♪ >> HELLO AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WELCOME TO ANOTHER @ ISSUE WE TALK ABOUT THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND HOW THESE ISSUES IMPACT YOU.

LAWMAKERS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE ARE WRINKLING OVER A BILL IS A SELF THE STATE INCOME TAX.

ON TUESDAY WHICH WAS THE DEADLINE DATE THE SENATE DECIDED NOT TO VOTE ON THE MISSISSIPPI FREEDOM ACT.

ALLOWING IT TO DIE IN COMMITTEE.

HOUSE BILL 3995 WITH WOULD'VE GOTTEN AWAY FROM CLOSING SALES TAX ON GROCERIES AND INCREASED ON MOST RETAIL ITEMS BY 2.5 CENTS PER DOLLAR.

AFTER THE SENATE MOVED SPEAKER GUNN EXPRESSED HIS FRUSTRATION FOR THE ELIMINATION OF THE INCOME TAX IS A GOOD THING FOR THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI.

I CAN'T IMAGINE ANYONE WOULD ARGUE WITH THAT PREMISE.

PUTTING MORE MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF OUR CITIZENS BEEN MORE DISPOSABLE INCOME THEY CAN USE TO FEED THEIR FAMILIES AND SUPPORT THEMSELVES IS A GOOD THING.

SO, WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AND NOT PUT ROADBLOCKS TO PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING.

I AM DISAPPOINTED TODAY THE SENATE CHOSE NOT TO TAKE UP THE BILL.

I CLEARLY WANTED TO CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION.

CLEARLY WANTED TO CONTINUE FINDING WAYS TO ADDRESS WHATEVER CONCERNS OR OBJECTIVES MIGHT HAVE EXISTED.

SO WE -- THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE FOR THE HOUSE.

WE MADE THIS A DECISION IT WAS A STRONG VOTE AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE FIGHT AND FIND WAYS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN QUICK SURE ENOUGH THEY DID.

HOURS LATER THE HOUSE VOTED TO INSERT THE TAX BILL LANGUAGE AS AN AMENDMENT INTO A BOND BILL BUT WITH A FEW CHANGES.

HERE'S REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE TREY LAMAR ON THE HOUSE FLOOR >>Man: UNFORTUNATELY THE SENATE NOW HAS PUNTED THE BALL ON THE SINGULAR MOST IMPACTFUL LEGISLATION BEFORE US THIS YEAR.

IT IS TIME FOR BOTH ACTION AND IT IS TIME TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT.

THE HOUSE WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH FORWARD WITH WHAT I BELIEVE IS THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE TAX POLICY THIS STATE HAS SEEN IN GENERATIONS.

WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SIGNIFICANTLY GROW OUR ECONOMY.

CREATE NEW JOBS AND LEFT THOUSANDS OF MISSISSIPPIANS OUT OF GENERATIONAL POVERTY.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY IS BEFORE US.

AND WE MUST NOT WASTE THIS OPPORTUNITY.

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW.

HEREFORE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE TAX BILL IS ALIVE YET AGAIN WITH THIS AMENDMENT.

>> HE SAID HIS AMENDMENT REMOVES THE 2.5 PERCENT INCREASE ON FARMING, LOGGING AND MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT.

AS A RESULT THE RESULT OF THE FIRST ROUND INCOME TAX CUTS WOULD DROP.

AND THE TOTAL PHASE OUT OF INCOME TAXES COULD TAKE A COUPLE YEARS LONGER.

THE HOUSE PASSED THE AMENDMENT.

THE BILL IS BEFORE THE SENATE.

>>> THE HOUSE MOVE DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACT LAWMAKERS ARE IN WHAT IS SCHEDULED TO BE IN THE FINAL 2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO EVALUATE THE $2 BILLION ISSUE.

SENATOR HARKINS IS JUST ASKING FOR A STUDY TO EXAMINE THE TAX PLAN OVER THE SUMMER.

AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR.

>>Man: WHAT THEY HAVE SENT US IS A WIDE AND BROAD PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT TOUCHES A LOT OF INDUSTRIES IN A LOT OF ISSUES.

ALL THE WHILE IN AN EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THE INCOME TAX.

