to face a new reality.
We can no longer contain the people's desire for a lottery, we can only force them to travel.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
On Crime:
More Highway Patrol troopers on the road
We are in desperate need of a new trooper school. Currently, the Mississippi Highway Patrol stands at 161 troopers less than is statutorily allowed. Fortunately, this is not a dictatorial formula.
However, the safety of the motoring public and the troopers serving rests with your decision. I ask you tonight to back the badge of our troopers and put more of them on the road.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
On Families & Children:
$34M for new Department of Child Protection Services
Last year I made a bold request of this Legislature and its leadership to create a new state agency for the singular purpose of managing our foster care system. For almost a decade Mississippi has been under a federal court mandate to improve the
way we care for our foster children. The reality is we did little to improve this system until you agreed to create the Department of Child Protection Services and invest $34 million into improving the effort.
Today we are serving more foster children than ever. The most innocent among us who have struggled with neglect and abuse are receiving proper care.
The improvements were sufficient in this first year as to compel the federal court to allow a less restrictive set of requirements and remove Mississippi from the oversight of a court monitor for the first time since 2008.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
On Welfare & Poverty:
Create the Mississippi Faith-Based Advisory Council
Creating the Mississippi Faith-Based and Community Advisory Council will enlist, empower and expand the work of volunteer faith-based and community organizations. I believe it will strengthen families all across Mississippi, with no cost to the
taxpayers.Similar councils exist in a number of other states. I believe it will be a valuable tool to help serve our families and individuals in need.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
On Civil Rights:
Backs bill for marriage between one man and one woman
House Bill 1523 singles out 3 religious beliefs as worthy of protection: that marriage is between one man and one woman; that people should not have sex outside such marriages; and that a person's gender is set at birth. The law˙protects anyone who
speaks out against gay marriage or transgenders because of these˙beliefs. Gov. Bryant and Lt. Gov. Reeves,˙two of˙the bill's most prominent advocates, said the state should stand by its law and appeal the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Source: Mississippi Today on Mississippi voting record: HB 1523
Jun 30, 2016
On Corporations:
Tax cuts for people before corporations
How do we generate sufficient revenue to maintain and keep safe the roads and bridges that are our economic life line and not place an undue burden upon the working people of this state? There is no reason we cannot balance an increase in fuel tax with
an equal and sufficient tax reduction. This tax cut does not need to apply to large corporations. They are and have been receiving the reduction in fuel cost for some time now. It is the working families of Mississippi I am concerned about.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Mississippi legislature
Jan 26, 2016
On Education:
Remove barriers to charter schools
Imagine the freedom of a parent in a failing school to send an at-risk child to a superior school nearby but outside the district. Why should only the affluent enjoy the benefits of these fine schools? Your zip code or income level should not determine
your opportunity to get a good education. Let us make this bold decision. We should also remove the barriers to charter schools and extend their range across district lines so children can pass through these imaginary walls to a better, brighter future.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Mississippi legislature
Jan 26, 2016
On Education:
Loosen regulations around associate degrees
We can make progress in higher education by working with the IHL and community college boards to craft an associate's degree credential for those students who complete the necessary number of scholastic hours at a four-year university.
For example, if a student attended a university for two years and completed the required course work, but had to leave the university for a legitimate reason, they could receive an associate's degree related to their subject major.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Mississippi legislature
Jan 26, 2016
On Tax Reforms:
Work towards creating a tax dividend for low income people
In the last four years, nearly every agency has seen more revenues and more spending on government services. Perhaps it is time to slow down the growth of government and give some relief to hardworking taxpayers. I believe we must work toward a plan
where the hardworking blue-collar families of Mississippi get a tax dividend. It may not be this year, but when we are having surpluses and a full savings account, let's pledge to give the people back a portion of their hard-earned tax dollars.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Mississippi legislature
Jan 26, 2016
On Education:
Supports "effective" public schools but not Initiative 42
Bryant and other top Republicans are trying to defeat Initiative 42, which got on the ballot through a citizens' petition process. It would allow people to sue to seek funding for an `adequate and efficient` system of public schools. Legislators who
oppose 42 placed Alternative Measure 42-A on the ballot, which says the Legislature would establish `effective` public schools `without judicial enforcement.`
Speaking to about 150 Republicans at the ag museum on Monday, Bryant said Initiative 42 would be a gift to trial lawyers. `They won't have to chase ambulances anymore. They can chase school buses,` Bryant said to applause from the crowd.
