Lt. Gov. Hosemann speaks to local home builders
Photo: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann speaks to the Home Builders Association of North Mississippi on Thursday, July 25. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
July 26 – Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann made stops in DeSoto County on Thursday, highlighted by an appearance at the Home Builders Association of North Mississippi Quarterly Luncheon in Olive Branch.
Homebuilders and others gathered at the Northcentral Electric Cooperative’s offices in Olive Branch. Hosemann was there to speak and inform them on issues across the state and of importance in DeSoto County.
One of the items Hosemann said he wanted to touch on was about affordable housing.
“A lot of our kids, young people coming out of college and whatnot, and with a decent salary, still can’t afford to get into a home,” said Hosemann. “I want to talk to them and listen to learn about how we can have affordable housing for young people starting their careers here.”
Affordable housing is a pressing issue for many college graduates in Mississippi. With the cost of education on the rise, recent graduates often find themselves burdened with student loan debt, making it challenging to find affordable housing. Programs, such as the Mississippi Home Corporation, Low-Income Tax Credit Program, Community Land Trusts and Co-Living Spaces are available.
Hosemann noted his work in getting funding for the upcoming expansion of I-55 in DeSoto County.
“That will be the only interstate that I know of in Mississippi that will be paid for with solely state funds,” Hosemann pointed out. “Everything else is done in federal dollars. That shows a commitment by the state and by me personally for this area.”
The Mississippi Legislature approved $90 million for the project during a session that saw a substantial allocation of funds for infrastructure improvements across the state. This funding is part of a broader effort to address the infrastructure needs of rapidly growing areas like DeSoto County.
Hosemann, along with other key legislators, prioritized infrastructure projects to enhance safety and support economic growth. The funding for I-55 expansion is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency, which is crucial for the economic development and quality of life in the region.
Regarding another issue, the Lt. Governor said he disagreed with the U.S. District Court’s recent decision that required the state’s legislative districts be redrawn to allow for more African-American majority districts in the state. The court later ruled that the lines can be redrawn in 2025 and a special legislative session this year would not be necessary.
Individual voters who were joined by the Mississippi NAACP were the plaintiffs in the case. One of the witnesses for the plaintiffs was Patricia Hamner, a 2023 candidate for state Senate who lost to state Sen. Dr. David Parker (R-Olive Branch) by a 56-44 percent margin.
Two additional Black-majority districts are to be included in DeSoto County and other adjustments in Hattiesburg and Chickasaw County were required. Special elections may then take place to determine the representatives in the newly-drawn districts.
“They held that we were not racially discriminatory, which is correct, and then they held that individuals didn’t have enough access and that they wanted a majority minority district,” Hosemann said. “I think DeSoto County has exemplified, whether it be one of their representatives or their share, that they are quite competent and acceptable to vote for anybody no matter what their race, color, creed or national origin.”
The court ruled that more Black-majority districts be included, stating that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was violated with the 2022 map presently in use by diluting the voting power of African-Americans.
Legal proceedings could continue on the case on appeal through to the Supreme Court.
Later on Thursday, Hosemann joined others in a special engagement private event in the county that featured Ret. Lt. General Michael Flynn, former National Security Advisor to former President Donald Trump.