WE GOT THE BILL TWO WEEKS AGO.

WE TRIED TO DO SOME RESEARCH.

I TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY WOULD BE AN IMPACT ON THE STATEMENT THERE ARE PARTS OF THE BILL THAT TRIGGER OTHER ISSUES AS IT RELATES TO THE INVENTORY TAX.

A TAX PEOPLE BE THE COUNTY BUT TAKING THE INCOME TAX CREDIT.

IF THERE IS NO INCOME TAX THAT WILL BE THE INVENTORY TAX AGAIN ON THEIR BUSINESS.

THE JOBS BILL THAT WAS OUT TO ATTRACT COMPANIES TO LOCATE IN MISSISSIPPI.

IS WHERE A COMPANY WILL GET AN INCOME TAX REBATE ON THE EMPLOYEES THEY HIRE.

SO IF THEY WILL BRING 2000 JOBS IN HERE IT WILL GET A PERCENTAGE OF THE INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES PLAY AS A PERCENTAGE BILL.

AS AN INCOME TAX.

HOW WILL WE MAINTAIN THE PROGRESS WE'VE MADE TO ATTRACT THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE?

IT IS A MATTER OF MAKING SURE WE ARE CROSSING OUR T'S AND DOTTING I'S TO LOOK AT EVERYTHING IN TOTAL.

IT IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF MOVING THE INCOME TAX DOWN AND THE SALES TAX OF.

THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES AFFECTED.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WHATEVER WE DO IS PRUDENT AND RESPONSIBLE.

BUT ALSO PUTS MISSISSIPPI IN THE BEST POSTURE TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH OUR NEIGHBORING STATES.

TO BE PROSPEROUS.

AT THE HEART OF IT TO BE RESPONSIBLE ON HOW WE IMPLEMENT THIS.

BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF MOVING PARTS.

AND YOU REALLY GET ONE CRACK AT THIS TO GET IT RIGHT.

AS WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DO IT RIGHT WAS ANOTHER ISSUE DRAWING FROM BOTH CHAMBERS IS HOW TO OPERATE THE STATE DIVISION OF MEDICAID.

THE HOUSE AND SENATE HAVE KILLED THE OTHER BENNETSVILLE TO REAUTHORIZE THE AGENCY BEYOND JUNE 30 OF THIS YEAR.

THIS POINT IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION THERE AREN'T ANY BILLS ALIVE TO CONTINUE THE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO MORE THAN 750,000 LOW INCOME MISSISSIPPIANS.

JOEY HOOD OF ACKERMAN JOE STATE MEDICAID THAT HE TALKS WITH AT ISSUE PRODUCER ABOUT THE HOUSE VERSION OF THE BILL.

>> WE HAD FOUR DAYS, AND DURING THOSE WE HEARD FROM A BUNCH OF PROVIDERS.

THE NUMBER ONE THING WE HEARD IS CREDENTIALING AND NOT HAVING MEDICAID PAYMENTS.

THEY DO NOT MAKE THE PAYMENT OF THE FIVE PERCENT SET-ASIDE BUT WHAT WE DID IS INSERTED LANGUAGE THAT HAVE UNIVERSAL CREDENTIALING BUT YET THREE MANAGED CARE.

THAT ALLOWS THEM TO GET ONE SOURCE TO GET CREDENTIALED.

AND LANGUAGE IN THERE AND THEY DO NOT DENY THE PAYMENT WITHIN 60 DAYS IT IS PAID IN FULL.

WE JUST DID NOT WANT PAYMENTS HELP IN LIMBO.

AND FIVE PERCENT SET-ASIDE.

SOME HAD FIVE PERCENT WAS BEING WITHHELD FROM REIMBURSEMENT.

AS OF OTHER INDUSTRIES I AND EXEMPTIONS.

WHAT WE DID WAS GO AWAY BUT THAT EVERYBODY WOULD CONTINUE TO GET FIVE PERCENT.

IT IS STILL IN THE SENATE WE ARE WAITING ON THE SENATE?

>> THE SENATE HAS TO CONCUR WITH THE CHANGES WE MADE.

