Latest news with #MississippiSenate
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Children's Promise Act dies in MS Senate, thanks in part to Republicans. See why
If anyone was wondering where the Mississippi Senate, as a body, stood on expanding school choice, the chamber may have tipped its hand toward any future votes on expanding public funding for private education. On Tuesday and Wednesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers defeated House Bill 1902, which could be the last legislation standing from a volley of school-choice-related bills that previously passed the House but died in the Senate. "The only issue that I've heard from other senators, Democrats and Republicans, is that this is a program that allows people to instead of paying their taxes, to donate money to private schools with almost no oversight whatsoever," said Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, who spoke against the bill. HB 1902 was first voted on by the Senate on Tuesday before a vote to consider Senate leadership's tax reform package, which among other things, would seek to fully eliminate the state income tax. Some senators who voted against HB 1902 said that was part of the reason for voting against the measure, citing it would be in poor taste to pass one bill raising state spending and another cutting state funding. The bill was first defeated Tuesday 26-23 but held on a motion to reconsider. On Wednesday, when Senate Finance Chairman Josh Harkins, R-Flowood, tried to bring the bill back up, it was defeated by an even larger margin. "We were just trying to make it more available for people to allow them to donate funds to (certain tax credit programs in the bill) and that was really the effort there," Harkins said. "We will have to work on it next year." The bill, which featured the Children's Promise Act, has been tied to school choice, a loaded term for legislation seeking to expand education options for students in both the public and private sector. School choice: Mississippi House kills bill to allow students to more easily move between school districts This year, that effort has taken the shape of establishing programs to put public money directly into private schools, allowing students to more easily move between school districts, expanding charter schools and via the Children's Promise Act, a tax credit program that already puts some public dollars toward private education. All of those efforts have been killed this year. The state also already has another school-choice program, an Education Savings Account program for disabled children. There was previously an effort in both the House and Senate to expand that program, but it died by a deadline. If passed, HB 1902 would have likely gone up for further negotiation with the House, known as conference, where House negotiators would have pushed to increase funding for the Children's Promise Act tax credit program. That program allows people to donate funds to private schools and have half of it taken off of their property taxes. The program also allows people to receive tax credits for donating to foster care facilities, and the program's funding, $18 million, can only go to certain "charitable organizations" such as those listed above. School choice bills: School choice in MS House lives by in-house rule, not Democratic principle. See details Only half of that funding can go toward private schools, which have to be approved of by the Mississippi Department of Revenue based on criteria such as enrolling students with certain disabilities and having been accredited by a state-recognized firm. Once that certification is given, schools need not reapply for seven years, and the state has no method to ensure those schools are either spending "donations" on education, or if the school even enrolls those students that make the institution eligible for the program beyond the accreditor's initial findings, which includes an audit. House Ways and Means Chairman Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia, told the Clarion Ledger his goal was to increase the program's fundings because it is annually maxed out, and he thinks the program, despite political opposition to it, serves to help some of the state's most needy children. Lamar also accused Jackson-based The Parents Campaign, a nonprofit lead by Nancy Loome, of spreading lies about HB 1902 being a school-choice bill and that it would send public education dollars toward private education. "I think it has been extremely popular, and that it doesn't hurt public education at all," Lamar said. "There's no reason we can't have great public schools and great independent schools across our state, and the Children's Promise Act recognizes that." Loome told the Clarion Ledger she never tried to communicate the bill as anything but a tax-credit program that sends public dollars toward private schools with no oversight and little guardrails in place to ensure those tax dollars were being spent appropriately. "We have never said that the Children's Promise Act is a school-choice bill, because it isn't," Loome said. "It has nothing to do with anybody choosing or enrolling their child in a different school. This is simply money going to private schools. It's not tied to tuition or a child moving