Our Success Stories
As your State Senator, I am part of a team working to improve the conditions in our great State of Mississippi. Although not always easy, the focus remains on finding common ground, building upon those interests, partnering with legislators in the Senate and House, Democrats and Republicans, local officials at the County and Municipal levels, and most importantly, YOU, the citizens of District 37. Our best days still lie ahead! We are Breaking Barriers and Building a Future!
Healthcare: Collaborated with colleagues resulting in funding for Rural Hospitals in District 37, securing $3.75 million for hospitals in Adams, Claiborne, Copiah, and Jefferson Counties; and continued funding of Camp Kamassa, a facility built to accommodate recreational activities for individuals with a disability. Passing legislation that extends postpartum Medicaid benefits for mothers on Medicaid to 12 months instead of two months. We must always protect our most vulnerable citizens. I have worked with my fellow legislators to approve the Mississippi Vulnerable Person Abuse Registry, which will contain the names of any individual convicted of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable person.
Education: A much-needed teacher pay raise happened during this term. It was a collaborated effort that resulted in an increase of $101,914,422 over the previous fiscal year for PK12 public education in the state. Alcorn State, Copiah-Lincoln, and Hinds Community College also saw substantial appropriations increases. Additionally, funds have been set aside to assist students in defraying the cost of specific careers in healthcare areas.
Infrastructure: Collaborated with local and state officials for funds that have resulted in overlays of highways in all areas of District 37. Funds have also been secured to defray costs associated with repairs of water systems, law enforcement facilities, fire protection, road drainage repairs, and flood control projects throughout the district. In addition, funds have been allocated for Broadband availability throughout the State of Mississippi. Areas in Jefferson and Hinds Counties will see this implementation soon.
Tourism: With the forward-thinking of individuals, corporations, and state leaders, we have a new state flag of which all state citizens can be proud. Additionally, I have collaborated with local officials to connect them with resources to write proposals and design systematics to secure funding to upgrade tourist and recreation attraction projects. This past legislative session Chautauqua Park’s Amphitheater, the Music Museum, and the Millsaps House in Copiah County all benefited from that approach. Jefferson and Claiborne Counties have also seen substantial appropriation to renovate and update historical and recreational sites in their areas because of assistance from these resources.
Future Vision: Creating a Southwest Mississippi economic corridor that connects the counties of Adams, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Hinds, and Wilkinson Counties. The proposal to finish the four-laning of Highway 61 is already on the books. Establishing the four lanes of Highways 27 and 18 to already established Highway 84 will allow us to complete this task. We are happy to announce that these projects are active or planned projects for 2023:
And very soon, we will start conducting pre-construction assessments for the I-20 interchanges at Highways 61 North & 27 South, and Highway 61 South.
These are serious times, and in serious times, experience counts. Having served in the Senate for several years, I have a greater understanding of collaboration and teamwork. By allowing me to continue and put my experience to work, I am better positioned to leverage change. As your Senator, I stand firm in my commitment and vision for a progressive District 37. I look forward to having your support and serving as your new District 37 State Senator on August 8, 2023.
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