IF THEY DO NOT CONCUR THEN THEY KILLED THE MEDICAID BILL WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY WILL CONCUR WITH THE CHANGES YOU MADE?

>>Man: I HOPE THEY DO.

I THINK THE HEALTHCARE ABOUT MISSISSIPPIANS IS AT STAKE IF THEY DON'T.

>> IS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT THE LANGUAGE THE SENATE PROVIDED THAT CONCERNS YOU THAT YOU WANTED TO MAKE SURE WAS REMOVED?

>> WE HAVE 122 HOUSE MEMBERS I BEEN WORKING WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.

WE HAVE ISSUES IN OUR BILL THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO US.

SO THAT WAS THE CREDENTIALING.

THE DENIAL OF PAYMENTS THE APPEALS PROCESS THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

THAT WE WANTED TO SEE BROUGHT FORWARD.

AND HISTORICALLY IT IS ALWAYS CONCRETE CONFERENCE.

I FEEL WE WILL GET TOGETHER WITH THE SENATE AND WORK OUT A COMPROMISE WITH THE CHANGES MADE IN THE SENATE VERSION OF THE MEDICAID BILL WOULD EXTEND POSTPARTUM 12 MONTHS INSTEAD OF 60 DAYS BUT DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SHARES THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE.

HE CRITICIZED LANGUAGE IN THE HOUSE THAT CALLS FOR A COMMISSION TO GOVERN.

CURRENTLY THE GOVERNOR APPOINTS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO MUST WIN SENATE CONFIRMATION.

HOWEVER BRIAN SAID IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR MEDICAID REAUTHORIZATION BILLS TO GET CAUGHT UP.

>>Man: WHAT IS GOING ON IS THE HOUSE IS MAD AT THE SENATE AND THE SENATE IS MAD AT THE HOUSE.

WE HAVE KILLED EACH OTHER'S BILLS.

SO THEY ARE DEAD ON THE DEADLINE ROAD.

WHAT WHAT IS TAKING PLACE NOW IS THE RESOLUTION IS WORKING ITS WAY THROUGH THE SENATE TO SUSPEND THOSE BILLS FROM THE DEADLINE RULES.

WHICH WOULD BRING THEM BACK TO LIFE.

AND IS USUALLY POSSIBLE TO HAVE A MEDICAID TECHNICAL AMENDMENT BILL THAT I KNOW THE HOUSE WISHES TO ESTABLISH A MEDICAID COMMISSION INSTEAD OF HAVING MEDICAID UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE GOVERNOR.

I DO NOT THINK THAT IS A GOOD IDEA.

>> WHY DO YOU SAY THAT?

>> I THINK IT IS FINE FOR THE GOVERNOR TO HAVE CONTROL OVER THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID.

I DO NOT SEE WHAT WE WOULD GAIN BY HAVING A COMMISSION.

KILLING EACH OTHER'S BILLS IS SOMETHING WE DO AND THINGS GET FRACTIOUS BUT LIKE MY MOTHER MORGAN USED TO TELL ME SOME PEOPLE WERE FRACTIOUS.

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THE LEGISLATURE GETS FRACTIOUS AND THE HOUSES GET MAD AT EACH OTHER.

WHICH IS OKAY.

IT IS FRUSTRATING BUT THAT IS THE WAY IT WORKS.

THE GOOD NEWS IS IT APPEARS THE LEGISLATURE IS DOING SOMETHING SENSIBLE WHICH IS REVIVING THE BILL.

THEY COULD GO TO CONFERENCE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR BUSINESSES WHICH IS HOW THE PROCESS WORKS.

>> HE SAID THAT THE LEGISLATURE CANNOT DECIDE ON THE BILL THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID COULD END UP IN THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNOR VIA EXECUTIVE ORDER.

>>> ONE THING ON WHICH THE HOUSE AND SENATE DID CONCUR WAS TEACHER PAY.

IT PASSED THE HOUSE 119 TO 2.

THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO SIGN IT.

HOUSE BILL 352 WOULD GIVE MOST TEACHERS A $1000 RAISE IN PAY.

NEWARK TEACHERS WITH THE 1100.

