Wednesday’s unprecedented House vote passed the proposal without dissenting votes. This would effectively keep the Legislature in session through Dec. 31, to address coronavirus matters. However, they would only be in Jackson if jointly called by Gunn in Congress and Hosemann in Senate. Dean Kirby (R-Pearl), Senate President Pro Tem, stated that the Senate would not consider the proposal this week. Kirby stated that the Senate is seriously considering the proposal. “I believe there are some questions from some senators. They want to discuss it.” Gov. Tate Reeves would lose what was traditionally one of the most sought-after powers of the chief executive of the state – the authority to call legislators in special session after the session has ended for the year. When Reeves was asked about Wednesday’s House plan, he said nothing. On Thursday, however, several senators and others stated that Reeves was at the Capitol to voice his disapproval to the Senate proposal. To pass the Senate proposal, it would require a two thirds majority. The governor would not be able to veto the combined resolution. Because of the March recess lawmakers took to address safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 session is already unprecedented. Although the 2020 session was originally scheduled to conclude in May, it is now scheduled to end at the end of July 12 due to the recess. The Constitution restricts the Legislature to 125-day sessions within a year following statewide elections, such as 2020. It also limits them to 90-day sessions in other years. The Constitution allows the Legislature to extend the session by 30 days. The House resolution would allow the session to be extended for the remainder of the year in 30-day increments. However, Jackson would only be called by Gunn or Hosemann to discuss coronavirus-related matters. The issue is the latest power struggle between the Republican Reeves and and the Republican-controlled Legislature. They were involved in a dispute earlier this month when Reeves claimed that he was the only person authorized to spend $1.25 million in federal funds to help with coronavirus-related problems. Reeves eventually conceded that the Legislature had spending authority under state Constitution. Sen. Chad McMahan (R-Guntown) said that he had spoken with Reeves about the possibility of extending the session. McMahan said that he had also spoken to members of Mississippi’s U.S. Congress delegation, who indicated that there was a possibility for the state to receive additional federal funds in order to address revenue shortfalls due the coronavirus economic slowdown. McMahan suggested that the Legislature take steps to ensure it is able to reconvene and appropriate those funds. McMahan stated, “I would probably vote in favor of it.” Senator David Parker, R-Olive Branch said that Jackson should be able to return. Unfortunately, the moment is not normal.” Legislators need to be able to convene again. The minority leader Sen. Derrick Simmons (D-Greenville) said that “I believe we are facing unprecedented times which call for unprecedented measures. The budget deficit we are facing is between $100 million to $800 million. It is the right thing to think.” But Senator Chris Johnson, R.Hattiesburg, stated that he would most likely oppose the measure. Johnson stated that Johnson believes it is premature for the session to be extended for the remainder of this year. Johnson stated that if we complete our work now, it is likely that we won’t need to return. “The governor can always call special session if necessary.” Sen. Lydia Chassaniol (R-Winona) said that legislators are expected to work part-time and have other obligations, such as business or family, which could be affected if the House proposal is passed. She stressed that members are available to work. Jason White, R-West House Pro Tem, stated that the extension would not require additional funds. The Legislature is entitled to $10,000 per session regardless of its length and $1,500 each month out of session. If the session was extended, the Legislature could still receive the $1,500 monthly benefits, even if members were not present in Jackson. Per diem is also available to legislators who are in Jackson for session.