Reeves stated that he had instructed the Mississippi Department of Corrections “to begin the necessary work for starting closing Parchman’s most notorious unit — Unit 29” during his inaugural State of the State address at the Capitol’s south steps. This announcement comes after a turbulent month for Mississippi’s correctional systems. At least 12 people have been killed in state correctional facilities so far. Parchman was the only unit where seven people died. Reeves stated that he plans to close it. We are working on many logistical issues right now. But I’ve seen enough. “We have to turn the pages.” A lawsuit is being filed against the state over Parchman’s Unit 29. There are also reports of a Department of Justice probe. These investigations are part of ongoing efforts to solve long-standing problems in a prison system that has suffered budget cuts of millions of dollars and a shrinking roster of correctional staff. Reeves’ State of the State address Monday evening at the Mississippi Capitol was marked by the Parchman news. Reeves addressed the state’s Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges as well as legislators under a cold breeze, setting out his agenda for the first-time since his election. Reeves, who is a Republican, spoke for 35 minutes. He covered the same ground as his campaign for governor in 2019 and his two previous terms as lieutenant governor. Reeves spoke out in support of school choice, which he has championed in his two previous terms. He gave praise to advocates who tried to make the state more accessible, flexible and available for its most vulnerable students. As lieutenant governor, Republican leaders introduced a variety of school choice legislation. These laws allowed for charter schools in Mississippi. They also created the Education Scholarship Account program. The controversial ESA program, also known as “vouchers” by some critics, provides parents with public funding to send their children to private schools. This year’s law expires. If the Legislature doesn’t extend the program this session, the program will be terminated. He stated that there has been a coordinated effort to undermine and target those reforms. He said, “There has been a concerted effort to undermine and attack those reforms.” Reeves stated that while “we are proud of our universities” as well as “we need doctors, lawyers, journalists, and bankers”, he said that the state should invest in Mississippians’ skills to fill vacant jobs. Reeves stated that the big lie is that all Americans must follow the same path. This national myth can be used to our advantage. We know there is pride when a trade takes place in Mississippi. There is always money to be made. We don’t have to let the east coast live in their ivory towers. Let the west coast have a new generation of gender studies majors. We will accept more jobs and pay higher wages,” Rep. John Faulkner (D-Holly Springs) said that he was disappointed to see Reeves continue to oppose expanding Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This law, also known as Obamacare, allows for health coverage to be provided to the working poor. Faulkner stated that he believes the best way to improve Mississippi’s health care is to expand Medicaid. This was something he has been fighting for many years. “It seems like the best way to invest in healthcare is to take $9 federal money for every $1 of state money through Medicaid expansion, to cover 300,000.” Reeves gave another warning shot during his speech. However, he did not mention that some members of his party, including Lt. Governor, had floated the idea. It was pitched by Delbert Hosemann. He referred earlier to Obamacare as a “trap” by the big government. “We can invest our money in health care. Reeves stated that we should invest in healthcare. We can save rural hospitals. Mississippians can be protected. I look forward to working with you all to achieve this. We can do this all without falling prey to the siren song of big governments.” Reeves spoke out in his inauguration speech as well as the State of the State address. He also mentioned unity and his desire for the state to reflect it. Rep. Robert Johnson (D-Natchez) questioned these statements. “All of Mississippi shouldn’t be limited to Madison, Rankin, and DeSoto. All of Mississippi should not be defined as people of one race or one faith. One Mississippi should really mean all of Mississippi.” While the Democrats presented their own solutions to infrastructure, corrections, teacher pay and teacher compensation, they repeatedly emphasized their willingness and willingness to collaborate with the Republican majority in the Senate and House. Johnson stated that the state is responsible for providing funds to ensure the safety of both correctional staff and inmates. Johnson also expressed concern over the exodus of young educated Mississippians and called for more to be done about it. Reeves and the Democrats agreed that it was a good time to begin work on the 2020 session. “We are ready for us to let go of our labels and reach across the aisle to work with Gov. Johnson stated that Reeves was his target audience. Reeves’ speech was praised by several Republicans after the speech. Rep. Dan Eubanks (R-Walls) said that Reeves touched on “most of the things most important to me, and I look forward the next four years for the opportunity to see if it pans. “We won’t always get it right, and we won’t always agree to everything,” Reeves stated near the end. I know you all care about the people that we serve. This Mississippi spirit unites all citizens of this state because you share it. “I know Mississippi’s best days lie ahead of us,” I believe. Support this work by making a regular donation to our Spring Member Drive. This will allow us to continue important work such as this story. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.