Hearing dates set for Senate study group

Initial public hearing dates are set for Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann’s nine-member Senate Study Group on Women, Children, and Families: Sept. 27-28, and Oct. 25-26.

The hearings, chaired by Sen. Nicole Boyd, will be held in Senate Room 216.   They will be webcast and archived on the Legislature’s YouTube site for the convenience of those who are not able to attend in person. 

Broad topics set for these dates include a statistical overview and maternal/child healthcare (Sept. 27); adoption, foster care, and child support (Sept. 28); childcare availability (Oct. 25); and early intervention (Oct. 26).  Additional hearing dates or topics may be added as necessary.

“Testimony primarily from state agency heads and experts, and research following these hearings, will aid Sen. Boyd and the study group members in forming policy proposals going into the 2023 Legislative Session,” Hosemann said.

Additionally, the public is invited to submit written testimony to WCFStudyGroup@senate.ms.gov, which will be shared with the full study group.

“Many people have personal stories about these topics and written testimony provides an opportunity to share them with study group members and the Senate,” Sen. Boyd said. “We are also encouraging legislators to reach out to their constituents and hold public hearings in their districts before the study group hearing dates in the fall.”

The study group is tasked with making legislative recommendations related to families and young children (birth to 3 years old). Other members of the study group include Senators Kevin Blackwell, Hob Bryan, Dean Kirby, Rod Hickman, Angela Hill, Chad McMahan, Angela Turner-Ford, and Brice Wiggins.