HERE IS HOUSE EDUCATION CHAIR ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>> WHEN I ASK YOU TODAY TO CONCUR WITH THE SENATE'S BILL THEY CHANGE THAT THEY LOWERED THE THRESHOLD FOR TEACHER AGE WHICH IS DISAPPOINTING.

BUT I NEED TO MOVE THIS AND CONCUR.

I WILL TELL THIS BODY.

WE ARE DOING SOMETHING FOR INCENTIVES FOR TEACHERS.

IT IS A POSSIBILITY WE WILL COME BACK.

OR COME BACK TO YOU AND US FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO SUSPEND THE RULES.

BUT AGAIN WERE TRYING TO WEIGH THE BALANCE OF WHAT THE TAXPAYER CAN HANDLE AND WHAT WE CAN DO FOR THE TEACHERS.

WE MAY BE COMING BACK TO YOU BEFORE THIS SESSION IS OVER TO ASK FOR A SUSPENSION.

AND DO A LITTLE SOMETHING HERE.

AGAIN, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD ON IT.IGHT NOW I WOULD LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND ASK YOU TO CONCUR.

GIVING TEACHERS AND $1000 THEY RANGE AND GIVING THE TEACHERS H A $1000.. HOPEFULLY WE CAN COME BACK WITH MORE INCENTIVE TYPE PACKAGE.

BUT AGAIN I ASK FOR CONCURRENCE.

>> A FEDERAL CENTURY HAS INDICTED A MISSISSIPPI BUSINESSWOMAN AND HER SON ON FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES BUT THE INDICTMENT UNSEALED YESTERDAY ACCUSED SUSAN AND ZACHARY NU OF STEALING 5 MILLION THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

THEY OPERATED NEW SUMMIT SCHOOL BOTH PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO THE CHARGES THAT COULD RESULT IN SENTENCES OF 210 YEARS IN PRISON.

DESIREE FRAZIER TALKS ABOUT THE INDICTMENTS WITH MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE SCHOOL OF LAW PROFESSOR MATT STEPHY.

>>Man: THIS INDICTMENT ALLEGES MADE TEACHERS OUT OF THIN AIR.

MADE TEACHERS OUT OF NON-TEACHER EMPLOYEES.

MADE TEACHERS OUT OF FORMER TEACHERS.

IN ORDER TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT OR RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM THE STATE.

MADE OF STUDENTS THAT DID NOT EXIST.OR CREATED CURRENT STUDENT THAT WERE STUDENTS WHO HAD LEFT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM THE STATE.

CONSPIRE TO DO SO.

AND THEN PULL THAT MONEY OUT THROUGH GRABBING IT THROGH FOR PERSONAL GAIN.

THEREBY COMMITTING MONEY LAUNDERING.

THE CHARGES, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE SENTENCING GUIDELINES SAY.

BUT THE UPPER LIMIT OF THESE CHARGES.

BUT THEN IN PRISON FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

NO I DO NOT THINK THAT IS NECESSARILY A LIKELY OUTCOME.

BUT IT SHOWS THE GRAVITY OF THE CHARGES.

FOR MOST OF THEM CARRY 20 YEARS.

CARRY FINES UP TO QUARTER OF $1 MILLION.

THE PROSECUTION IS ALSO SEEKING RESTITUTION.

AND FORFEITURE OF ASSETS TO TRY TO RECOUP THE MONEY.

THIS IS A SCAM.

AND IT IS IN COMMON TERMS A SCAM SCHOOL.

THAT THE DEFENDANT CAUSED THE STATE TO PAY FOR TEACHERS THAT DID NOT EXIST, STUDENTS THAT DID NOT EXIST.

THAT IS FOR THE BASIS OF ALL MOTIVES AND THAT IS GREEN.

>> IT IS INTERESTING BECAUSE I HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE NEW SUMMIT SCHOOL AND HAD INTERVIEWED PARENTS.

IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS AGO.

CAN'T REMEMBER FOUR YEARS AGO.

PARENTS WERE BY THE SCHOOL AND WHAT IT WAS DOING TO HELP STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

>> AND THAT IS AN ASPECT THAT PLAYS BOTH WAYS.

IF THIS IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SCHOOL.

AND THEY FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS TO ENRICH ONESELF.

