Hickman: A call for accountability and true leadership in state government

By: State Sen. Rod Hickman (D-Jackson)

The Mississippi Legislature exists to serve the people. As the policymaking body of our state, we are tasked with enacting laws, allocating resources, and ensuring that government functions effectively for all Mississippians. One of our most essential responsibilities is passing a state budget—a task not just central to governance but legally required. The budget dictates how we fund schools, hospitals, infrastructure, public safety, and critical social services. It reflects our priorities and our values. Without it, our state government cannot operate properly, and the people of Mississippi bear the consequences. 

Yet, as the 2025 legislative session ends, we have failed in that fundamental duty. Instead of passing a responsible budget, internal divisions and last-minute power plays within the state’s Republican supermajority derailed budget negotiations, forcing the governor to call a special session to fix what never should have been broken in the first place. 

This legislative stalemate underscores a troubling pattern of misplaced priorities. While critical budgetary decisions were left unresolved, the legislature expedited the passage of the largest tax cut in state history for the wealthy —with significant typos in the legislation. This move will cut one-third of the state’s budget, forcing working families to bear the brunt of economic uncertainty while risking funding for vital services like education and healthcare. This comes at a time when federal funding cuts are already stripping essential resources from agencies. For example, the health department just announced that federal funding cuts will cost the state nearly $238 million in public health and mental health funding in Mississippi. 

On top of that, lawmakers spent the last week of the session focused on anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) legislation in Mississippi’s public schools and universities. Instead of addressing the state’s deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, the legislature chose to focus on cultural issues, passing laws that reflect a troubling agenda of divisiveness rather than progress. This decision makes it clear where their priorities lie. 

Meanwhile, Mississippi remains at the bottom of too many national rankings. We have one of the highest poverty rates, highest incarceration rates, and some of the worst health outcomes in the country. Rural communities are struggling with economic development and job opportunities, leaving too many families behind. 

This is not governance or leadership; it is negligence. 

With a Republican supermajority controlling both the governor’s office and both the House and Senate in the legislature, the party has had nearly unchecked power. This concentration of control has allowed the GOP to shape the state’s agenda without meaningful opposition, limiting diverse perspectives and preventing the state from addressing its most pressing needs. As a result, Mississippi continues to fall behind, especially where it matters most, showing how unbalanced political control has hindered the state’s progress. 

The Republican supermajority has controlled our government for years, yet our quality of life has not improved. It is time to rethink not only who holds leadership positions but how we govern. We must do better. 

To my fellow Mississippians, I ask: When will we recognize that this kind of leadership is failing the people we vowed to serve? When will we take responsibility for the misguided priorities that have left families struggling? Hold us accountable. Demand more from your elected officials. Show up, speak out, and vote for leaders who put people over politics. The future of Mississippi depends on a government that truly works for its people. It is time we make that a reality. 

Note: This article is an opinion-editorial column written and provided by state Sen. Rod Hickman (D-Jackson). Any opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of this publication.