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Legislators anticipate revenue slowdown as they begin budgeting process

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Eric J. Shelton/Mississippi Today

Lawmakers at the Capitol during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite unprecedented growth in revenue collections during the first two months of the current fiscal year, House Speaker Philip Gunn warned Thursday that legislative leaders should spend cautiously as they begin the lengthy process of developing a budget for the next one, which begins July 1.

Gunn made his remarks during a hearing of the Legislative Budget Committee where Corey Miller, an economic analyst for the state Institutions of Higher Learning, told the panel the state economy had been buoyed by funds Mississippians received from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“We attribute much of this performance to the federal transfers from the CARES Act, which included additional unemployment benefits, the Paycheck Protection Program, and the $1,200 taxpayer stimulus checks,” Miller told legislative leaders.

Gunn said, based on estimates he had seen, $6 billion in federal funds were pumped into the state to provide enhanced unemployment benefits, grants to small businesses through the PPP and direct payments of $1,200 to most Mississippi adults.

Based in large part on the CARES funds, state revenue collections during the first two months of the fiscal year increased almost 35%, or roughly $258 million. Still, Gunn said there is a likelihood state tax collections will slow considerably in the coming months, leaving legislators with tough choices to make in funding education, health care, law enforcement and other aspects of state government.

Earlier in the summer, the Legislature passed a budget for the current fiscal that was $84.5 million, or 1.3% less than what was appropriated the previous year. In that budget most agencies absorbed small cuts and many were hoping with the strong revenue collections this year they could recoup some of those losses.

Miller said the state lost 122,400 jobs in March and April as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded — 10.5% of the workforce. The drop in the national workforce was 14.5%, he said. The state has recouped 71% of those jobs, compared to 48% on the national level.

“The COVID-19 recession has hit service sectors the hardest, and service sectors make up a smaller share of Mississippi’s economy compared to the U.S. economy, both in terms of output and employment,” Miller said.

The size of Mississippi’s economy reduced 20.9% during the second quarter, compared 31.7% on the national level. While the economy has rebounded, Miller said both nationally and in the state the expectation is that there will be substantial contractions for the economy for the calendar year. Growth is expected to occur in 2021, though, and the state is projected to rebound to its current trend of lagging behind the national economy.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann asked how much the state was harmed by having one of the nation’s lowest work force participation rates, which references the number of people eligible to work compared to those actually working or pursuing work. Miller said the state’s work force participation rate was 55 percent before COVID-19 hit and most likely had dropped some.

“Our economy is not as productive as it would be if we had more people employed,” Miller said.

The budget committee also heard the budget requests of multiple agencies Thursday, including:

CORRECTIONS

The troubled Mississippi Department of Corrections is requesting an increase in its budget of nearly $33 million, to $365 million, for the coming year, to hire more officers and make other improvements in efforts to stave off action by the federal government that could force far more spending, new MDOC Commissioner Burl Cain told lawmakers.

“This department has been neglected so much by the people who ran it before that we are having to play catch-up,” Cain said.

Cain said he is also focusing on rehabilitation and re-entry programs, but wants to go beyond just education and skills training for inmates, and provide religious programs as he did when he led the Louisiana prisons system.

“If you don’t so something about the heart — teach morality — then you’ve just created a smarter criminal,” Cain said. “It takes religion. That’s where you find morality quicker than anything else. I don’t care what religion it is.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

The Department of Public Safety is asking for a budget of $97 million, a $5.7 million from the current year.

New Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said the department has been making improvements to its embattled driver’s licenses services that will reduce long waits and lines. He said the agency also continues planning for a new headquarters campus in Rankin County, and hopes to start construction on the $70 million facility in 2021 and complete it in 2024. Tindell said he hopes to train and hire more Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers and more Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents to combat the opioid problem, which he said has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

MEDICAID

The federal-state health program that serves 760,000 Mississippians is asking for $898 million in state funds for the coming year, a decrease of $496,000 from the current year, Medicaid Director Drew Snyder told lawmakers. He said the agency might even carry forward a balance.

But Snyder said the future is uncertain with the COVID-19 pandemic and “the Medicaid budget is always fluid and at this point it’s even more so.”

Snyder said states have been seeing “enhanced federal match” money and that early in the pandemic there was a dramatic decrease in utilization by Medicaid recipients when people were sheltering in place. The federal share of Medicaid spending during the pandemic, Snyder said, increased from nearly 77% to 83%, reducing the state’s share of costs.

K-12 PUBLIC EDUCATION

The Mississippi Department of Education is asking lawmakers for a budget of $2.86 billion for the coming year, an $311 million increase from the current year.

The bulk of the requested increase —$283 million — would be to fully fund the Mississippi Adequate Education Program — a formula set in law by the Legislature to fund schools which lawmakers have fully funded only twice over 30 years.

Superintendent of Education Carey Wright told lawmakers the system is dealing with challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic including maintaining statewide distance learning and handling a massive project to buy 390,000 computers and tablet devices for students and teachers.

“This is giving us a time to think differently about it and be innovative,” Wright said. “But you’re never going to replace a teacher.”

The post Legislators anticipate revenue slowdown as they begin budgeting process appeared first on Mississippi Today.

Here’s how to vote for or against medical marijuana on the 2020 ballot

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Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election.

Medical marijuana will be on the November ballot, but it’ll be confusing.

Mississippi voters will be asked on Tuesday, Nov. 3, whether they want to legalize medical marijuana in the state.

But voting on the issue will be complicated thanks to a legislative addition to an otherwise simple question on the ballot.

Mississippi voters statewide will decide between three choices:

* Approve Initiative 65, for which more than 228,000 Mississippians signed a petition, which opponents say is too permissive and written to help the marijuana industry, not patients.

* Approve Initiative 65A, put forth by the Legislature, which would allow lawmakers to regulate a medical marijuana program, but which opponents say is a rope-a-dope by lawmakers to thwart medical marijuana usage and dilute the vote for Initiative 65.

* Vote against both. But voters who do this can still vote for one of the two initiatives, should one pass.

Read all of our coverage of the medical marijuana ballot measure.

Here’s what your choices will look like on the third page of the November ballot:

The post Here’s how to vote for or against medical marijuana on the 2020 ballot appeared first on Mississippi Today.

Why are the Mississippi Supreme Court candidates running? Here’s what they said

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We asked the Mississippi Supreme Court candidates in contested races why they are running, what they hope to accomplish and if they believe criminal justice reform is needed. Here’s what they said:

Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election.

State Supreme Court, District 1, Place 1

Two judges are squaring off for a seat on Mississippi’s high court for District 1, Place 1: incumbent Supreme Court Justice Kenny Griffis and state Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks.

Griffis, of Ridgeland, was appointed to the Supreme Court by then-Gov. Phil Bryant to fill out the term Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. who left the bench at the end of January 2019.

Griffis is a former longtime Court of Appeals judge from 2003 until his appointment to the Supreme Court and was serving as chief judge of the appellate court at the time of his appointment. He is running as a “constitutional conservative” and has been endorsed by the state Republican Party, although Supreme Court races are nonpartisan. Westbrooks has the support of numerous Democratic state leaders and groups.

Westbrooks, of Lexington, was elected to the Court of Appeals in 2016. She previously served as an assistant district attorney for Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties – the first African American woman to serve there as assistant DA – and has been an attorney for 25 years.