The co-manager
of the 42 for Better Schools campaign responded in an email: `Right now, it really doesn't matter how many cute one-liners Phil Bryant comes up with. The supporters of Initiative 42 have had enough of empty promises when it comes to public education.`
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2015 Mississippi gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2015
On Health Care:
The feds won't pay for their share of Medicaid expansion
[Democratic opponent Robert] Gray has slammed Bryant's policies, including the governor's resistance to Medicaid expansion, which the Affordable Care Act permits states to do, with the federal government paying for the bulk of it.Bryant has said that
he does not believe the Obama administration will pay for the feds' end of Medicaid expansion and, thus, in his logic, leaving Mississippi taxpayers on the hook for the cost of providing health insurance for 300,000 people.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2015 Mississippi gubernatorial race
Oct 28, 2015
On Foreign Policy:
Divest state contracts from any investments in Iran
Excerpts from legislation: HB 1127, the Iran Divestment Act: To Prohibit Contracting with Companies with Investments in Iran: The Mississippi Legislature finds:The illicit nuclear activities of the Government of Iran, and its support
of international terrorism, represent a serious threat to the security of the US, Israel and other allies.The UN Security Council has adopted a range of sanctions designed to encourage Iran to cease those activities.President Obama signed
HR 2194, the "Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act," which authorizes states to prevent investment in Iran.The concerns of the State of Mississippi regarding Iran are strictly the result of the actions of the Government
of Iran and should not be construed as enmity towards the Iranian peopleLegislative outcome: HB 1127 passed Senate 35-11-6, March 4; passed House 112-7, Feb. 4; signed by Gov. Bryant, April 23
Source: Mississippi legislative voting records: HB 1127
Apr 23, 2015
On Families & Children:
Support Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs
The governor called on the Legislature to send the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act to his desk: "Mississippi children with special needs, and their parents, deserve nothing less.""I can assure you from personal experience, this
response to dyslexia will result in direct benefits. This reading disorder is the number one reason children drop out of school. If we confront it aggressively, we can see a dramatic decrease in our state's dropout rate and help turn around our reading
scores for thousands of Mississippi children.
"This year, we must also do all in our power to help children with special needs. The Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act will empower parents with educational choice to get their children
the services they need. When only 22.5% of special needs children graduate from high school, something is terribly wrong. I call on you to send this bill to my desk. Mississippi children with special needs, and their parents, deserve nothing less."
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Mississippi Legislature
Jan 21, 2015
On Jobs:
$50M for Keep Mississippi Working Fund & workforce training
We realize that finding a job can and has changed lives for the better, so we must do all in our power to put people to work. Tonight, I am announcing the Keep Mississippi Working Fund--a program that will move nearly $50 million over the next two years
without putting a demand on the General Fund.Due to reduced demand on Mississippi's Unemployment Trust Fund, $50 million will instead be allocated for workforce training in high-demand industries. The Keep Mississippi Working Fund will not increase
taxes.
The governor also called on the Legislature to fund a $3 million scholarship program for high school students in career tech programs to pursue skills certifications and academic degrees at Mississippi's community and junior colleges: "I
believe with these two programs, we can focus on creating a world-class workforce. With that accomplished, our economic progress can be unlimited," Gov. Bryant said of the workforce development initiative and scholarship program.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Mississippi Legislature
Jan 21, 2015
On Civil Rights:
Banning same-sex marriage is good policy
Mississippi Attorney general Jim Hood says the state will appeal a federal judge's ruling that struck down the 2004 ban on same-sex marriage. Hood says he personally does not agree with the ban but has a responsibility as Attorney General to defend
state law. "I don't force my personal opinions on a matter. Especially when other courts of appeal have agreed with the state's opinion. So we are going to follow it through and do our job and let the courts decide it," Hood said.Hood says he thinks
the marriage ban will eventually be overturned by the US supreme court. The state has already informed the court that it intends to appeal the ruling ahead of gay marriage potentially becoming legal in Mississippi a week from today.
Governor Phil
Bryant strongly backs appealing the ruling and says he still believes keeping same-sex couples from getting married is a good policy for the state. "Absolutely. Voted for it and continue to support it. Just like many, many Mississippians," Bryant said.
