Reeves Praises 2019 Legislature
Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement.
The Mississippi Senate ended the 2019 session today after increasing investment in teacher pay, and workforce training and public safety initiatives.
The $6.3 billion general fund budget does not include any tax increases and sets aside tax dollars in the state's rainy day fund. The budget for Fiscal Year 2020, which begins July 1, included a raise for state employees and the anticipated increase in state employee retirement contributions.
Mississippi teachers will receive a $1,500 raise under the budget passed, which comes five years after a $2,500 teacher pay raise. Since 2014, Mississippi taxpayers have invested an additional $350 million in teacher pay raises. The popular School Recognition Program has resulted in an additional $41.8 million awarded to teachers for their work in the classroom. Since 2012, teachers earn about $8,000 more annually for their work in the classroom.
"This is a conservative budget that prioritizes public education at all levels and supports our law enforcement and military programs," Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said. "I appreciate the work of Gov. Bryant, Speaker Gunn and senators over the past eight years to grow our state's economy and invest in workforce training for thousands of Mississippians."
Budgets rose in all areas of education, including a $82.1 million increase for public schools, a $14.3 million increase for community colleges and a $37.4 million increase for universities.
Lt. Gov. Reeves thanked legislators for raising the investment in Educational Scholarship Accounts for children with special needs to $5 million from $3 million. The popular program has a waitlist of parents who are seeking an education for their children that best fits their needs.
Spending on public safety rose by $15.2 million, including support for a training school for new troopers and drivers' services. Child Protective Services will receive another $15.7 million to serve children in foster care.
The Legislature also worked to protect the state's military investments from the federal base realignment and closure process with $7 million planned for National Guard armory upgrades and continuing construction of a gate a Keesler Air Force Base. The state also provided $16 million in matching funds to build a veterans home in Harrison County.
During the three-month session, the Legislature allowed electric cooperatives to expand broadband internet connections, strengthened legal protections for property owners, tighter punishments for human trafficking, and enacted criminal justice reform that keeps Mississippians safe while giving people the opportunity to be productive members of society.
Mississippi also will lead the nation in fighting for unborn children with the passage of Senate Bill 2116, which prohibits abortion in cases where a fetal heartbeat is detected. The bill included an exemption for cases of medical emergencies.
The Legislature continued to focus on training Mississippians for highly technical jobs and the need for more teachers in the classroom.
Senate Bill 2447 provides grants for career and technical education for students who earn specific industry certifications that support in-demand careers in the state. An additional $1 million will be invested in workforce readiness programs to steer young Mississippians good-paying careers.
House Bill 150 includes an effort to forgive up to $12,000 in student loans for teachers in geographical areas with critical needs, like the Delta, or those who teach in critical subject areas, like science, math and foreign languages.
Lt. Gov. Reeves also supported Gov. Bryant's priority, the Mississippi School Safety Act, to strengthen security measures at public schools. House Bill 1283 supports additional training for school staff to help students manage stress and anxiety.
Other legislation passed this year includes:
· Senate Bill 2053, which allows students at community colleges and universities to earn educational credits for military service;
· Senate Bill 2452, which requires occupational licensure boards to quickly address applications of military spouses for families stationed in the state for three years or less.
· Senate Bill 2744, which bans telemarketers from masking their identity with inaccurate phone numbers.
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/mississippi
Rankings Scorecard
#50 Health Care
#46 Education
#48 Economy
#49 Opportunity
#49 Infrastructure
#45 Fiscal Stability
#49 in Overall Rankings
Thanks Tate. At least we are not #50 overall. Let's keep doing the same thing over and over. It works so well.
I hate that "the amount" is the focus of the teacher raise, either as a complaint or a "look at how great we are." This state has a severe supply/demand problem in education. Tate and the boys have so sliced education that we have EMPTY classrooms all over this state, or classrooms where a warm body is put into place so that there is an adult in the room. Even most "A" districts have many openings and administrators are struggling to put qualified, experienced people into place.
At this rate, this WILL trickle down eventually and possible businesses will take notice and pass on us.
Now, what do businesses do when they have job openings to attract the most qualified candidates? Of course they offer a competitive salary. The problem here is the state of Mississippi does not offer a competitive salary with surrounding states. Therefore, students heading to college are not considering education and those in education are leaving for more money in different fields.
I thought Potato was doing laundry with all this fluff...
The $1,500 pay raise for the teachers is a joke. That amounts to a little more than $100.00 per month. Tate Reeves - out of touch and wanting to be YOUR GOVERNOR.