Westbrooks served as prosecutor for the city of Durant and as city attorney for Isola. She served as a public defender in Holmes County for nearly 10 years and has served as legal counsel for the Jackson Police Department and as a municipal judge for the city of Lexington.

Westbrooks, if elected, would be the first African American woman on the Mississippi Supreme Court.

The district covers the counties of Bolivar, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren, Washington, and Yazoo.

Why are you running?

Justice Kenny Griffis

As a Constitutional Conservative, I will uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Mississippi, and I will protect your God given rights declared in the Bill of Rights. I am committed to decide cases based on what the law is, not what I may think it ought to be, or who I would like to win. I believe in equal justice, and open and accessible courts. I will work tirelessly to assure fair and proper results in our courts. My promise is to ensure integrity, honor, dignity and respect in our courts.

Judge Latrice Westbrooks

This is our moment. Our moment to continue the progress our state has made—most notably removing the confederate flag. This is our moment to build on that change and build a Mississippi that we can all be proud to call home.

We as Mississippians must continue to move the needle in the right direction in establishing justice that upholds social progress. I firmly believe justice in a case is not achieved by a judge being neutral between right and wrong, but a judge must diligently investigate and research to identify the right decision and uphold it. That is why I’m running for Supreme Court Justice.

What experience and education qualifies you for this position?

Justice Kenny Griffis

I have had the honor and privilege to serve the people of Mississippi as a Justice on the Supreme Court for 2 years. I served on the Court of Appeals for over 16 years and concluded as its Chief Judge. I graduated in law and accounting and was a CPA. I have been a leader of the judiciary and legal associations. I regularly teach at both of Mississippi’s law schools. As an attorney, I represented thousands of Mississippi families, individuals and businesses that gave me a broad spectrum of legal experience and the ability to consider both sides.

Judge Latrice Westbrooks

I have served as an Appellate Judge on the Mississippi Court of Appeals since 2017, and before that, a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Lexington. I represented working people in both criminal and civil matters all over our State. My overall experience in the courtroom is unparalleled in this race.

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and received my law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. Upon graduation, I moved to Mississippi and set a historical precedent by becoming the first African American woman Assistant District Attorney in the Second Circuit Court District for the State of Mississippi. I am a member of the Mississippi Bar, Magnolia Bar Association, National Bar Association, the National Conference of Black Lawyers, the Capital Area Bar Association, and the Metro Jackson Black Women Lawyers Association. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a life member of the NAACP.

What do you hope to accomplish?

Justice Kenny Griffis

I want to ensure justice for all in Mississippi courts. I will continue to work hard to make sure Mississippi law is clear, understandable, predictable and applied consistently. Every person must be held accountable under the law. I will demand lawyers and judges are accountable and follow the highest standards of ethics. I am committed to monitor judges and court dockets. Mississippi should improve transparency with live-streamed court proceedings. I want to reduce the heavy burden of procedural rules that are the reason lawyers are so expensive and so many people cannot afford a lawyer.

Judge Latrice Westbrooks

When I became an attorney nearly 25 years ago, my only hope was that I would be able to fight for the underserved and oppressed. When I became a judge, I knew the citizens of this state depended on me to deliver fair and thoughtful justice on the bench. I’m running for the position of Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, with both of these things at the forefront of my mind. I believe the state Supreme Court is the “court of last resort” and I want to be a voice for the people while conveying the law without respect to person or position.

Do you believe criminal justice reform is needed? If so, what reforms would you support?

Justice Kenny Griffis

The criminal justice system must focus on public safety, personal accountability and rehabilitation. Mississippi criminal justice reform must start with more law enforcement officers, better pay, better training, more personal accountability and the respect they deserve. We must consider the expansion of intervention courts, which combines personal accountability with rehabilitation. Veteran’s courts, mental health courts and reentry courts must be a focus. We must consider the effective use of technology to keep the public safe and lower incarceration costs.

Judge Latrice Westbrooks

I served as a prosecutor for the city of Durant and as city attorney for the town of Isola. For almost 10 years, I served as a public defender in Holmes County. I’m the only person in this race who understands and has been at the nexus of criminal justice reform. As an attorney in private practice, my pro bono practice included volunteering to help many citizens expunge their criminal records throughout Mississippi in cooperation with state and local officials, the Magnolia Bar Association, One Voice, the Mississippi NAACP, and the Mississippi Center for Justice. I’ve devoted my life’s work to reform our criminal justice system. I firmly believe justice in a case is not achieved by a judge being neutral between right and wrong, but a judge must diligently investigate and research to identify the right decision and uphold it.

Supreme Court, District 3, Place 3

Incumbent Supreme Court Justice Josiah Coleman faces a challenge from Chancery Court Judge Percy Lynchard Jr. for the District 3, Place 3 seat on the high court.

Coleman, of Fentress, was elected to the Supreme Court in 2012 and began his term in January 2013. He previously practiced law in Tupelo and Oxford and had served as a law clerk for U.S. Magistrate S. Allan Alexander in Oxford. Coleman’s grandfather, the late former Gov. J.P. Coleman, also served briefly on the Mississippi Supreme Court and on the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Coleman’s father, Thomas, was an original member of the state Court of Appeals.

Lynchard, of Hernando, is serving his seventh term as chancery judge for the district that includes DeSoto, Grenada, Montgomery, Panola, Tate and Yalobusha counties. He is currently senior chancellor for the district, an previously served as DeSoto county prosecutor and as a municipal judge for Hernando. He ran unsuccessfully for the state Supreme Court 20 years ago.

The District 3 seat for which Coleman and Lynchard are vying covers Alcorn, Attala, Benton, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Mashall, Monroe, Montgomery, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Webster, Winston and Yalobusha counties.

Why are you running?

Justice Josiah Coleman

It has been an honor to serve Mississippi as a member of its Supreme Court for the past eight years. I am running for re-election because I know from the standpoint of a practicing attorney, judge, and citizen of the state that the Court’s decisions affect the daily lives and chances for prosperity and success of Mississippians. A fair Court is critical to the preservation of the rule of law, which in turn is critical for freedom and prosperity.

Judge Percy L. Lynchard

Justice, MS Supreme Court, District 3 (Northern)

What experience and education qualifies you for this position?

Justice Josiah Coleman

I have had the honor of holding the position, and therefore playing a role in deciding cases as a member of Mississippi’s highest court, for eight years. Accordingly, I have worked on every type of case that comes before the Court including death penalty and other criminal appeals, workers’ compensation cases, tax cases, civil litigation appeals, city annexations, and family law matters. By way of education, I hold my bachelor’s and primary law degree from Ole Miss. I have also earned a Masters of Law in Judicial Studies from Duke Law School.

Judge Percy L. Lynchard

I practiced law for 14 years in general practice, including banking law, family law, real estate and personal injury law. I served for 10 years as Municipal Judge for the City of Hernando, 4 years as DeSoto County Prosecuting Attorney and City Prosecutor for the City of Hernando, and most importantly, 26 years as Chancellor for the 3rd Chancery District. I hold a BSE in Social Sciences from Delta State University and a Juris Doctor from Ole Miss Law School. I am also a graduate of the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada.

What do you hope to accomplish?

Justice Josiah Coleman

To continue doing what I have been doing during my first term–provide a reasoned and fair voice on the Court, and to remain committed to the fundamental constitutional principles that define our system of government.