from one place to another, but it has the same effect financially as a voucher in that it moves public money into private schools." Several high-ranking Senate Republicans told the Clarion Ledger they either voted against the measure because constituents called asking them to vote it down, they did not support school-choice-related legislation or thought it was poor timing. Of the Senate Republicans, at least nine voted against the Children's Promise Act. Two voted "present." "I had more constituents call me and ask me not to support it," Sen. Chad McMahan, R-Tupelo, said. "We are currently providing public funds to private individuals in terms of ESA for special needs education, and there are some students in the state that have such specialized needs that some public schools are unable to secure the expertise to meet their needs." Two of them, Sens. Nicole Boyd of Oxford and Sen. Walter Michel of Ridgeland, declined to comment. Sens. Mike McLendon of Hernando and Daniel Sparks of Belmont both noted that sending public dollars toward private education is unconstitutional in Mississippi. Sparks also said he had other questions related to the running of the program and did not feel comfortable voting on it. "I think public tax dollars should be spent on public education, and (if) a person has the ability to go to a private school, then so be it," McLendon said. "I just believe that public money should go to public." Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature and state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@ or 972-571-2335. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: School choice-related bill dies in MS Senate
Associated Press
26-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Mississippi House panel approves casino tax increase
In an obvious shot at the Mississippi Senate and at least part of the casino lobby for the state not legalizing online gambling, the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday approved a tax increase on casinos. Ways and Means Chairman Trey Lamar said his bill, which would increase taxes on Mississippi casinos from 12% to 16%, is to recoup the tens of millions of dollars a year Mississippi is 'losing' from not legalizing online betting. He said, 'if everybody's honest with themselves, online sports betting is already going on' illegally, but the state is not generating any taxes from it. He said his bill, which now heads to the full House, is also aimed at shedding light on why the online betting bills the House has passed in recent years die in the Senate. Some Mississippi casinos, particularly smaller ones that might struggle to contract or build online betting infrastructure, have opposed the move. 'The goal post continues to be moved on the other end of the building (the Senate),' Lamar told committee members. 'We're going to tax it appropriately. There needs to be some further light shed on this topic … (Illegal online gambling) has reached pandemic level … It's my understanding that a small handful of casinos are standing in the way of that legislation. ' Lamar said he's been given estimates ranging from $26 million a year to $80 million a year the state could generate in revenue from online gambling — so he estimates it at about $50 million. Neighboring Tennessee, which legalized online gambling, is making about $140 million a year. Currently Mississippi casinos pay 12% in taxes, 8% going to the state and 4% to local governments and schools. Lamar said increasing the state's share to 12% would generate an estimated $50 million a year. Senate Gaming Committee Chairman David Blount criticized Lamar's tax increase on Tuesday, and the House's major tax overhaul proposal, which would eliminate the income tax, but raise gasoline and sales taxes. 'The House is fixated on raising sales taxes, increasing the gasoline tax and raising taxes on Mississippi businesses,' Blount said. 'I don't support a 50% tax increase on Mississippi businesses (casinos) that are vital to our state. The House wants to raise taxes on everything Mississippians buy and every time they go to the gas station, and they want to raise taxes on one of the largest employers in our state.' The move marks the first time in at least a decade that there's been serious talk of raising the casino tax in Mississippi. The state's relatively low and stable tax rate on gambling has been credited with helping the industry grow over years. However, some in the industry say gross gambling revenue growth has been stagnant in recent years because of illegal online gambling in Mississippi or legal online gambling in neighboring states. ___
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi Senate passes $538 million tax cut bill