The Little Emperor is very proud of his lowly legislative servants this year for accomplishing several very successful surreptitious maneuvers including: eliminating requirements for transparency for disguised PACx, slipping tuition money for private schools into a bond bill, and giving every single bureaucrats in Mississippi a pay raise as long as they are breathing and without regard to performance (i.e. even the drivers license station employees will get a raise).
Good job little man!
How much of that 15 million is going to DPS to pay the feds back the money troopers embezzled on the DUI grants?? I'm sure a new trooper school is coming. This is a total waste of taxpayer money
Public schools are Mississippi are a total waste of money for they produce such a poor product. Therefore spending more on teachers in this failed system is also a waste.
The state of Mississippi has never faced the stark reality that it began the educational race generations ago behind every state in the union. It's racist policies insured that almost half the state was in dire need of remedial help at the onset. So what does Mississippi do? It spends less on education than any of its neighbors then brags when it retains it's sorry position "without unnecessary spending". Education should have been this state's priority sixty years ago when instead it's priority was fighting "federal intervention". Now we've got idiots like Tate Reeves who think everything is solid if we can just hold on to what we've got. I've got news Tate, if you ain't movin' you're fallin' behind!
If anyone wants to know why we are 50th in everything good and 1st in everything bad, they have to look no further than Tate and his legislative minions. If he does this as lieutenant governor, just think what he will do for Mississippi as governor. Anyone else ready to move to Nashville or Texas?
1:54 that means that all teachers work 12 months a year like most other folks, right? Check your math or exaggerations one.
MHP money is a bribe for support as he doesn't like them and they don't like him but he needs their support. Both Tator tot and mhp are two peas in a pod.
TATA TOT needs to debate Bill Waller Jr.
But he won't. His new name should be Tate Dodger!
The only time I've seen this level of negativity over someone well known and already in office is Ray Mabus, circa 1991. IF Tate beats Bill Waller, Jr. which is going to be tough, Hood takes him in November. All this stuff is white noise. You can't bulls$%# people for over 10 years and then be nice, it's doesn't work that way.
I just want to know what kind of support we're looking at for Tate in August/November?? Chime in!
3:50 You is so right!
Give the qualified teachers a real raise while giving them a 12 month schedule. It's been a long time since kids were needed to work on the family farm all summer. A 250 day school year would get Mississippi moving upward for a change.
Meanwhile Tater is sucking up to teachers claiming he was all for a raise that would make a difference.
"Education" is the lifeblood that fuels the sick political Mississippi machine.....and federal student aid quadruples what gets siphoned into select pockets.
From the Joint Legislative Budget Report 2018-19:
Public Education (pp. 101-115)
Department of Education - General Education Programs
Chickasaw Interest
Mississippi Adequate Education Program
Schools For The Blind & Deaf
Vocational & Technical Education
Educational Television Authority
Higher Education - Pt. 1 (pp. 119-195)
IHL General Support - Consolidated
Program Enhancements
Alcorn State University-Water System
Mississippi University for Women
Mississippi Valley State University
University of Southern Mississippi - Gulf Park
Off-Campus - Consolidated
Jackson State Univ - Off-Campus
Mississippi State Univ - Vicksburg & Meridian
Delta State Univ - Greenville
Mississippi Univ for Women - Tupelo Nursing
University of Mississippi - Off-Campus
Alcorn State University - Natchez
IHL Subsidiary Programs - Consolidated
Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service
JSU - Mississippi Urban Research Center
MSU - Alcohol Safety Education Program
MSU - Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
MSU - Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory
MSU - Stennis Institute of Government
MSU - Water Resources Research Institute
UM - Center for Manufacturing Excellence
UM - Law Research Institute
UM - Mineral Resources Institute
UM - Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
UM - Small Business Development Center
UM - State Court Education Program
UM - Supercomputer
USM - Gulf Coast Research Lab
USM - Mississippi Polymer Institute
USM - Stennis Center for Higher Learning
IHL Student Financial Aid
University of Mississippi Medical Center - Consolidated
School of Health Related Professions
Medical Center Service Area
School of Population Health
Teaching Hospital
Community and Junior Colleges
Coahoma Community College
Meridian Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Pearl River Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Not sure if this even includes the various othe Boards, etc. that money gets washed through......and the sad thing is that "education" isn't even happening. Grades are changed, attendance is over-reported, and Shad White is nowhere to be seen or heard from on the matter. He (and Jim Hood) provide cover because they are just one of the insides looking for the next higher office.....pretty much clones of worthless Stacy Pickering- who claimed he's a Christian and for good government, but demonstrated neither in any meaningful way. The difference between Mississippi "leaders" and catfish? Some are scum-sucking bottom dwellers, and others are fish.