Judge Percy L. Lynchard

I will bring many, many years (26 as a Chancery Judge) of experience in Chancery matters to the Court, something that is extremely lacking on the Court currently. If elected, I will bring an emphasis on such areas and cases.

Do you believe criminal justice reform is needed? If so, what reforms would you support?

Justice Josiah Coleman

As a jurist committed to the separation of powers between the three branches of government and in light of the real possibility that the Court will be called upon to interpret or even determine the constitutionality of any statutes passed to reform the criminal justice system, I do not have any comment.

Judge Percy L. Lynchard

I don’t think it can ever be said that any area such as the criminal process or corrections is perfect, therefore we should always be open to any reforms, suggestions or methods that may be available. I would be open to considering any proposals that may come forward. Such programs such as juvenile and adult drug courts have proven very useful and effective. Accordingly, I would be open to considering any similar programs.

The post Why are the Mississippi Supreme Court candidates running? Here’s what they said appeared first on Mississippi Today.

Where do the Mississippi U.S. Senate candidates stand on the issues?

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We asked U.S. Senate candidates where they stand on issues such as COVID-19 response, public education, national debt and more. Read what Democrat Mike Espy and Libertarian Jimmy Edwards said in their own words below.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election.

What role should Congress play in coronavirus response?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

Congress, along with the President, should be leading a cohesive, coherent, and coordinated national approach to addressing the pandemic and the economic crisis so we do not have this ad hoc approach that has left our states and local governments to fend for themselves.

Instead of minimizing the pandemic and denying during the critical early stages, our Congressional leaders should have come together as a body, sat down with our world-renowned medical experts and come up with a comprehensive approach to shut down parts of the United States.

Jimmy Edwards

They should encourage local cities and counties to determine the level of protection their residents should take. Each state, city, and county/parish has different levels of coronavirus cases, This is where decisions need to be made.

Should safeguards be put in place to limit national debt?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

As a long-time deficit and debt hawk and former member of the U.S. House’s Budget Committee, I believe we must reduce the national debt. But gimmick safeguards would bring fiscal collapse to our country’s economy, especially during downturns like we are in now.

It will be my utmost priority in Congress to reduce our debt through careful, targeted cuts. By giving tax breaks to the drivers of our economy — the middle class and small businesses — instead of the wealthy, we can reap the benefits of a booming economy and reduce our debt.

Jimmy Edwards

The best way to limit the national debt is to reduce spending as much as possible and to find innovative ways to raise additional revenue.

Should a president have broad power to declare war or send troops to battle without congressional approval?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

No. As outlined in the Constitution, the President should have to seek approval in order to declare war. I do support the President maintaining authority to keep our country safe and execute tailored missions, such as those against the War on Terror.

My support for the brave men and women who have sacrificed everything for their country is non-negotiable. I am dedicated to Mississippi’s nearly 200,000 veterans and 12,000 active-duty service members and will speak out against any attempt to denigrate their service and their families’ commitment to this country.

Jimmy Edwards

The three branches of government need to apply the War Powers Act as originally written. Furthermore, endless undeclared wars/military actions need to stop immediately. Therefore, my answer is no.

What are your healthcare priorities?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

I know how important affordable health care is for all Mississippians, because it’s part of my family’s legacy. In 1924, my grandfather, Thomas J. Huddleston, started the first Black-owned hospital in Mississippi at the height of Jim Crow. Like my grandfather, my number one priority will be guaranteeing all Mississippians access to quality and affordable health care. Too many Mississippians are getting crushed by the rising cost of premiums, copays, and prescription drugs.

I am committed to building upon the Affordable Care Act in order to lower health care costs for all Mississippians, including expanding Medicaid in Mississippi — a policy we are already paying for in other states as taxpayers. It’s high time Mississippi had the same benefits for their rural hospitals and lower costs that other Medicaid expansion states like Oklahoma and Missouri do.

Jimmy Edwards

Completely repeal Obamacare, allow states to control healthcare exchanges, provide Medicaid to those who need it worst, allow options for those eligible for Medicare B to find more economical plans, encourage new graduates of professional medical degrees to serve in the Reserves/National Guard while providing healthcare to those in communities who need it the most.

What are your public education priorities?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

Every child in Mississippi deserves access to a quality education that will allow them to reach their full potential — no matter the school they attend, the color of their skin, or how much money their parents make.

I was fortunate enough to attend a local parochial school in Yazoo City until I integrated the all-white Yazoo City High School. I support all schools in our state. Public dollars should go toward our public schools. For years, our public schools have been underfunded by billions.

Decisions about education are best left to our educators, teachers, parents and school administrators and I will fight to get them the support and funding they need, including increasing teacher pay, adequately funding training programs and expanding federal loan forgiveness programs for teachers.

As Senator, I will work with any president and any legislator to deliver results for Mississippi’s schools — and I will demand answers for policies that hurt our teachers and families.

Jimmy Edwards

Phase out the Department of Education within 10 years of taking office, designate funding in that period for career education and remedial instruction in language arts & mathematics, tax credits for families who choose non-public education for their children in grades K-12, allow exemptions for Selective Service registration for high-achieving high school graduates.

What is your take on the current debate over funding of police?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

I do not support “defunding” the police. But I have proposed a number of clear steps to reform policing so our law enforcement officers can better serve our communities.

First, we need to hire more officers of color, especially Black men and women. We can attract more applicants by offering competitive salaries and opportunities for continuing education.

Second, applicants and new hires should be subject to stringent background checks on past conduct and previous performance. That’s why we must create a national registry of police misconduct and disciplinary actions. State and local police departments should also be required to report use-of-force incidents to the Department of Justice.

Third, we must mandate bias and de-escalation training. I also want our police officers to receive training from our mental health counselors, social workers, child protection officers, and addiction specialists. On a daily basis, officers are confronted with situations involving these afflictions. I want our departments to work hand-in-hand with these experts so they can better understand these situations in order to better serve our communities. We must create a new prevailing standard of conduct in which the unacceptable standard of “reasonable force” is replaced with “necessary force.” And fourth, chokeholds and other restraint positions should be abolished.

Finally, all officers should be required to wear body cameras at all times while on duty.

Jimmy Edwards

If cities are allowed to defund their police departments, this will set a dangerous precedent for law enforcement at the county/parish and state levels. The “well armed militia” mentioned in the 2nd Amendment needs to be applied to civilian law enforcement as well as our armed forces.

Do you believe criminal justice reform is needed? If so, what reforms would you support?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

In the last decade, improvements in technology, and better understanding of the impact of sentencing, the criminal justice system and the causes of crime, have forced us to reevaluate policies put into place in the 20th century. I think the FIRST STEP Act was an essential and much-needed bill.

In Mississippi, we have an incarceration problem. There are far too many people, most of whom are Black men, in prison for non-violent crimes and technical violations. It’s a drain on the families of the incarcerated, on our economy, and on our state budget.

Most incarcerated Americans are held in state and local jails. As your U.S. Senator, I would work on a “second step act” to address criminal justice issues at the state and local level and allocate federal funds for new programs to help reduce recidivism. By increasing the funding for and availability of addiction and psychological treatment in prisons, education and job training programs for individuals on the inside and when they are recently released, affordable housing, and private-public partnerships for reentry programs, we can help both incarcerated individuals and their families deal with the financial burden of incarceration and become contributing members of our economy.