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Senate passed Senate Bill 3095, which is a comprehensive tax relief bill that would reduce the individual income tax and lower the grocery tax. Mississippi House passes income tax elimination plan According to Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, the bill would increase infrastructure funding while not raising sales tax. The bill would reach full implementation in 2030. Key Provisions: Lower Grocery Tax: A reduction in the grocery tax from 7% to 5% effective July 1, 2025,saving taxpayers an estimated $127.5 million annually. Income Tax Reduction: A continued gradual elimination of the individual income tax from 4% to 2.99% by 2030, at an estimated cost of $411 million, making Mississippi the third lowest of the 41 states that impose an income tax. Infrastructure Investment: An additional $212 million in infrastructure funding through three-year phased increase of 3 cents per gallon per year, resulting in a total 9-cent increase in the state gas tax, which would keep Mississippi below the Southeastern gas tax average. 'Mississippi families, workers, and retirees need immediate tax relief, and we are one step closer to making that a reality. With the Senate's advancement of Senate Bill 3095, we are moving forward with the next phase of historic reform,' said Hosemann. 'Our priorities are clear—lowering grocery costs, rewarding hard work instead of taxing it, and ensuring strong, consistent infrastructure funding. This plan is consistent, conservative, and financially responsible, ensuring we provide relief while maintaining a stable economic foundation for the future.' Direct wine shipment bill passes Mississippi Legislature If implemented, Hosemann said the Senate's plan would eliminate an estimated $538 million in tax revenue from the state's general fund. The bill will move to the Mississippi House of Representatives for consideration. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
19-02-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann in 'good spirits' after collapsing Wednesday
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann collapsed Wednesday morning while the State Senate was in session. According to videos of the incident, Hosemann appeared to be standing at his podium in the chamber. He is then seen leaning forward, then falling onto the ground before several staffers and senators rush to his aid and request emergency service. A live-streamed video of the Mississippi Senate, which has now been deleted from the Mississippi Legislature's YouTube page, shows a staffer mouthing for someone to call 911. Lieutenant Governor Office spokesperson Hannah Milliet told the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network, that Hosemann is 'doing well.' 'Lieutenant Governor Hosemann is doing well and in good spirits," Milliet said. "He appreciates all of the medical staff and is eager to return to work." Hosemann has been the Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi since 2020. He was previously the Mississippi Secretary of State between 2008 and 2020. State leaders react to the incident Following Hosemann's collapse, state leaders, including Mississippi House Speaker Jason White, wished him a speedy recovery. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Governor @DelbertHosemann for his health and speedy recovery,' White said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and his wife, First Lady Elee Reeves, also wished Hosemann well. '@firstladyofms and I are praying for Lieutenant Governor Hosemann!,' Reeves posted on X. Contributing: Grant McLaughlin, Mississippi Clarion Ledger Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mississippi Senate gambling bill contradicts House legislation
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Following the Mississippi House's passage of a bill to expand gambling, the Mississippi Senate passed legislation Thursday to restrict it. Mississippi's path related to gambling experienced a meteoric rise following the establishment of the state lottery back in 2018. That same year, sports betting began at Mississippi's casinos. While HB 1302 seeks to legalize and generate revenue from online racebooks and sports pools, SB 2510 desires to reinforce their illegality. The Mississippi Senate's opposition to mobile sports betting is more clear than in the 2024 legislative session. Then, Mississippi House members favored legalizing mobile sports betting while state senators opposed it. Discussions last year largely stalled amid senate fears that doing so would harm the bottom line of the state's casinos. Bill to legalize mobile sports betting passes Mississippi House HB 1302 proposed a solution to address that concern; the Retail Sports Wagering Protection Fund. The fund would financially help gambling establishments without online gambling platforms recoup some of their revenue lost by mobile sports betting until 2030. SB 2510, authored by Senator Joey Fillingane (R-District 41), passed in the Mississippi Senate 10 days after HB 1302 passed in the House. This may indicate that the Senate found the House's solution to its biggest issue with sports betting wanting. Other forms of gambling are also in the Mississippi Senate's crosshairs. Most notably, it seeks to make online sweepstakes casino-style games illegal. Legally, the online games are not casinos. For these services to not be classified as such, they allow users to play for free. However, users can buy virtual currency to play games often found in brick-and-mortar casinos. They can also exchange their virtual earnings for monetary prizes. Violations of SB 2510 range from forfeiture of winnings to ten years in prison. If the bill were to become law, it would go into effect on July 1. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