1:27, we didn't get into 50th just recently. We were there for decades in all categories during the 60s, and 70s and 80s and 90s. Might want to check and see who was in control then.
Doesn't appear to me that we are continuing to do the same thing as before, as you imply. Not borrowing long term money for short term needs is probably the most important change. Cutting taxes rather than raising them to me sounds like a major improvement.
We still have a disfunctional government in that back in the 1800's it was decided that we should elect each, all and every possible elected official. And duplicate functions, school districts, etc because of the inability of people to ford the rivers in their carts. Now, with many decades of changes, we still tend to want to operate our government in the same manner and refuse to allow government to streamline to enter not just the 20th century but now the 21st. Can't blame that failure on any of the current elected officials - except of course those members of the legislature that block any changes to the status quo (and it doesn't take much investigation to see which group of legislators this would include.)
1:32 - where are those 'vacant' classrooms? Are they in all classes, or is the problem in filling the positions in certain demographic, or geographic areas? Are the problems in all classes (1-12) or in the STEM classes vs the elementary classes? Any vacancies in the coaching needs for the school districts?
Whose job is it to fill these positions - the LG, the legislature, or the local officials who dictate the hiring, the spending, and the requirements in their districts? (Hint: Its the latter, not the first two.)
There are plenty of 'empty classrooms' in Jackson Public Schools - but amazingly they are not in the buildings that have the lowest paid teachers (check Davis, er/ah Obama Elementary - lowest pay while it has the highest rating).
There is a lot more involved in the problems that you raise (without a solution except the tired ole saw of "pay".) If maybe we would quit the 'one size fits all' approach to paying teachers - as required by the teachers union - then maybe the scale could be adjusted (as it would be in the private sector) to pay based on supply and demand. If the supply shortage is for physics teachers, but not for first grade teachers - then maybe you could get more physics teachers rather than them taking jobs in the private sector using their physics knowledge. Or paying the great first grade teachers more than the ones that are only filling up vacant space. But try to get any of those concepts through the legislature and watch/listen to the Parents Campaign/MAE union scream.
All the teachers that are crying about their 'nothing raise' are free to pass their extra $1500 to me. And I'm sure that many of the state employees that didn't get a raise would be glad to see an extra $100/month.
When they go to comparing their pay to other states, and to the private sector - they fail to discuss the very lucrative retirement program that they are provided, courtesy of the MS taxpayers. A retirement system that required an increase of $75 million in this (and future) budget years from the state. (little mentioned, but this increase is going to hurt the local school boards, along with hospitals and other large public employers that are paid with local funds).
Being able to retire after 25 years, a guaranteed cost of living increase of 3% COMPOUNDED every year, and based on the highest four years - not the last four - of pay. Find me any private sector program that will provide that to their employees. But along with their paid health benefits and their retirement benefits, the pay isn't quite as low as they want to claim. (Just as the "claim" that they haven't received a raise over the past several years - when in fact they have received a raise every year.)
People of Mississippi spend a lot on education but not just with government schools. Many spend twice. Once for a real education for their children and another for the government schools which they do not use. There should be lots of money since the payers do not use the system the government provides.
Some great comments. Thank you one and all.
Two words: Bill Waller
Earlier today, Tater was pushing some moronic movie about abortion that he probably hasn't seen and the creators of which support Q Anon. Because that's where we are as a country.
@6:12pm No Mississippi's not "borrowing" money....but yankee billions are required on top of the billions from the state to run all those educational entities listed above.....and there's LOTS of FAT administrative positions in those entities that no one wants to give up on your life. Again, even the state auditor doesn't want to touch it because it's political suicide....
"There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has fierce enemies in all those who profit by the old order."
Niccolo' Machiavelli 1469-1527
And that's why real leaders are nowhere to be found in Mississippi.
7:12 As an abortion survivor you should go see that "moronic movie" Unplanned,which is receiving great reviews. May just touch your heart if you have one. Killing unborn and born children is where we are as a country because to some no lives matter.
Chasing the" average teacher pay in surrounding states" model with which to base teacher pay is like a dog chasing his tail. If Mississippi raises pay then the average goes up, you never achieve your goal. I venture to say that most public employees in Mississippi are paid at or near the bottom when compared to similar positions in surrounding states. The best teachers retire after 25 years, usually in their late 40's then teach in the private schools while drawing their state retirement. Not a bad deal.