Jimmy Edwards

Any reform needs to be carried out at the state, county/parish, and city levels. This is a 10th Amendment issue that needs to be handled at these levels.

The Mississippi Legislature recently voted to remove the state flag with its confederate emblem as opposed to putting that decision before voters. Do you agree or disagree with this and why?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

Agree. At 66 years old, I never thought I would see the flag come down it in my lifetime.

The confederate battle emblem flag was hurting our state’s economy. With the retirement of the old flag, Mississippi is finally ready to turn the page on that part of our state’s history and start the next decade as one of prosperity and promise.

Jimmy Edwards

This is an area where our Governor has acted unilaterally without consulting with his legislative branch. Whether you want to consider this action, as well as other decisions he has made in recent months, as an “Executive Order” or not, he has acted without considering legislation passed almost 20 years ago.

As a Mississippian, do you think the old state flag should be placed on the ballot for a vote of the people?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

No. I believe it was the right decision for the legislature to choose to take down the flag. As a former Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I know that sometimes leaders have to make tough decisions. The legislature made the right decision to take down the flag and put a new flag up for a vote. With this new flag, we can all move forward together.

Jimmy Edwards

Yes.

What do you think of the removal of confederate monuments across the South and nation?

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

I believe monuments erected in favor of confederate leaders and generals should no longer be displayed on official property. I do support putting these monuments in museums with context to educate the public on the history of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the South.

I do not believe that we should be glorifying a time when one human being was allowed to own another human being or the war that was fought for that very system.

Jimmy Edwards

These actions have been a knee-jerk reaction based on groups that will not forgive earlier generations of Americans for events which happened hundreds of years ago.

Please express your thoughts on any issues we didn’t mention.

Cindy Hyde-Smith

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign staff ignored 13 calls, texts or emails from Mississippi Today in an 18-day period to submit responses for this questionnaire. Hyde-Smith, in the single public event she attended during that time, also ignored a Mississippi Today reporter who asked her questions about her campaign in person.

Mike Espy

As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, Mississippi is at a pivotal moment. We often come last in rankings and make do with less. Mississippi is home to the most generous and hospitable people I know. I am tired of our leaders not standing up for our state.

No matter your race, your gender, your age or your political views, you can always call on me as your U.S. Senator. I will be an independent voice for the health, safety, and economic security of Mississippi’s families. Together, we can move Mississippi forward.

Jimmy Edwards

I want to reform Social Security by not penalizing beneficiaries who want to claim benefits before full retirement age and continue gainful employment, allowing those who have not claimed benefits to set up to 50% of their current contributions to a private retirement plan, and raising the full retirement age to 70 for those born in 1990 or later. I want to repeal the income tax in favor of a value-added tax based on mean percentages of federal tax deductions on a state-by-state basis. I wish to enact term limits for House and Senate members while reducing the number of House members from 435 to 399. I am for encouraging registered voters to utilize Article 5 of the Constitution to bring about change unable to be brought by those on Capitol Hill. I support streamlining our military forces abroad by ending infinite occupations of other nations and using forwarding operating bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, and South Korea. Finally I will urge consolidation of the Departments of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs into the Department of Defense.

The post Where do the Mississippi U.S. Senate candidates stand on the issues? appeared first on Mississippi Today.

Jimmy Edwards Bio

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Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election.

Jimmy Edwards of Grenada is running for the United States Senate seat this year.

Edwards, the Libertarian candidate, is challenging Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy.

Edwards, 56, says he is an independent contractor and is a former teacher and customer service agent.

This is his first bid for elected office.

 

We asked all of the U.S. Senate candidates to share their stances on several issues. Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith chose not to respond. You can view Democrat Mike Espy’s answers here.

Here’s what Libertarian Jimmy Edwards said:

What role should Congress play in coronavirus response?

Jimmy Edwards: They should encourage local cities and counties to determine the level of protection their residents should take. Each state, city, and county/parish has different levels of coronavirus cases, This is where decisions need to be made.

Should safeguards be put in place to limit national debt?

Jimmy Edwards: The best way to limit the national debt is to reduce spending as much as possible and to find innovative ways to raise additional revenue.

Should a president have broad power to declare war or send troops to battle without congressional approval?

Jimmy Edwards: The three branches of government need to apply the War Powers Act as originally written. Furthermore, endless undeclared wars/military actions need to stop immediately. Therefore, my answer is no.

What are your healthcare priorities?

Jimmy Edwards: Completely repeal Obamacare, allow states to control healthcare exchanges, provide Medicaid to those who need it worst, allow options for those eligible for Medicare B to find more economical plans, encourage new graduates of professional medical degrees to serve in the Reserves/National Guard while providing healthcare to those in communities who need it the most.

What are your public education priorities?

Jimmy Edwards: Phase out the Department of Education within 10 years of taking office, designate funding in that period for career education and remedial instruction in language arts & mathematics, tax credits for families who choose non-public education for their children in grades K-12, allow exemptions for Selective Service registration for high-achieving high school graduates.

What is your take on the current debate over funding of police?

Jimmy Edwards: If cities are allowed to defund their police departments, this will set a dangerous precedent for law enforcement at the county/parish and state levels. The “well armed militia” mentioned in the 2nd Amendment needs to be applied to civilian law enforcement as well as our armed forces.

Do you believe criminal justice reform is needed? If so, what reforms would you support?

Jimmy Edwards: Any reform needs to be carried out at the state, county/parish, and city levels. This is a 10th Amendment issue that needs to be handled at these levels.

The Mississippi Legislature recently voted to remove the state flag with its confederate emblem as opposed to putting that decision before voters. Do you agree or disagree with this and why?

Jimmy Edwards: This is an area where our Governor has acted unilaterally without consulting with his legislative branch. Whether you want to consider this action, as well as other decisions he has made in recent months, as an “Executive Order” or not, he has acted without considering legislation passed almost 20 years ago.

As a Mississippian, do you think the old state flag should be placed on the ballot for a vote of the people?

Jimmy Edwards: Yes.

What do you think of the removal of confederate monuments across the South and nation?

Jimmy Edwards: These actions have been a knee-jerk reaction based on groups that will not forgive earlier generations of Americans for events which happened hundreds of years ago.

Please express your thoughts on any issues we didn’t mention.

Jimmy Edwards: I want to reform Social Security by not penalizing beneficiaries who want to claim benefits before full retirement age and continue gainful employment, allowing those who have not claimed benefits to set up to 50% of their current contributions to a private retirement plan, and raising the full retirement age to 70 for those born in 1990 or later. I want to repeal the income tax in favor of a value-added tax based on mean percentages of federal tax deductions on a state-by-state basis. I wish to enact term limits for House and Senate members while reducing the number of House members from 435 to 399. I am for encouraging registered voters to utilize Article 5 of the Constitution to bring about change unable to be brought by those on Capitol Hill. I support streamlining our military forces abroad by ending infinite occupations of other nations and using forwarding operating bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, and South Korea. Finally I will urge consolidation of the Departments of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs into the Department of Defense.

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Cindy Hyde Smith Bio

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Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election.

Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, 61, from Brookhaven is the first woman elected to Congress from Mississippi.