Source: MPB Public Broadcasting on 2019 Mississippi Governor race
Dec 3, 2014
On Drugs:
Drug courts work; fully fund them
I have long been an advocate of drug courts, and I hope you will follow the guidance in my budget and fully fund this effort. These courts work. They provide a valuable service that helps get Mississippians on the right path again.To combat pockets of
serious crime in our state, I have asked you to fund a violent crime strike force composed of state, local and federal law enforcement officers. These elite forces will respond to a specific high-crime area and hit gangs and drug dealers where they live.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Families & Children:
Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi: 2-parent families
[One of our] objectives for success should be for every Mississippian to be born into a mature, two-parent family. Our Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi program has conducted community meetings and seminars all across the state. We have involved
schools, churches, families, health care professionals and, most importantly, teens, in community discussions regarding decision-making and healthy behavior.We have started making a difference. According to the annual report of the Mississippi State
Department of Health, our state's teen pregnancy rate declined by 10.3% in 2012.
I believe we have also done an admirable job in protecting our children, both born and unborn. By strengthening the Child Protection Act and by requiring that
abortionists obtain admitting privileges at local hospitals, we are protecting women's health. But let me be clear, on this unfortunate anniversary of Roe versus Wade, my goal is to end abortion in Mississippi.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Homeland Security:
Veterans treatment courts: 2nd chance for convicted vets
As a former deputy sheriff and as a state auditor, I have helped put many criminals behind bars and had no regrets about doing so when necessary. Our family has experienced a violent crime that resulted in the loss of a loved one. I have attended
funerals and memorials of slain officers and witnessed firsthand the pain of those mothers and wives. I have no sympathy for violent or career criminals, and I believe that any modification to the correctional system should put the victim first.
I plan to ask for the creation of veterans treatment courts to aid our service men and women who have made mistakes and want to get back on track.
I believe we owe our veterans this special attention because they, more than most, have earned a second chance from their country.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Local Issues:
Year of the Creative Economy: a Mississippi Homecoming
Let me remind you that 2014 has been designated as the Year of the Creative Economy, a Mississippi Homecoming. This year we will focus on that segment of the economy, which provides some 60,000 jobs and generates an enormous economic impact in our state.
2014 will see hundreds of creative events from concerts to plays to movie premiers all across Mississippi.
We are asking Mississippi artists who have moved away to come home for one special event to share their talents live with their fellow Mississippians.
We aim to show the world that Mississippi is the birthplace of America's music, but we also cook and write and act and paint and dance and direct. This will bring thousands of visitors to Mississippi. Let us have a homecoming and invite the world.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Principles & Values:
Four fundamental beliefs guide our plan for the future
We understand that a vision without action is just an illusion, so we set about with four fundamental beliefs guiding our plan for the future.- We believe every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be gainfully employed right here at home;
- Every Mississippian must have the opportunity to learn from the best educational system we can offer;
-
We believe that every Mississippian deserves to be born into a mature, two-parent family;
- We believe that every Mississippian should be certain that his or her tax dollars are put to proper use.
I believe that these four goals achieved together will create a Mississippi of limitless opportunity. Let us see how the plan has worked thus far.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Principles & Values:
Add 'In God We Trust' to Mississippi State Seal
I continue to believe this is the right time to stand for our beliefs--our faith, our families, and our nation. To strengthen our resolve, I have asked that we take a bold step for God and country. I have called for legislation that would change the
wording on the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to reflect our nation's motto. With your help, the seal of the State of Mississippi will, from this session forward, reflect the simple yet profound words 'In God We Trust'.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Technology:
Diabetes Telehealth Initiative for complex coordinated care
I am very pleased to announce a revolutionary health care effort tonight.
Through a partnership with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, , GE Healthcare, North Sunflower Medical Center, and C Spire, we are launching the Mississippi Diabetes Telehealth Initiative.
This groundbreaking pilot program will use telehealth technology to pair resources from the University Medical Center with health care providers and 200 of the most complex diabetes patients in the Mississippi Delta.
This coordinated care approach will improve disease management and health outcomes for generations to come.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Welfare & Poverty:
Focus on jobs for those who need public assistance
A Mississippian with a job is less likely to need public assistance, is more likely to contribute taxes to the state treasury, is a strong example of responsibility to his or her children and is more likely to vote, to participate in the community and to
avoid crime. Each day as Governor, I make it my job to ensure more Mississippians have a job of their own.Soon, with the assistance of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, the State Workforce Investment Board, and the state longitudinal
data system, we will unveil a state-of-the-art system matching job seekers with employers. The system, along with its app, will be unlike any other in the nation. It will put job seekers and employers a click away from success. Finding a job or a
qualified employee in Mississippi will be easier and more effective than ever. The Mississippi Works web site will add this important feature very soon. I will just say, stand by to be amazed. And I assure you, this website works.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 22, 2014
On Corporations:
Tax relief from delayed-accelerated tax payment
As all of you understand, Mississippi's business climate plays a critical role in attracting new opportunities and new jobs to our state. In my executive budget recommendation,
I proposed a small business tax relief measure that will further stabilize our business climate. Each June, certain small employers in this state are required to pre-pay a portion of their taxes.
