State of the State in Mississippi

Blog post

On January 21, the governor delivered his 2015 State of the State address, presenting his priorities for the 2015 regular legislative session. His proposals include tax cuts, funding for workforce training and scholarships for high school students to obtain skills certifications and academic degrees at community colleges. In his address, he highlighted the teacher salary increase he previously approved as well as the performance-based teacher salary pilot programs operating in 14 school districts, and he pointed out that his 2015-16 budget proposal provides a 2.5 percent increase in formula funding support to schools. The governor also called on the Legislature to approve the Equal Opportunity for All Students with Special Needs Act, which would provide scholarships for special needs students to attend private schools or obtain tutoring services, curriculum materials and other educational supplies and services.