Hyde-Smith, a former longtime state lawmaker and former state agriculture commissioner from 2012 to 2018, was first appointed by then-Gov. Phil Bryant in April 2018 to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Republican Thad Cochran. Hyde-Smith then won a special election for the seat in November 2018.

Hyde-Smith, who served as a Democrat for much of her 12-year tenure as a state senator, has a conservative voting record in Congress and has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump’s policies both foreign and domestic.

Hyde-Sith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, on six subcommittees including agriculture and is chairwoman of the Legislative Branch subcommittee.

Hyde-Smith is a cattle farmer and partner in a stockyard auction in Brookhaven. She and her husband, Mike, have one daughter. She is a graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.

We asked all of the U.S. Senate candidates to share their stances on several issues. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith chose not to respond. You can view Democrat Mike Espy and Libertarian Jimmy Edwards answers here.

The post Cindy Hyde Smith Bio appeared first on Mississippi Today.

Where do the Mississippi U.S. House candidates stand on the issues?

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We asked the candidates in contested races for U.S. House of Representatives to share their views on several issues such as infrastructure, police funding, public education and more. Here’s what they said:

*Representative Steven Palazzo is running unopposed in District 4.

Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election.

U.S. House District 1

Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly faces Democratic challenger Antonia Eliason, a University of Mississippi law professor, in the House District 1 race.

Kelly, of Saltillo, has served in the House since winning a special election in 2015 after the death of former Rep. Alan Nunnelee. He was reelected in 2016 and 2018. Kelly is a former Northeast Mississippi district attorney and has served for 30 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard.

Eliason moved to Oxford in 2013, where she teaches international trade and investment law and contracts law at the University of Mississippi. She previously practiced law in London for five years before moving to Mississippi.

Eliason is a self-described Democratic Socialist, and said environmental justice, racial justice and economic justice are at the center of her platform.

Kelly, a decorated combat veteran who has served in Iraq, now serves on the Armed Services Committee, where he is ranking member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, and on the Agriculture Committee.

Healthcare:

Trent Kelly

Mississippians and all Americans need to be in charge of their healthcare decisions, not the federal government. A person should be able to choose their doctor and receive the best possible treatment options. The system is in need of reform to lower drug prices and insurance premiums. We must also do everything in our power to protect Social Security and Medicare for those who need it most.

Antonia Eliason

Universal healthcare is a basic human right. I experienced the British healthcare system first-hand and had my life saved without having to worry about medical bills. I know what difference it makes. Medical debt is the number one source of personal bankruptcy in the US and most of those declaring bankruptcy have insurance. With incredibly high deductibles and outrageous monthly fees, health insurance offers little to those receiving it and lines the pockets of insurance companies. Medicare for All would mean that everyone could receive necessary medical care. It doesn’t preclude the possibility of supplemental private insurance for non-essential care.

Coronavirus response:

Trenty Kelly

Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, a multi-pronged approach to COVID-19 has and continues to be successfully carried out. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, bipartisan legislation, quickly came to the aid of Mississippians and all Americans. This historic legislation provided direct relief in the form of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) and created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which enabled tens of thousands of small businesses to stay afloat while keeping their employees on the payroll. Additionally, unprecedented progress is being made to develop a vaccine. This process typically takes years to yield a vaccine. We are optimistic of having a vaccine delivered to the American people before the end of the year.

Antonia Eliason

Our national response to the COVID-19 crisis has been too little, too late, and too piecemeal. We need a robust plan that extends unemployment coverage and provides federal aid to assist with rent and mortgage payments. The CDC moratorium on evictions requires recipients to make up missed payments upon expiration of the program, which most people won’t be able to do. We need a definitive federal crisis response plan to avoid these issues in the future. This is also the time to implement universal healthcare, as more and more Americans face horrendous bills due to COVID-19-related hospitalizations.

National debt:

Trent Kelly

As a fiscal conservative, I am concerned about America’s national debt. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, America was enjoying economic prosperity that we have not seen in decades. Republican-led policies delivered tax reform while rolling back scores of regulations. The stock market was soaring to new heights and jobs were plentiful. Under the leadership of President Trump, America is making a comeback. Historic trade deals are leveling the playing field – key to President Trump and the Republican party’s “America First” strategy. Rebuilding the greatest economy is our goal and key to the reduction of our national debt.

Antonia Eliason

As a proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, I recognize that our preoccupation with the national debt is misguided. We’ve seen this just recently: the government threw trillions of dollars at the stock market in an effort to keep it afloat as soon as the pandemic hit. We don’t need to balance the budget the way we need to balance family budgets, because as long as the US government retains the ability to create money and levy taxes, we will be able to prevent inflationary situations from arising. Additionally, creating a job guarantee would help control inflationary pressures.

Public education:

Trent Kelly

All children in Mississippi should have the same education opportunities. Parents should be able to choose which school is best for their child and have access to a funding mechanism to make that happen.

Antonia Eliason

Free public education in America should begin in pre-K and continue through college/trade school. In the lower grades, we need to move away from standardized testing and focus on teaching our children in a holistic, nurturing fashion. Allowing creative expression is key to their mental and physical development. Most jobs today require some form of post-secondary education, but in order to get this, we take on huge amounts of student loans. I believe that student debt should be cancelled and that we should move towards a system of higher education that is accessible to all, not just to the wealthy.

Infrastructure:

Trent Kelly

Now, more than ever, there is a critical need to expand broadband in rural communities. Electricity served as the catalyst to economic growth in the nineteenth century. Broadband is the future. The Accelerated Broadband Act we introduced in the House and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker introduced in the Senate would incentivize companies to deploy broadband services to rural America on an accelerated timeline. Broadband access will enrich the lives of our citizens and bring our great state into the 21st century. This will lead to more investments in our state and serve as the springboard to improving our infrastructure across the board.

Antonia Eliason

Our infrastructure is aging and, in some places, close to collapse. From structurally unsound bridges, to antiquated power plants that can’t handle the demands of a warming climate, we need to invest in infrastructure. This includes government investment in hospital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Rather than patching our electrical power grids and other key infrastructure when crisis hits, we should invest in renewable energy and move away from fossil fuel power plants. Climate change is the greatest threat we face and adapting our infrastructure to account for extreme weather and climate disruptions is essential for our future.

Criminal justice reform:

Trent Kelly

I believe the criminal justice system works but should continually evolve to ensure the laws of our state and the nation are carried out fairly and appropriately.

Antonia Eliason

Criminal justice reform requires ending mass incarceration, reforming the prison system, and finding solutions that reduce the capacity of the “justice” system to harm our communities. We must be proactive rather than reactive to the circumstances that cause many crimes – prioritizing community services (education, meeting people’s basic needs) to prevent crime. Private prisons must be abolished, since the for-profit model incentivizes increased incarceration rates, while oversight of such prisons is limited. We need more transparency and accountability from our district attorneys. We also need to monitor and address the effects of racial discrimination on arrest and incarceration rates.

Police funding:

Trent Kelly

Our law enforcement officers willingly place their lives in harm’s way to protect our safety. These great men and women need our support to fulfill their duties. We must fully fund these agencies to make sure they have the tools they need to carry out their duties. Additionally, criminal penalties should be increased for assaults on law enforcement officers. We must hold people accountable for their actions or they will continue to wreak havoc across the United States.

