News From The Capitol

The Mississippi Valley State University Choir on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, sang in the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol as part of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann’s tradition of allowing students to share their talents. Standing with the students and Dr. Brandon Cash, Director of Choral Activities, were (from left), Representative Omeria Scott, Senator Joseph C. Thomas Sr., Senator Theresa Gillespie-Isom, Senator Johnny DuPree, Representative Timaka James-Jones and to the right is Senator Justin Pope.

SB 2571

I voted for legislation that puts our foster children first.

When a child enters the care and custody of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, they deserve every resource available to help them succeed. SB 2571 ensures that within 60 days of entering care, we determine whether that child is receiving - or is eligible for - earned federal benefits such as Social Security. If they are eligible, the Department must apply on their behalf and, when necessary, serve as a responsible representative payee.

This law also requires the development of a Success Sequence Savings and Disbursement Plan for each child with conserved benefits. This means their earned funds are protected and thoughtfully managed, not spent without purpose. It also allows young people to access a portion of those funds when they reach important milestones that promote independence and financial readiness. And when they leave state custody, any remaining conserved benefits go directly to them.

Our children in state custody have already faced enough uncertainty. We owe them stability, opportunity, and a stronger financial foundation as they step into adulthood and independence.

SB 2344

Too many young adults leave school without understanding credit, debt, budgeting, student loans, investing, or how to build generational wealth. This is why I voted for SB 2344 because I believe a diploma should come with the financial tools to build a stable future.

This legislation requires students at our state universities, community colleges, and junior colleges to complete a financial literacy course before graduation.

SB 2344 sets clear minimum standards for what students must learn and gives the appropriate governing boards the authority to establish strong competency requirements, implementation guidelines, and compliance procedures. It also creates alignment opportunities with financial literacy efforts in high school, preparing students for the real world before they graduate.

When students understand how money works, they are better equipped to avoid crushing debt, build savings, purchase homes, start businesses, and plan for retirement. Students attaining this much needed knowledge will build long-term economic strength for Mississippi families.

SB 2272

SB 2272 is a commonsense measure that provides meaningful tax relief to Mississippi’s farmers and loggers.

Our farmers operate on tight margins, facing rising fuel costs, unpredictable weather, supply chain disruptions, and market volatility. The last thing they need is additional tax burdens on the very tools and materials required to keep their operations running.

This legislation exempts certain agricultural and logging items from state sales tax, including equipment and materials that were previously taxed at 1.5%. It also removes sales tax on livestock fencing materials and agricultural lime when purchased by commercial farmers for agricultural purposes.

SB 2272 also directs the Department of Revenue to create a clear application process for a Commercial Farmer’s Permit, ensuring accountability while making it easier for eligible producers to access these exemptions.

Mississippi Agriculture is a part of our identity and a cornerstone of our economy. Supporting our farmers and loggers strengthens rural communities, protects essential jobs, and is an essential investment in long-term economic stability.

February 9th 2026

This morning was all about building a stronger, more connected community.

I kicked off the day at the ADP Legislative Breakfast at University of Southern Mississippi, engaging in thoughtful conversation and answering questions on issues that matter deeply to our community - protecting PERS and standing firm for public education over school choice schemes that leave way too many behind.

From there, it was on to celebrate progress with the ribbon cutting at the new Rouse’s Grocery Store, bringing jobs and investment into our community.

The morning wrapped up on an exciting note at the groundbreaking for the new recreation and sports center at Tatum Park, a space that will serve our families, support our youth, and strengthen community wellness for generations to come.

This is what growing a community looks like: listening, investing, and building for the future. Step by step, we’re making our home better for everyone.

Last week, our Capitol was made brighter by the incredible young pages who served with focus and a real passion for learning.

Watching them observe Senate proceedings and sit in committee meetings was a powerful reminder of why civic education matters. These students didn’t just learn how governments work, they experienced it. They asked thoughtful questions, listened intently, and showed a keen interest in public service and the future of Mississippi.

I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them and hear their perspectives. Their enthusiasm, commitment to learning and respect for the democratic process were inspiring. Experiences like the Senate Page Program don’t just shape students for a week, they plant seeds that grow into a lifetime of political engagement and leadership.

I thank the Pages for their service and I’m confident that Mississippi’s future is in good hands.

Celebrating 48 Years!

For nearly five decades, Women for Progress of MS has been a force for change. Through leadership development, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to equity and justice, Women for Progress continues to empower women to claim their voice, step into leadership, and shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for generations to come.

Today, that legacy, and the visionary leadership of founder Dorothy Stewart Samuel,  was honored on the Senate floor. 

Here’s to the women who lead and the work that continues. May their mission and service to the community continue for generations to come.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, remembrance is not enough, we must recommit to action.

