Mississippi Legislature Stalls on Teacher Pay Raise and Major Bills
The Mississippi Legislature has failed to advance its primary goals of increasing teacher salaries and expanding school choice, as bills for a $5,000 annual teacher pay raise were defeated or stalled amid political infighting, according to sources familiar with the process.
On Friday, the House attempted to revive the pay raise by attaching it to another bill, but negotiations between House and Senate leaders remain ongoing. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Jason White have publicly pointed fingers, indicating that lawmakers may negotiate the pay increase as the legislative session nears its end, with statewide elections approaching next year.
Meanwhile, other significant bills faced setbacks. A measure addressing the state’s alcohol shortage, SB 2838, which would allow businesses to purchase alcohol directly from licensed sellers nationwide, is now headed to the Senate. Additionally, efforts to assist Greenwood Leflore Hospital, facing closure, with bankruptcy filings to facilitate a takeover by the University of Mississippi Medical Center are underway.
Legislation aimed at modifying the Public Employee Retirement System was among those rejected due to disagreements between House and Senate GOP leaders. Critics argue that recent pension reforms, which reduced benefits, will hinder the state’s ability to recruit and retain workers, including teachers and first responders.
In other news, casino revenue in Mississippi remained steady in 2025 at $2.43 billion in gross gambling revenue, despite industry disruptions from online sports betting and increased competition from neighboring states. Industry leaders expressed concern about potential restrictions on prediction markets and the expansion of online gaming, which have already contributed to casino closures, including one in Tunica.
Budget negotiations between the House and Senate have begun for the $7 billion state budget. Senate Appropriations Chairman Briggs Hopson reported productive discussions, with plans to review bills from the opposing chamber soon. Additionally, a bill to expand industrial site grants to include utility improvements and easement purchases is progressing through the Senate after passing the House Finance Committee.
Revenue for February fell short of estimates by $65.3 million, a 13.3% shortfall for the month. However, total revenue for the first seven months of the fiscal year remains $99.5 million above projections, according to state financial reports.
Despite the legislative gridlock, news reports highlight other issues, including the spending of over $100,000 by DraftKings and Entergy on Super Bowl weekend events for Mississippi politicians and staff, and efforts to improve transparency for pharmacy benefit managers amid ongoing concerns from independent pharmacists about reimbursement rates.
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