Mississippi Governor's Briefing: Severe Weather, Economic Growth, and Budget Session

Severe Weather Update

• ⛈️ Six people were injured in Mississippi due to severe weather that impacted the state, with preliminary reports indicating no fatalities.
• 🏠 Damage assessments are underway, with at least 60 homes damaged across five counties: Benton, Bolivar, Marshall, Tate, and Tippa.
• 🆘 The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is coordinating requests for tarps, water, and food for affected areas, with Marshall and Tate Counties already receiving supplies.
• 📝 Residents with storm damage are encouraged to file insurance claims, take photos, and report damage via MEMA's website or contact their local emergency management agency for unmet needs.

Mississippi's Economic Growth

• 📈 Mississippi experienced significant economic growth in 2024, ranking second fastest-growing economy in the nation for GDP growth.
• 💰 Key investments include the $10 billion AWS project, the $2 billion Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Trucks and Buses, and Paccar investment creating 2,000 jobs, and a $1.2 billion investment by Energy for a power station.
• 🌟 The state was also ranked number one in the US for net personal income growth and showed strong growth in agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and manufacturing.

Special Session and Budget

• 🏛️ The legislature adjourned without passing a budget, but the Governor assures there is no imminent threat of a government shutdown.
• 🗓️ The legislature has until July 1st to pass a budget, and the Governor is confident they will work together to finalize it.
• 🎯 Potential items for a special session include school choice, medical sports betting, parents' bill of rights, and CO2 reform, though the Governor is reluctant to add items due to costs.
• 💰 The Governor is open to considering adjustments to the income tax cut triggers and addressing the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) funding.

Federal Funding and Government Efficiency

• 📉 The Governor opposes using state taxpayer funds to fill gaps left by federal pandemic-related funding cuts, emphasizing these were temporary pandemic response funds.
• 🇺🇸 He highlights the national debt and federal deficit as significant risks, appreciating efforts to find government efficiencies.
• 💼 Regarding Elon Musk's role in government efficiency, the Governor believes the concept of finding efficiencies will continue throughout the administration, though Musk's personal involvement may have a shelf life.

Other State Matters

• 🗳️ The Governor criticized Republican senators who voted against his deputy chief of staff's appointment to the MPB board, calling it