Dr. King reminded us that “the vote is the foundation stone for political action.” In Mississippi, we know voting rights were never freely given, they were fought for through faith, courage, and sacrifice. And this administration has made it abundantly clear: our vote must be protected and defended in every generation.

That is why I’m proud to co-sponsor the Robert G. Clark, Jr. Voting Rights Act for Mississippi, legislation that protects and strengthens our voting rights in the state of Mississippi.

This bill will:

Prevent voter suppression and vote dilution.

Protect voters from intimidation and deception.

Create safeguards before harm occurs.

Please understand: this is about equal treatment, not special treatment.

Our democracy is a living promise that must be nurtured with intention, protected with courage, and defended in every generation. I remain committed to that responsibility for our community and for the entire state.

Municipal Day at the Capitol is a powerful reminder of what local leadership looks like in action.

Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Councilman Jeffrey George of Hattiesburg and Kristal Jones, Sharon King, and Angie Scruggs from Laurel, to discuss how municipalities and state legislature can work together to better our communities. 

From infrastructure and economic development to public safety and quality of life, these conversations help ensure that local voices are heard in our State Capitol.

This is truly a great moment for the Pine Belt! Strong representation, meaningful dialogue, and a shared commitment to building thriving communities across South Mississippi!

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Big news for Mississippi tourism!

The Senate has advanced the Mississippi Tourism Reorganization Act, a bold step that modernizes how our state promotes one of its most powerful economic engines - tourism.

This legislation creates a standalone Mississippi Department of Tourism, allowing tourism promotion to have a focused mission, dedicated leadership, and the tools needed to compete on a national stage. An Executive Director, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, will lead a coordinated, statewide effort to grow visitation and investment.

What this means for Mississippi:

• A dedicated agency focused solely on tourism development and marketing

• New grant programs that partner with local tourism entities through matching fund

• Expanded marketing and promotional opportunities, including advertising sales

• A new Tourism Advertising Fund to reinvest tourism dollars back into tourism

• Smarter use of existing sales tax revenue from restaurants and hotels to support growth

Tourism isn’t just about visitors, it’s about jobs, small businesses, and local communities across our state. This reorganization ensures Mississippi is better positioned to tell its story, attract travelers, and strengthen our economy.

Monday, January 12th, 2026

Yesterday, the Senate voted to advance HB 2018.

HB 2018 establishes the Mississippi National Guard TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program, ensuring eligible Guard members are reimbursed for the cost of their TRICARE Reserve Select health insurance premiums.

This bill Reimburses eligible members at the current TRICARE Reserve Select premium rate. Sets clear eligibility standards to ensure accountability. Directs the Adjutant General to oversee implementation through rules and regulations. Requires annual reporting to the Legislature for transparency. Provides funding through legislative appropriation

HB 2018 is about fairness and respect for service. It recognizes that taking care of our Guard members is not optional. It’s an obligation.

I am proud to support legislation that backs up our words with action.

Thursday, January 8th, 2026

Yesterday we took an important step toward keeping our promises to the people who kept our state running.

With the passage of SB 2004, we committed $500 million to PERS this fiscal year and pledged an additional $50 million every year for the next 10 years - a nearly $1 billion investment to help shore up the system and responsibly address its $26 billion unfunded liability.

This vote is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about teachers, first responders, public servants, and retirees who dedicated their careers to Mississippi with the understanding that the state would honor its commitments to them.

This is a meaningful step forward, one that shows fiscal responsibility alongside respect for the people who have served our communities every single day.

I will continue to support efforts that strengthen PERS, protect retirees, and ensure the long-term stability of the system for current and future public servants.

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Wednesday, January 7th, 2026

As your State Senator, I was proud to vote YES on SB 2001 and SB 2003 - two bills that take meaningful steps toward supporting our educators and strengthening our classrooms.

SB 2001: Teacher Pay Raise
This bill provides a $2,000 across the board raise for K-12 teachers and assistant teachers, with legislative intent to also raise pay for community college and IHL faculty. I support this because it’s a strong starting point. Our goal is to push this closer to a $5,000 raise for K–12 certified teachers by the end of the session.

Just as importantly, this bill protects assistant teachers by prohibiting districts from cutting local supplements due to the raise. Investing $132 million in our educators is an investment in Mississippi’s future.

SB 2003: Retired Educator Law Updates
This bill helps get experienced retired educators back into the classroom full-time. It expands eligibility to any PERS retiree who earns a standard teaching license, increases allowable pay, shortens the required break in service for retirees who are 59.5 years of age or older, and removes restrictive “critical shortage” limits.

I voted YES on both bills because our educators deserve respect, fair pay, and practical solutions to staffing shortages.

Today was a productive first day, and I look forward to the work ahead.