THERE IS A SPECIAL KIND OF MORAL CALLOUSNESS.

AND IT MAY BE MORE THAN ONE THING IS TRUE.

IT MAY BE THERE ARE STUDENTS BEING WELL SERVED BY THE SCHOOL.

WHILE THESE DEFENDANTS ARE USING IT TO ENRICH THEMSELVES.

>> THE INDICTMENTS CITY MOTHER AND SON FRAUDULENTLY OBTAINED THE MONEY BETWEEN 2017 AND 2020.

THE STATE AUDITOR RELEASED A STATEMENT SAYING THIS IS ANOTHER STEP TOWARD JUSTICE FOR TAXPAYERS.

AN ATTORNEY SAID OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM I AM NOT SURE THERE IS A CRIME HERE.

NANCY NU SAID SHE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TRIAL THAT IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 3.

>>> CARS HAVE BEEN LINING OUTSIDE A DRIVE THROUGH COVID-19 VACCINATION SITE IN JACKSON.

EARLIER THIS WEEK GOVERNOR TATE REED EXPANDED VACCINATIONS FOR ALL RESIDENTS 60 AND UP AND IT BECAME THE SECOND STATE TO OPEN UP JUST SO MANY PEOPLE.

ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL 21 PERCENT OF MISSISSIPPIANS HAVE RECEIVED THEIR FIRST DOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE.

12 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION IS NOW FULLY VACCINATED.

>>> A POST FROM CHISHOLM STRATEGY THAT THAT MISSISSIPPIANS ARE MORE OPEN TO GETTING A COVID-19 VACCINE AND THEY WERE IN EARLY JANUARY.

THE POLL POLICE FOUND 63 PERCENT POLLED SAID THEY WILL DEFINITELY GET VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

>>> TODAY THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS REPORTING 392 NEW CASES OF THE CORONAVIRUS AND SEVEN ADDITIONAL DEATHS.

THAT BRINGS THE TOTAL TO OVER 300,000 CASES AND NEARLY 7000 DEATHS SINCE MARCH 2020.

>>> LET'S GET STRAIGHT TO THE POINT REVIEWS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

BRANDON JONES IS AN ATTORNEY AND DEMOCRATIC MEMBER OF THE HOUSE.

FEELING AND IS THE FORMER CHAIR OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

LUCIAS, GOOD TO SEE YOU BRANDON WILL COME BACK AS ALWAYS.

LET'S START WITH THIS TAX BILL IT WAS DEAD IT IS NOW ALIVE AGAIN IN A POND BILL FOR THIS IS THE SPEAKERS PROJECT.

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?

WHAT THIS IS CLEARLY A MAJOR PRIORITY OF PHILLIP GUND.

I COMMEND HIM IT IS EASY TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING THIS TRANSFORMATIONAL.

BUT YOU HAVE TO SPEND TIME TO FIND A WAY TO DO IT AND THE SPEAKER HAS DONE THAT.

WITH JASON LICHT AND THE REST OF THE HOUSE LEADERSHIP.

AND I COMMEND HIM FOR IT.T IS A MASSIVE CHANGE.

AND THE WAY IN WHICH IT IS DONE.

MY SENSE IS YOU HAVE UNANIMITY AMONG REPUBLICANS THAT WILL CUT THE INCOME TAX.

IT IS WILL BE LIMITED THE INCOME TAX IN 2021 OR SOMETHING WILL WORK ON OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT YEAR.

THE GOVERNOR 'S EXECUTIVE BUDGET CALLS FOR THIS.

SO I THINK WE WILL ILLUMINATE THE INCOME TAX MISSISSIPPI.

IT IS A QUESTION OF HOW PEOPLE DO IT AND WHEN.

>> THIS IS DRAWN FROM A LEGISLATIVE CURIOSITY.

LET'S HAVE A DISCUSSION.

TO THE ISSUE THAT HAS BROUGHT OTHER ISSUES TO A HALT IN THAT CHAMBER.

SO IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW IT PLAYS OUT.

I DO NOT LIKE THE PROPOSAL FOR SEVERAL REASONS.