Antonia Eliason

Our police are tasked with too many roles. We equip our police with military-grade equipment and give them tools of violence without sufficient training on de-escalation, non-interference, and community outreach. Systemic racial bias routinely puts the lives of Black men and women at risk in their interactions with police. The role of police should be minimized and social workers, mental health professionals, and other trained community leaders should be placed in support roles to perform many of the tasks police currently undertake. Reallocating significant portions of police budgets for these purposes is a necessary start.

State flag:

Trent Kelly

It is an issue for the State of Mississippi to decide, not the federal government.

Antonia Eliason

We need a new flag that represents all Mississippians. The proposed new design serves that purpose.

Please express your thoughts on any issues we didn’t mention.

Trent Kelly

Did not respond.

Antonia Eliason

Legalize cannabis and release those incarcerated on cannabis-related charges.

Cannabis has been proven to be both medically beneficially and recreationally safe. It’s time that Mississippi legalize cannabis, both medically and recreationally, and join the booming economy that comes with growing legal marijuana. The War on Drugs has had a hugely disproportionate impact on African Americans, even though black and white American consume marijuana at similar rates. Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars on incarcerating people for consumption of a substance that is legal in some form in most of the country, we should use those tax dollars to invest in programs relating to education and public health.

A living wage is not a luxury but a right The minimum wage has been $7.25/hour since July 2009.

During that time costs of housing, food and utilities have increased. Calls for a $15/hour minimum wage began over a decade ago and it is long past time to implement a federal increased minimum wage of $15/hr. The federal minimum wage must be automatically recalculated annually based on cost-of-living increases. Increasing the minimum wage would particularly benefit women and people of color: 57.9% of minimum wage workers are women, and 38.1% of black workers and 33.4% of Latino workers would get a raise.

The Green New Deal offers us a vision for a sustainable future Climate change is already impacting our agricultural sector, and we must come up with solutions that empower farmers as well as factory workers.

Industrial hemp offers a new crop alternative for Northeast Mississippi that is easy to grow, better for the soil, and that brings with it the possibility of related industries, particularly manufacturing plants that would convert raw hemp into petroleum product alternatives. This would put Mississippi in a strong position to address the challenges of climate change, and provide us with markets in the United States to sell our products to, reducing our dependence on foreign exports.

Working Americans need greater representation.

New jobs that are created must provide opportunities for workers to not only survive but to thrive, that the jobs allow them to live with dignity without having to work multiple jobs, and that the jobs give them a say in workplace management. Many Americans have found themselves pushed further into debt as they try to survive while employed by corporations whose primary concern is to benefit shareholders rather than employees. We need unions so workers have a strong collective voice against corporate interests, private equity firms, and other entities more interested in profit than in workers’ rights.

U.S. House District 2

Bennie Thompson, who has represented District 2 in the U.S. House since 1993, is the only Democratic member of Congress from Mississippi.

He currently serves as chair of the House Homeland Security Committee.

He is being challenged this November by political novice Brian Flowers of Clinton, who is running an underdog campaign to upend Thompson. Flowers, a NorthCarolina native, is a Navy veteran. He currently works at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant in Port Gibson as a FLEX marshal, dealing with security issues. He labels himself as a conservative.

Thompson, who lives in Bolton, often traces his start in politics to his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement during his early life and during his enrollment at Tougaloo College. Thompson has served as a city alderman, mayor and was a Hinds County supervisor when elected to the U.S. House in 1993.

District 2 consists of a large portion of metro Jackson and much of the rural, western areas of the state, including the Delta.

Healthcare:

Bennie G. Thompson

Mississippi should expand Medicaid. The state of Mississippi has lost $1 billion from the federal government each year since 2012 because of its refusal to expand Medicaid. Republicans in the Legislature in June 2013 blocked plans to expand Medicaid to an additional 300,000 state residents under the Affordable Care Act. Mississippi’s Second Congressional District is missing out on approximately $547.9 million in new economic activity and over 10,000 new jobs.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

Coronavirus response:

Bennie G. Thompson

The President has failed in providing our nation with leadership during this pandemic. This is a public health crisis that didn’t have to happen. Poor leadership and willful ignorance has crippled our response to COVID-19.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

National debt:

Bennie G. Thompson

I’m concerned about the debt however, in the middle of addressing the need for a robust response to this pandemic and the fact that the vulnerable should not pay the highest price for addressing it. We’ll just have to pause the debt concern at this point.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

Public education:

Bennie G. Thompson

Mississippi must invest in education. Public education produces some of our brightest minds and public servants. Students are given a foundation for success when it was well funded and supported.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

Infrastructure:

Bennie G. Thompson

I have always supported the need for better roads and bridges but also see the expanded opportunity for broadband deployment into rural and underserved communities as being essential for all Americans to be the best that they can be.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

Criminal justice reform:

Bennie G. Thompson

There is no question that there is an immediate need for criminal justice reform in this country. For starters, a viable solution would be to change the laws in order to create a criminal justice system that provides equity for all. Earlier this year, in response to the unfortunate death of George Floyd, The George Floyd Justice and Policing Act of 2020 was introduced, to hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct in court, improve transparency through data collection, and reform police training and policies. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation. Of course, it is not the answer to all issues within the criminal justice system but I believe it’s a step in the right direction. Another solution to reform the criminal justice system is voting. Your vote matters and who you vote for certainly matters to ensure that the people in office are honorable and impartial when creating and executing laws that impact our communities.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

Police funding:

Bennie G. Thompson

The solution to this unfortunate issue starts with our justice system in America. It is heartbreaking to continue to see murder after murder of innocent men and women of color go viral and our criminal justice system does not utilize its power or its capacity to bring justice to these victims who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement. We should reallocating or redirecting funding away from the police department to other government agencies funded by the local municipality. The rotten trees of policing chopped down and fresh roots replanted anew.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

State flag:

Bennie G. Thompson

I commend the state legislature on doing what is right. Now the question is what else will we do? We can not stop at changing the flag. This is only a symbolic change. I hope we see this moment as an opportunity to address the systemic problems in our state.

Brian Flowers

Did not respond.

U.S. House District 3

U.S. Rep. Michael Guest of the 3rd District of Mississippi will face perennial candidate Dorothy “Dot” Benford in his first re-election bid.

Guest, a former district attorney in Madison and Rankin counties, emerged from a crowded Republican primary in 2018 to win the post. The 3rd District post was vacant because Gregg Harper, who was first elected to Congress in 2008, opted not to seek re-election.

Benford is a Hinds County community activist. She has sought multiple offices. In 1988 she ran for the 2nd District Congressional seat held by Mike Espy who in 1986 was elected as the first African American to represent Mississippi in Congress since the 1800s. In 2019, Benford ran and lost in the Democratic primary for the post of Central District public service commissioner.

The 3rd District, viewed as a safe Republican district, includes portions of the Jackson metro area and much of the east-central and southwest portions of Mississippi.

