The Mississippi House of Representatives convened at 4:00 PM on Monday for its scheduled legislative session, addressing key legislative matters and recognizing distinguished individuals and institutions.
Throughout the week, the House honored Alcorn State University for its legacy of academic excellence and its significant impact on higher education Mississippi. Additionally, blues musician Jimmy “Duck” Holmes was recognized for his contributions to the state’s rich cultural and musical heritage.
The House also commemorated the 155th anniversary of Hiram Revels’ swearing-in honoring his legacy as the first African American to serve in the United States Congress.
Among the ley legislative actions of the week, HB 1879, known as the “City of Jackson Revitalization Act,” failed to pass on the House floor. The bill sought to allow a license for a gaming facility to be built on the Pearl River and to provide tax incentives and funding for the development of blighted properties in Jackson, Mississippi – a key priority for me - but did not gain the necessary support.
The House is now ahead of schedule and successfully met the February 26 deadline for all appropriations and revenue bills, which now advance to the Senate for further consideration.
Meanwhile, HB 1419 – one of my key legislative priorities - to prohibit altering precincts 60 days prior to any election passed out of the Senate Elections Committee and now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
On Friday, February 28, I made a passionate plea to reconsider the appropriations bill for UMMC after finding out their plans to phase out a huge portion of their footprint from the Jackson Medical Mall. The motion to reconsider was tabled and the bill moved forward. Nevertheless, I remain committed to supporting both the Jackson Medical Mall and UMMC, ensuring access to healthcare to our most vulnerable communities. You can watch the proceedings here: https://www.youtube.com/live/CwX5MluC-m0?t=829s
Looking ahead, the House faces a critical deadline on March 4 for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the opposite chamber.
The House is set to reconvene Monday at 4 PM.