I THINK SENIOR ADULTS IN PARTICULAR SAY THIS IS NOT A TAX CUT FOR US.

WE ARE NOT IN THE INCOME TAX BRACKET.

AND IF YOU RAISE YOUR INCOME TAX THROUGH SALES TAX INCREASE THAT IS A REAL PROBLEM.

AND YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPERT TO SAY THIS WILL LIMIT THE ABILITY TO ATTRACT AND GROW BUSINESS.

THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES THAT ARE HERE.

I AM CURIOUS, THEY PLAYED BRINKMANSHIP.

THEY PUSHED IT INTO OTHER PROPOSAL AND NOW IT IS IN THE POND BILL FOR THE HOLIEST OF HOLY GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS.

BECAUSE EVERYBODY IN THAT CHAMBER HAS A CLAIM, A STAKE IN THE POND BILL FOR THOSE REPRESENT PROJECTS FOR COMMUNITIES.

PROJECTS FROM MRS.

APOLOGIES.

I WONDER WHAT IS NEXT.

I DO NOT THINK WE CAN SAY IT IS JUST A CONVERSATION STARTER ANYMORE.

IT IS SOMETHING THE HOUSE HAS SHOWN.

>> IT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE YOU CAN SEE A LOT OF TOTALLY UNRELATED BILLS GETTING KILLED IN THE FIGHT OVER THIS INCOME TAX BILL.

I THINK THE NEXT 10 DAYS AS WE GO THROUGH CONFERENCE WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK BUT IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO WATCH HOW THE TWO SIDES.

BEING BRINKMANSHIP HOW THEY RELATE AND WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES ARE QUITE WE WILL TAKEN EYE ON THAT.

AND YOU THIS MORNING YESTERDAY WE GOT WORD OF NEW INDICTMENTS RELATED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

WE TALKED ABOUT THAT LAST YEAR AND THE DEPARTMENT.

THERE IS NO LEGISLATION TELL US ABOUT THAT.> SENATE BILL 2769 OTHERS BY SENATOR JOE GAINES FROM THE PIKEVILLE AREA.

WHAT THIS DOES IS ALLOW THE STATE TO INCREASE ON A MONTHLY BASIS BY $90 WITHOUT DRAWING DOWN ANY ADDITIONAL MONEY FROM STATE TAXPAYER.

IT DOES NOT COST THE STATE A TIME BUT INCREASES BENEFITS.

AT THIS IS LONG OVERDUE.

IF YOU RECALL WHEN THIS CAME TO THE FORUM.

THE FIRST THING THE LEGISLATIVE DID WAS MAKE HARDER ON SERVICE RECIPIENTS.

THIS WOULD BE AKIN TO A BANK INCREASING CHARGES ON CHECKING ACCOUNT HOLDERS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN HELD UP ON THINK ROBBERS BUT THEY MADE IT HARDER ON THE RECIPIENTS.

NOW HERE WE ARE A YEAR LATER DOING SOMETHING TO HELP MISSISSIPPI POOR.

AS WE SAY ON THIS SHOW IS OFF THE MISSISSIPPI IS BY ANY OBJECTIVE STANDARD A POOR STATE.

HOW WE HANDLE BENEFITS TO FAMILIES WHO NEED THEM MOST.

BENEFITS TO FAMILIES TRYING TO ENTER THE WORKING CLASS OR TRANSITION TO A HIGHER LEVEL.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO GET THIS RIGHT.

THIS IS MORALLY RIGHT.

IT IS ECONOMICALLY RIGHT.ND I GET A TON OF CREDIT TO THE REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE.

THAT PAST THIS THING ALONG.

IT IS SITTING ON THE GOVERNORS DESK HOPEFULLY TO BE PASSING.

>> BRANDON IS EXCITED ABOUT SOMETHING THE REPUBLICANS HAVE DONE.

>> WHICH MAKES ME CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THE REPUBLICANS HAVE DONE.

JOEY FILINGANE, A LOT OF FAITH THAT IF JOEY IS DOING IT IS A WELL THOUGHT OUT CONSERVATIVE POSITION.

I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SPENDS.

THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE BORROW.

THINK IT IS A NATIONAL SECURITY AT ECONOMIC RISK.