Known as the delayed-accelerated tax payment--a name only the government could create--this move puts a large burden on our state's job creators.
My budget proposes relief for small employers, and I urge the Legislature to support it. The National Federation of Independent Businesses joins me in my call.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
On Education:
Privately funded Opportunity Scholarship for failing schools
Thanks to the work of this Legislature, the Department of Education changed the complicated formula for ranking our schools to a simple one: A through F. I am asking you to pass an act that will create privately funded
Opportunity Scholarships so students who are below 250 percent of the poverty level and live in D and F schools districts can have a chance to take resources and go elsewhere. Let us give parents a choice so children can have a chance.
We should also have a workable charter school act that provides choices for parents. More than 40 other states have this option. Shouldn't we allow such opportunities for our own children?
I applaud the Senate and the House for their efforts on this important issue. When a good charter school bill reaches my desk, I intend to sign it.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
On Education:
$15M for literacy; and merit pay for teachers
I call on [the Legislature] to fund $15 million to assist with literacy improvement efforts. These funds will help us train teachers on best-practices in reading instruction and will also help provide reading interventionists to help struggling
third-graders and other students. If our education system does a better job early on making sure students can read on grade level, remediation costs will decline.I have also discussed pay for performance, or merit pay, for our teachers.
I believe we should reward our most effective teachers by compensation. Let me be clear, no teacher will lose any salary.
In addition to keeping and rewarding great classroom teachers, we must raise the bar for new teachers.
The bill I submitted raises the entrance standard for education programs. Under this act, a student must have a 21 ACT score and a minimum GPA of 3.0 to become a teacher. Why would we want anything less for our students?
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
On Energy & Oil:
Support energy development and investment
We should also look to our energy sector for growth and job opportunities. Mississippi is a leader in many energy related policies and industry practices.
By supporting energy development and investment, we can bring more jobs to our residents. As chair of the Southern States Energy Board, I will work hard to make sure Mississippi is positioned as a leader in the energy economy.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
On Health Care:
ObamaCare adds 300,000 entitlements; get people off Medicaid
The Affordable Care Act [has a large] potential impact on Mississippi. Any law that will add 300,000 Mississippians to a federal entitlement program partially funded by the state will either result in a huge tax increase or drastic cuts to education,
public safety, job creation and other budgets. It will leave our children and grandchildren with ballooning federal debt. Instead of assuming enormous costs that we cannot afford, I would suggest that we spend our time and efforts in finding good
jobs for all Mississippians. We should be compassionate by lowering our Medicaid population through economic growth, personal responsibility, and providing more access to private sector health care.
To help us further develop our medical industry and identify ways to improve our personal health, I am pleased to announce the formation of the Mississippi Health Care Solutions Institute.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
On Health Care:
Expand MS School of Medicine; 1,000 new doctors by 2025
One essential health care step we must take is increasing the number of doctors in Mississippi. We know that physicians create about $2 million in economic impact in their communities, including the people they hire and the equipment and supplies they
buy to run their offices. Having more providers will create better health care access for Mississippians, thereby lowering the cost of health care.Just this month, I joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center to break ground on a
new expansion of the School of Medicine. With the addition of new classrooms and laboratories, each incoming class of medical students will increase to more than 160. This means Mississippi will graduate more doctors.
The university estimates that by
2025, an expanded medical school would produce 1,000 new physicians and support more than 19,000 new jobs. I ask the Legislature to consider the impact of this medical school on our state and support its growth.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
On Jobs:
My first job: every Mississippian who wants a job has one
In 2012, you helped produce one of the most business-friendly legislative sessions in modern history, and I thank you. Therefore, I am proud to stand here, able to report that the state of our state is strong.Last January, I told you that my first job
was to make sure every Mississippian who wants a job has one. We have made great improvements, and with the help of the Mississippi Development Authority, we grew our existing businesses and brought new world-class companies to our state.
In 2012, Mississippi's economic development efforts resulted in the announcement of nearly 2,700 new jobs. This success represents a private sector investment of more than a half-billion dollars. [This was accomplished by state agencies] making contact
with site-selectors, beginning the competitive recruitment process, putting a deal together, and landing a business win. Tonight, I call on you to make sure the world knows Mississippi will not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to attracting jobs.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021