Healthcare:

Michael Guest

America’s health care system is the envy of the world because of quality, safety, innovation and technology. To maintain that standard, it’s important that health care be accessible, affordable and still maintain the highest quality. Health care decisions should be made between patients and doctors, not by the government. To give more people access to affordable private health insurance, we need more competition and flexibility for people to purchase insurance that meets their needs.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

Coronavirus response:

Michael Guest

The response to the Coronavirus is a federal, state and local responsibility that requires coordination from a federal standpoint, and making sure states and communities have the resources and support so they can make decisions based on their specific needs. The federal CARES Act is a good example of how federal and state cooperation can help address needs such as health care, education, broadband access and helping small businesses bounce back.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

National debt:

Michael Guest

Our national debt is out of control. We need to solve our country’s spending problem so our children and grandchildren will not be left with our debt. Having a growing, expanding economy is the best way to ensure we can fund key priorities like our military and other essential federal functions, and also avoid going into more debt. By reducing unnecessary regulations and promoting a free market, more jobs and opportunities will be created and as a result, a growing economy will give our children the opportunity for success today and in the future.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

Public education:

Michael Guest

As a graduate of our public schools, I know public education is a vital part of the American dream. Our children deserve an education that includes job training skills to prepare them for the workforce after high school, or for college if they decide to go that route. Either way, they need to be prepared to get a good-paying job to have a successful career and economic security. I will continue to support efforts on the federal level to assist our state and local communities as they play the primary role in determining the future of our public education system.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

Infrastructure:

Michael Guest

Mississippi infrastructure is a vital part of our economy. Roads, bridges, railroads, airports and ports on our Coast and waterways are incredibly important to maintaining and attracting more businesses and job opportunities for the people of our state. One of my goals as your Congressman is to rebuild our aging infrastructure in order to help ensure that Mississippi remains a competitive place to start and grow a business.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

Criminal justice reform:

Michael Guest

Our criminal justice system is constantly changing. However, our recidivism rate is far too high. We need to create a better system to give certain offenders the skills they need to reenter our society and become productive members of their communities so they do not end up committing additional crimes that result in a return to prison.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

Police funding:

Michael Guest

One major key to maintaining a civil society is ensuring the rule of law is in place to protect our rights and to prosecute those who violate laws. Otherwise, we would be a country of anarchy and constant chaos. Our law enforcement officers and first responders are heroes who protect us every day. We must pay them well and equip them with modern technology and equipment so they can protect our communities and return home safely to their families at the end of the day.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

State flag:

Michael Guest

I will support the flag chosen by the people of Mississippi.

Dorothy “Dot” Benford

Did not respond.

The post Where do the Mississippi U.S. House candidates stand on the issues? appeared first on Mississippi Today.

Mike Espy Bio

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Visit our 2020 Voter Guide to learn more about the November 3 general election.

U.S. senate candidate Mike Espy

Mike Espy, age 66, is vying to be the first African American elected by popular vote to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi.

In 1986, Espy, a Democrat, became the first Black Mississippian elected to the U.S. House since Reconstruction. He was re-elected by comfortable margins to the 2nd District post three additional times before he resigned to accept the appointment as U.S. secretary of agriculture in the President Bill Clinton administration. He was the nation’s first African American secretary of agriculture.

Espy later resigned after he was indicted on federal corruption charges, though he was acquitted on all counts. Since then, Espy has been practicing law in Mississippi.

In 2018, Espy reentered politics to run for the Senate seat left vacant after the retirement of long-time U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran. Espy lost the special election to interim Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. Espy garnered more than 46% of the vote in the special election.

Espy is a Yazoo City native. His family has been involved in the funeral home business for decades, and his grandfather is credited with starting the first African American hospital in the state in the 1920s to provide a medical option for Black Mississippians.

 

We asked all of the U.S. Senate candidates to share their stances on several issues. Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith chose not to respond. You can view Libertarian Jimmy Edwards’ answers here.

Here’s what Democrat Mike Espy said:

What role should Congress play in coronavirus response?

Mike Espy: Congress, along with the President, should be leading a cohesive, coherent, and coordinated national approach to addressing the pandemic and the economic crisis so we do not have this ad hoc approach that has left our states and local governments to fend for themselves.

Instead of minimizing the pandemic and denying during the critical early stages, our Congressional leaders should have come together as a body, sat down with our world-renowned medical experts and come up with a comprehensive approach to shut down parts of the United States.

Should safeguards be put in place to limit national debt?

Mike Espy: As a long-time deficit and debt hawk and former member of the U.S. House’s Budget Committee, I believe we must reduce the national debt. But gimmick safeguards would bring fiscal collapse to our country’s economy, especially during downturns like we are in now.

It will be my utmost priority in Congress to reduce our debt through careful, targeted cuts. By giving tax breaks to the drivers of our economy — the middle class and small businesses — instead of the wealthy, we can reap the benefits of a booming economy and reduce our debt.

Should a president have broad power to declare war or send troops to battle without congressional approval?

Mike Espy: No. As outlined in the Constitution, the President should have to seek approval in order to declare war. I do support the President maintaining authority to keep our country safe and execute tailored missions, such as those against the War on Terror.

My support for the brave men and women who have sacrificed everything for their country is non-negotiable. I am dedicated to Mississippi’s nearly 200,000 veterans and 12,000 active-duty service members and will speak out against any attempt to denigrate their service and their families’ commitment to this country.

What are your healthcare priorities?

Mike Espy: I know how important affordable health care is for all Mississippians, because it’s part of my family’s legacy. In 1924, my grandfather, Thomas J. Huddleston, started the first Black-owned hospital in Mississippi at the height of Jim Crow. Like my grandfather, my number one priority will be guaranteeing all Mississippians access to quality and affordable health care. Too many Mississippians are getting crushed by the rising cost of premiums, copays, and prescription drugs.

I am committed to building upon the Affordable Care Act in order to lower health care costs for all Mississippians, including expanding Medicaid in Mississippi — a policy we are already paying for in other states as taxpayers. It’s high time Mississippi had the same benefits for their rural hospitals and lower costs that other Medicaid expansion states like Oklahoma and Missouri do.

What are your public education priorities?

Mike Espy: Every child in Mississippi deserves access to a quality education that will allow them to reach their full potential — no matter the school they attend, the color of their skin, or how much money their parents make.

I was fortunate enough to attend a local parochial school in Yazoo City until I integrated the all-white Yazoo City High School. I support all schools in our state. Public dollars should go toward our public schools. For years,our public schools have been underfunded by billions.

Decisions about education are best left to our educators, teachers, parents and school administrators and I will fight to get them the support and funding they need, including increasing teacher pay, adequately funding training programs and expanding federal loan forgiveness programs for teachers.

As Senator, I will work with any president and any legislator to deliver results for Mississippi’s schools — and I will demand answers for policies that hurt our teachers and families.

What is your take on the current debate over funding of police?

Mike Espy: I do not support “defunding” the police. But I have proposed a number of clear steps to reform policing so our law enforcement officers can better serve our communities.

First, we need to hire more officers of color, especially Black men and women. We can attract more applicants by offering competitive salaries and opportunities for continuing education.

Second, applicants and new hires should be subject to stringent background checks on past conduct and previous performance. That’s why we must create a national registry of police misconduct and disciplinary actions. State and local police departments should also be required to report use-of-force incidents to the Department of Justice.

Third, we must mandate bias and de-escalation training. I also want our police officers to receive training from our mental health counselors, social workers, child protection officers, and addiction specialists. On a daily basis, officers are confronted with situations involving these afflictions. I want our departments to work hand-in-hand with these experts so they can better understand these situations in order to better serve our communities.

We must create a new prevailing standard of conduct in which the unacceptable standard of “reasonable force” is replaced with “necessary force.” And fourth, chokeholds and other restraint positions should be abolished.

