Stay up-to-date on what’s in the news with the Y’all Politics Daily Roundup.
YP – Fate of a special session still up in the air
Governor Tate Reeves answered questions regarding his current stance on a special session to handle medical marijuana during a press conference regarding workforce development.
Since his known meeting with the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House on Monday, it has been anyone’s guess as to whether or not Reeves would call lawmakers back to the Capitol by Friday for a special session. Friday was the day requested by both chambers to return and handle the legislation.
At this time, it still remains unclear if and when one could be called. With today being Wednesday, the chances are increasingly slim Friday will indeed happen.
MSDH COVID-19 Reporting
Today MSDH is reporting 1,098 more cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, 50 deaths, and 85 ongoing outbreaks in long-term care facilities. State #covid19 totals: 487,293 cases, 9,588 deaths, and 1,310,134 persons fully vaccinated. Full information: https://t.co/YCv9xPyJDk pic.twitter.com/BXWDW4Lv7R
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) September 29, 2021
YP – Governor Tate Reeves Appoints Robin Stewart as Interim Executive Director of Mississippi Department of Employment Security
Governor Tate Reeves today announced the appointment of Robin Stewart as Interim Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES). She will replace Jackie Turner, who recently announced her retirement effective September 30, 2021. Currently, Stewart serves as the Deputy Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Workforce at MDES.
MDES provides assistance to help Mississippians find jobs through programs aiding in the job search while improving workforce skills and administering unemployment benefits.
YP – Presley informs public of broadband discount available to eligible families
Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley is working to raise consumer awareness about an Emergency Broadband benefit they could be eligible for through a new federal program that provides $50 a month in discounts for some families for broadband.
“During this pandemic, we have seen just how vital internet service is to every family. I’m proud to do my part in highlighting this program and raise awareness so that Mississippi families can save. This $50 monthly discount for broadband service is real savings for real families. I urge customers to reach out to their provider to see if they qualify for these savings,” said Commissioner Presley.
YP – Reeves meets with Accelerate Mississippi to discuss state strategy on workforce development
Governor Tate Reeves met with Executive Director of Accelerate Mississippi, Ryan Miller to discuss the state’s strategy and efforts surrounding workforce development.
YP – Wicker in Senate Afghanistan hearing: President Biden ignored military advice, tarnished U.S. credibility
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee met to hear from a panel of witnesses on the conclusion of military operations in Afghanistan. Those witnesses included Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Joint Chief of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley, and Commander of U.S. Central Command General Kenneth McKenzie.
Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker participated in the hearing.
“We actually learned a lot today. I was able to ask not only the Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff but the Secretary of Defense what all of the reversals President Biden was guilty of and what he had done to our international credibility,” Wicker said.
YP – Hyde-Smith backs bill to give police high-tech devices to detect fentanyl, illegal drugs
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith has joined in introducing bipartisan legislation, Providing Officers with Electronic Resources (POWER) Act (S.2853), to help state and local law enforcement acquire high-tech devices to detect and identify dangerous drugs like fentanyl.
The POWER Act creates a new U.S. Department of Justice grant program to support the procurement of high-tech, portable chemical screening devices for state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement organizations.
“Fentanyl has worsened the terrible effects of the opioid crisis on our nation in terms of overdoses, deaths, and crime,” Hyde-Smith said.
YP – MS Senate Labor Committee hears from Equal Pay advocates
The Mississippi Senate Labor Committee met to hear from a panel of speakers on the importance of equal pay legislation in the state of Mississippi.
The Equal Pay public hearing was organized by the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR). Legislators heard from national activist Lilly Ledbetter, the National Women’s Law Center, United Way, and other equal rights advocates.
CLARION LEDGER – Hinds Co. Board of Supervisors officially strip David Archie of VP, president-elect positions
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Wednesday during a special meeting to remove District 2 Supervisor David Archie from his roles as vice president and president-elect after months of heated discussions.
In a meeting on Sept. 7, the board voted 3-2 giving notice that they planned on removing Archie from his posts.
In a call after the meeting Wednesday, Calhoun said the board will have to wait until the official minutes are posted before voting in a new vice president.
Magnolia Tribune