BUT MY SENSE IS THE SAME AS BRANDON'S.

I THINK THEY LOOK AT WAYS WITHOUT ADDITIONAL STATE DOLLARS.

HOW TO DRAW MORE MONEY TO THE ECONOMY.

THAT IS NOT HOW YOU MOVE OUR ECONOMY.

I THINK THERE IS A LOGIC TO GOING OUT AND GETTING MONEY THIS IS NOT COST STATE TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

INSTEAD OF HAVING TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

I ASSUME THAT IS THE LOGIC BEHIND IT.

>> OBVIOUSLY GO AHEAD, BRANDON.

>> THERE IS A CERTAIN TONE THAT GOES OFF WHEN THE DEMOCRATS TAKE OVER OWNERSHIP OF THE DEMOCRATS TAKE OVER IN WASHINGTON REPUBLICANS GET REALLY UPSET ABOUT FEDERAL SPENDING.

NOTICE WE DID NOT HEAR ABOUT FEDERAL SPENDING THE PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS.

BUT NOW IT IS ON THE BOARD.

THE THING ABOUT THIS BILL THIS MONEY IS ADVOCATED.HIS MONEY HAS BEEN COMING HERE.

I THINK WITH THE NEW DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS TAKING AS WE HAVE BEEN ROLLING THIS MONEY OVER.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN UTILIZING IT.

AND WHAT A WASTE WILL THINK THAT IS IN A STATE THAT HAS SO MANY POOR PEOPLE.

I THINK, AS PEOPLE LOOK AT IT.

YOU CAN SEE THE MAP CHECKS OUT WHICH IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

>> I WILL AGREE WITH YOU ON ONE POINT.

I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT REPUBLICANS HAVE FAILED IN THE WHITE HOUSE TO CHECK THE RUNAWAY SPENDING THAT WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE SOMETHING THAT CAN DESTROY THE COUNTRY.

THAT IS A COLLIER.

AND I THINK TO BE GOOD STEWARDS UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN.

AND FOUR YEARS FROM NOW YOU HAVE A GOOD REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT I WILL TAKE HIM OR HER TO TASK TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE FISCAL CONSERVATIVES.

>> WE WILL SEE.

LET'S TALK ABOUT ANOTHER THAT IMPACTS LOW INCOME.

MEDICAID.

THIS IS A MATTER OF TWO CHAMBERS BEING ANGRY AT EACH OTHER.

MEDICAID IS AT STAKE.

>> I DO NOT AGREE WITH BRIAN ON MUCH BUT HE IS RIGHT.

WHEN THEY ARE UNHAPPY WITH EACH OTHER THEY DISAGREE WITH IT BUT THEY MEDICAID TECH BILL DIE.

THE ONE THING YOU CAN GUARANTEE IS THE ONE THING THEY WANT LESS THAN THE OTHER ON WINNING ON A POLICY WHAT IS THE GOVERNOR RUNNING ON A POLICY POINT.

IF THE MEDICARE TECH BILL DIES, THAN THE GOVERNOR CAN RUN.

AND I WILL YOU A STEAK DINNER THEY WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN.

HE WILL RESURRECT A SUSPENSION BILL AND YOU WILL SEE THE LEGISLATURE MAINTAIN ITS CONTROL ANOTHER MEDICAID PROGRAM IS RUN.

>> AND I AM SURE THE REGISTER WOULD LOVE TO MITIGATE HOW MUCH CONTROL.

THEY DO NOT WANT TO GO THERE.

THERE IS A BIG ISSUE ON THE FORWARD MEDICAID.

WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE RECOVERY ACT.

THIS IS INCENTIVE FOR A STATE LIKE MISSISSIPPI TO EXPAND MEDICAID.

WHAT IT DOES IS RESET THE CLOCK.

STATES LIKE MISSISSIPPI THAT DID NOT EXPAND HAVE THE SAME BENEFIT THAT THEY HAD EXPANDED IN 2010 WHEN THE PROGRAM INITIALLY FAST.

I HAVE SET IT ON THE SHOW MANY TIMES.

I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE IS ANY POLICY MOVE THAT COULD CHANGE ECONOMICALLY LIKE THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID.