Finally, all officers should be required to wear body cameras at all times while on duty.

Do you believe criminal justice reform is needed? If so, what reforms would you support?

Mike Espy: In the last decade, improvements in technology, and better understanding of the impact of sentencing, the criminal justice system and the causes of crime, have forced us to reevaluate policies put into place in the 20th century. I think the FIRST STEP Act was an essential and much-needed bill.

In Mississippi, we have an incarceration problem. There are far too many people, most of whom are Black men, in prison for non-violent crimes and technical violations. It’s a drain on the families of the incarcerated, on our economy, and on our state budget.

Most incarcerated Americans are held in state and local jails. As your U.S. Senator, I would work on a “second step act” to address criminal justice issues at the state and local level and allocate federal funds for new programs to help reduce recidivism. By increasing the funding for and availability of addiction and psychological treatment in prisons, education and job training programs for individuals on the inside and when they are recently released, affordable housing, and private-public partnerships for reentry programs, we can help both incarcerated individuals and their families deal with the financial burden of incarceration and become contributing members of our economy.

The Mississippi Legislature recently voted to remove the state flag with its confederate emblem as opposed to putting that decision before voters. Do you agree or disagree with this and why?

Mike Espy: Agree. At 66 years old, I never thought I would see the flag come down it in my lifetime.

The confederate battle emblem flag was hurting our state’s economy. With the retirement of the old flag, Mississippi is finally ready to turn the page on that part of our state’s history and start the next decade as one of prosperity and promise.

As a Mississippian, do you think the old state flag should be placed on the ballot for a vote of the people?

Mike Espy: No. I believe it was the right decision for the legislature to choose to take down the flag. As a former Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I know that sometimes leaders have to make tough decisions. The legislature made the right decision to take down the flag and put a new flag up for a vote. With this new flag, we can all move forward together.

What do you think of the removal of confederate monuments across the South and nation?

Mike Espy: I believe monuments erected in favor of confederate leaders and generals should no longer be displayed on official property. I do support putting these monuments in museums with context to educate the public on the history of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the South.

I do not believe that we should be glorifying a time when one human being was allowed to own another human being or the war that was fought for that very system.

Please express your thoughts on any issues we didn’t mention.

Mike Espy: As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, Mississippi is at a pivotal moment. We often come last in rankings and make do with less. Mississippi is home to the most generous and hospitable people I know. I am tired of our leaders not standing up for our state.

No matter your race, your gender, your age or your political views, you can always call on me as your U.S. Senator. I will be an independent voice for the health, safety, and economic security of Mississippi’s families. Together, we can move Mississippi forward.

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Welcome to the craziest college football season in Mississippi history

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Charles A. Smith/University Communications

Deion Sanders showed off his JSU sports coat when he was introduced as the Tigers new coach.

We knew months ago, even before the pandemic, this was going to be the one of the craziest, most anticipated football seasons in Mississippi history.

We just thought we knew. We didn’t know the half of it…

Last December, Ole Miss hired Lane Kiffin. A month later, Mississippi State hired Mike Leach. Not since 2014, when the Bulldogs and Rebels zoomed into the top three in the nation, had Mississippi college football received so much national attention. Some pundits even wondered: Is Mississippi even big enough for those two personalities?

Rick Cleveland

Then came the pandemic, which threatened – indeed, still threatens – whether we will have much football season at all. If you want to know how precarious this season is, look about 400 miles west to Houston, where the Houston Cougars have now had five – yes, FIVE! – season openers canceled because of COVID-19.

First, the Cougars were supposed to open against Rice, but Rice had too much COVID. (We still aren’t clear whether Rice will play at all this season.) Then the Cougars were to open against Washington State, but the Pac-12 cancelled its season. Then, it was presumed Houston would open against Memphis, but the Tigers experienced a spike in cases and had to bow out. So Houston worked out an agreement on short notice to play Baylor, but Baylor had to cancel that one just a day ahead of the scheduled kickoff. Baylor, which already had a game with Ole Miss canceled, didn’t have enough players available to play. So then Houston was supposed to open against North Texas, but the Mean Green can’t play either. As it stands now, Houston will open its season on Oct. 8 against Tulane. Maybe. Stay tuned…

Rice and North Texas both play in Conference USA, of which Southern Miss is a member. Old Dominion, also a member, has canceled its entire season. Rice might. Meanwhile, Southern Miss has had to change its schedule so many times it’s difficult to keep count. Somehow or another, the Golden Eagles have managed to play two home football games, and, man, this is where it really gets crazy.

Several USM players, including three of the very best, decided not to play this season. Then the Golden Eagles lost their opener to South Alabama. Shortly thereafter, Jay Hopson resigned as head coach and 30-year-old Scotty Walden became the youngest head coach in America. In Walden’s debut as head coach, Southern Miss built a 27-10 lead before losing 31-30 in the closing seconds.

It gets crazier…

One of USM’s many schedule changes came when the SWAC decided to delay the 2020 football season until the spring of 2021. Than meant that Jackson State would not be coming to Hattiesburg on Sept. 19. So maybe Jackson State isn’t playing this fall, but the Tigers surely have been busy. On August 31, head coach John Hendricks was dismissed. On Sept. 21, in national news, Jackson State hired Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as its head coach. Sanders has vowed to go head-to-head with the nation’s football powerhouses in recruiting.

So, if Mississippi wasn’t big enough for Leach and Kiffin, how will it handle Leach, Kiffin and Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, who wants to be known as Coach Prime?

All this has happened before Leach and Kiffin coach their first games at the Mississippi schools. That presumably comes Saturday. Ole Miss plays host to the Florida Gators at 11 a.m. Mississippi State travels to defending national champion LSU for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. I say presumably because all it takes to postpone or cancel are a few positive tests on either of the participating teams.

Rogelio V. Solis, AP

A familiar face will be on the sidelines at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday.

But let’s assume they play. Florida, 11-2 and Orange Bowl champions under former Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen, is a two-touchdown favorite. That seems about right, considering the Gators averaged 33.4 points per game after Kyle Trask took over at quarterback last year. He’s back. Florida did suffer some heavy losses on defense, but, as always, the Gators will have lots of speed and muscle on that side of the ball. One thing we learned during Mullen’s stay in Starkville: He rarely loses games he is supposed to win. As for Ole Miss, we don’t know what we don’t know, and that is a lot, which makes Saturday all the more intriguing.

At Baton Rouge, LSU is a whopping 16.5-point favorite over Leach and his first  Bulldogs. That surely does seem like a lot, when you consider the Tigers lost the best player in the history of LSU, quarterback Joe Burrow, and 13 other NFL draft picks. I mean, I know LSU is deep in talent but can the Tigers replace 14 draft picks, including five first rounders, not to mention defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and innovative passing game coordinator Joe Brady?

We shall see.

Meanwhile, Southern Miss continues its quest for a first victory with still another home game against long-time rival Tulane. The Green Wave is a 3.5-point favorite for this 1:30 p.m kickoff. Two interesting angles: Tulane’s starting quarterback is Southern Miss transfer Keon Howard, who is from Laurel. Will Hall, the offensive coordinator at Tulane, is the son of long-time Mississippi high school coach Bobby Hall. He has been mentioned prominently as a possible replacement for Hopson at Southern Miss. If Hall’s a candidate, this seems quite the audition.

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