JACKSON — The topic of education funding will be a major focus of the 2018 legislative session. After another year in which the state has failed to produce enough funds to meet the current education funding formula (the Mississippi Adequate Education Program), lawmakers have made it a priority to adequately fund education on their agendas for 2018. Lt. Governor. “I would say that I am most passionate about improving Mississippi’s educational outcomes,” Tate Reeves said. In a private interview, Tate Reeves spoke to University of Mississippi journalism students. “I am passionate about issues surrounding educational improvement.” Reeves emphasized the positives over focusing on funding pitfalls. Reeves also highlighted Mississippi’s rising graduation rate from 70.5 percent up to 82.5, which is less than one point below the national average. Reeves stated, “That’s a huge deal because it’s creating 3000 more people per year who have a high school diploma.” Reeves said that “3,000 more people per annum with a high-school degree over the long term is going to have major impact on our workforce quality.” He also spoke about two policy areas that Reeves has advocated for to improve Mississippi’s education. Reeves praised public charter schools and school choice as alternatives to traditional public education. These are highly debated issues and Reeves believes they can help him achieve his ultimate goal of having a skilled and educated workforce. Reeves stated that he believes strongly in school choice and acknowledged the fact that there are many people who disagree. However, he also said that allowing parents to choose what is best for their child was a way to achieve his ultimate goal of having a competent and educated workforce. Reeves said, “I believe parents know better what’s best” than any government entity. He also praised the creation of public charter schools throughout the state and noted that competition is a way to improve traditional public schools. Reeves stated that he and his colleagues have supported the creation of public charter schools, particularly in low-income areas. “I believe that creating options and competition will improve the learning environment of those children that choose to move. However, I also believe that you will see improvements in traditional public schools over the long-term because these public charter schools offer competition.” Reeves was echoed at the annual Mississippi Economics Council Conference where top legislators and businessmen from the state highlighted the importance of education and workforce development as key issues for a strong economy. William Yates, the chair of Mississippi Economic Council, stated that “we need a skilled workforce.” “We need to have a competent workforce,” stated William Yates, chair of the Mississippi Economic Council.