ENORMOUS BENEFIT IN REPUBLIC STATE AND DEMOCRATIC STATES.

AND IT IS HERE AGAIN.

WHETHER LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OR NOT.

I THINK WE WILL HEAR MORE ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE IN THE COMING MONTHS.

>> AND TO CONTINUE THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID.

I THINK THE PROBLEM IS EVEN WITH THE ENHANCED MATCH.

IT GETS INTO THE PROBLEM OF FEDERAL SPENDING.

THE STATE ULTIMATELY HAS TO COME UP WITH SOME MATCH.

TWO PERCENT OF THE TOTAL PROGRAM COST.

STABILITY OF IN THE NUMBERS THAT IS 100 MILLION A YEAR THIS WOULD HAVE TO COME UP WITH.

THAT IS 100 MILLION ARE NOT SPENDING ON ROADS.

100 MILLION NOT ON TEACHERS.

100 MILLION NOT ON OTHERS CORE FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT IT HAS TO GO SOMEWHERE.

THAT IS THE PROBLEM TODAY DO NOT THINK THE STATE CAN AFFORD THE STATE MATCH.

I THINK IT WILL BE A DISCUSSION POINT IT WILL KEEP GETTING MADE.

>> WITH THE EXPANSION OF THE GUIDELINES FOR WHO CAN GET A COVID-19 VACCINE.

EVERYBODY AT THIS TABLE IS REGISTERED TO GET A VACCINATION WORD GOT ONE.

BRANDON YOU THINK THE STATE HAS DONE A GOOD JOB?

OR 12 PERCENT OF THE STATE POPULATION WILL BE VACCINATED YOU ARE PLEASED WITH HOW MISSISSIPPIAN LEADERSHIP IS DONE WITH THIS ISSUE?

>> YES AND DOCTOR DOBBS REPORTED 38 PERCENT OF RECENT VACCINES HAVE GONE TO PEOPLE OF COLOR IN MISSISSIPPI.

THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PERCENTAGE OVERALL OF THE STUDENT POPULATION.O THAT MEANS WE'RE GETTING THE VACCINE TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

AND I COULD TELL YOU WHEN IT WAS OPENED UP TO FOLKS LIKE US.

EVERYBODY 16 AND OLDER.

IN A CHANCE TO LOOK AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WEBSITE.

AND YOU CAN SEE WHERE SHOTS ARE BEING OFFERED.

AND I WAS GLAD IT WAS NOT MAJOR METRO AREAS.

IT IS NOT LIKE MISSISSIPPI STANDARDS.

TO YOUR QUESTION.

I THINK IT IS A LEGISLATIVE CHALLENGE.

WE ARE SEEING OTHER STATES NOT MOVING AS QUICKLY AS OUR GOVERNMENT IS TO EXPAND IT.

I AM GLAD YOU ARE EXPANDING IT WAS I THINK THE GOVERNOR IS A HUGE ACCOMMODATION FOR HOW WE HAVE DONE THIS.

AND TO THEIR CREDIT THEY HAVE DONE.

NOT PLAY POLITICS WITH IT.

YOU LOOK AT CALIFORNIA SOME OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS IN CHICAGO.

THEY MAY BE CALCULATED ON HOW THEY ADMINISTER IT TO CATER TO THEIR BASE.

AS A RESULT IS SHOTS ARE NOT GOING OUT.

IN MISSISSIPPI BY DOING IT SMARTLY I HAVE A NUMBER OF VACCINATIONS.

HAVING THEM IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS YOU ARE GETTING PEOPLE VACCINATED TO BRANDON'S POINT IN PROPORTION TO THE RACIAL DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE STATE.

IN A SMART WAY GETTING PEOPLE VACCINATED.

>> WE WILL THE THERE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US THIS WEEK BRANDON GOOD TO SEE YOU AS ALWAYS.

WE ARE OUT OF TIME.

YOU CAN WATCH THIS PROGRAM ONLINE OR LISTEN TO THE PROGRAM AT WMPN.ORG.

FOR DAY-TO-DAY COVERAGE, FOLLOW MPB NEWS ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK THANK YOU FOR WATCHING US ON @ISSUE.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

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