It's a good thing I've already eaten dinner. This bullshit Tate's trying to sell would make me lose my appetite. He is the absolute worse dictator I've ever seen. Even when he tries to be likable, he's not. Never Tate.
The comments here Kingfish are comical. Does your effort benefit from the papering of these trolls?
The suggestion that public school teachers are paid adequately is moronic. By any measure, they are not. Without good teachers, public education grades 1-12 will remain sub-par, and MS will remain at the bottom of the heap. Reeves and Bryant insured that would remain the norm by cutting taxes for their rich constituents.
And teachers feel 'entitled' to a 52 week year of pay for 36 weeks work.
And everyone please save your tearful tales of all the extra work necessary for teachers might want to realize that I don't give a damn. I worked to support myself for 53 years without a paid vacation or paid day off.
The suggestion that public school teachers are paid adequately is moronic.
What minimum level of paid is adequate for Mississippi public school teachers? Put up.
He is the absolute worse dictator I've ever seen.
What dictators are you comparing him against?
@11:59, the unachieved goal for decades has been the Southeast average. Hardly an over ambitious goal.
Knox Rod - You deserve a day off. Your lack of vacation time seems to have turned you into a crusty old fart.
What are teachers earning??????? Obviously it depends on which district
https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-places-to-teach/s/mississippi/
And while a great many teachers are paid far less than they are worth it remains the objective of legislators and governors to keep all complaints off their backs by continuing to support the 150+ districts. In continuing that program individual complaints stop at the local superintendent's office. But of all that the state wastes the 70 days that school desks are empty each year may be the most costly waste of all.
And does anyone else recall how Supertalk Mississippi jumped onto the scene more than 10 years ago? I recall the "J.T. & Dave" program grabbing my attention as they slammed state leaders for throwing away $millions on 183(?) districts. Since then Supertalk has fallen in line with Jackson's swamp leaving me to wonder who Mississippi's Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes are.
And I've been called much worse than an old fart and sometimes deservedly but as they say "sticks and stone.........."
If the social media comments of several public school teachers can be generalized to the public school education sector statewide, Tate Reeves should not be counting on many votes from them.
One Lamar County teacher (Chris Lee of Hattiesburg) who reached out to Joey Fillingane to express disappointment with public education funding had an interesting Facebook exchange with the senator. Apparently Senator Fillingane deleted his comments, but not before Mr. Lee captured screenshots of the exchange and set the post to public, which has been shared numerous times.
Mr Lee's tet-a-tete with Joey Fillingame was quite entertaining and likely most of Mississippi's republican statesmen are similarly positioned. There's never enough money in the budget for anything except tax cuts and spending on privatization. But of course when the bridge Mr Fillingame must cross to reach the capital caves in he'll mysteriously find the funds and votes to repair it in order to vote yes on another tax cut which certainly won't be the tax on groceries. Thanks for the heads up 2:49.
If the social media comments of several public school teachers can be generalized to the public school education sector statewide ...
Espy's loss proved otherwise.
If the social media comments of several public school teachers can be generalized to the public school education sector statewide, Bill Waller will be receiving a lot of votes from public school teachers.
Sad state of affairs that MSU decided to kiss the ring of the Little Emperor and not allow television on campus for the gubernatorial debate. For the record, I am not a supporter of either candidate nor a supporter of Hood. Frankly, I think all politicians stink. So, I am forced to decided who smells the least like shit. In this case, the Littler Emperor's stink level went up quite a bit. And, I am absolutely disappointed that my school lacks independence and kissed his little nubby finger and ring.
If it weren't for our government backed bond system and subsequent ratings, I'd defund this whole motherf**ker in one fell swoop. And I'm a liberal.
Gripe on, Gripe on.
The superintendent for each school district is to be fined $250 for each teacher he/she doesn't report to the AG if they strike....HA! NOW's the perfect time to strike because Jimmy boy Hood ain't going to prosecute a single teacher while running for office.
Mississippi — which has fewer than 3 million residents — has more model bills introduced in its Legislature than any other state in the country. Per USA Today investigation.
Because we have a bunch of dumb ass legislators and dumb shit leadership.
Y'all please keep up your comments on education in Mississippi.......It' very entertaining! All I can say is that if I were buying a used car and the going price for it was $2000.00 why would paying $5,000 make it a better buy??? The same goes for our teachers. I have seen several well-paid teachers that slept thru many of their classes. MODOC.