Gunn spoke during a hearing of Legislative Budget Committee. Corey Miller, an economist for state Institutions of Higher Learning, informed the panel that Mississippians have been benefited from federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds. Miller explained to legislators that a large part of the state’s performance can be attributed to federal transfers under the CARES Act. These included additional unemployment benefits, Paycheck Protection Program and $1,200 taxpayer stimulus checks. Gunn stated that $6 billion was pumped into Mississippi by federal funds to support enhanced unemployment benefits, small business grants through the PPP, and direct payments to the majority of Mississippians. The CARES funds were a major factor in the increase in state revenue collections, which increased by almost 35% or approximately $258 million during the first two months. Gunn stated that state tax collections could slow down in the future, which will leave legislators with difficult decisions to make regarding funding education, law enforcement, and other areas of state government. The Legislature approved a budget for the current fiscal of $84.5 million. This is 1.3% less than the amount appropriated in the previous year. Most agencies had to accept small cuts in the budget. Many were hopeful that with this year’s strong revenue collection, they would be able to recover some of their losses. Miller stated that the state lost 122.400 jobs between March and April when the COVID-19 pandemic hit — 10.5% of its workforce. He said that the national workforce fell by 14.5%. The state has recovered 71% of these jobs, while 48% at the national level. Miller stated that the COVID-19 recession had disproportionately affected the service sector. The service sector makes up less of Mississippi’s economy than the U.S., in terms of both output and employment. The second quarter saw a decrease in Mississippi’s economy of 20.9%, compared to 31.7% at the national level. Although the economy is showing signs of improvement, Miller stated that the expectations are for significant contractions in the economy over the next calendar year. However, growth is expected in 2021 and the state is expected to return to its current trend that is lagging behind national economic. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann inquired about the damage done to the state by having one the lowest work force participation rates in the country. This refers to the ratio of those who are eligible to work and those who actually work or pursue work. Miller stated that the state’s participation rate in the work force was 55% before COVID-19 arrived and likely has dropped some. Miller stated that the economy isn’t as productive without more people working. The budget committee heard budget requests from multiple agencies on Thursday. Cain stated that the department had been neglected so badly by its previous leaders, that it is now time to catch up. Cain stated that he will also be focusing on rehabilitation programs and reentry programs. However, he wants to provide religious programs for inmates as well as education and skills training, just like he did when Cain was the Louisiana prisons system’s leader. Cain stated, “If you don’t do something about the heart — teach ethics — then you’ve just created an even smarter criminal.” It takes religion. It’s there you can find morality faster than any other. “I don’t care about what religion it may be.” PUBLIC SAFETY. The Department of Public Safety has requested a budget of $97million, an increase of $5.7 million over the current year. Sean Tindell, the new Commissioner for Public Safety, stated that the department has made improvements to its driver’s license services which will decrease long lines and wait times. Tindell said that the agency is still planning for a new headquarters in Rankin County and plans to begin construction of the $70 million facility by 2021. It hopes to complete it by 2024. Tindell stated that he plans to train more Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers, and more Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics officers to fight the opioid crisis. He said the COVID-19 epidemic has made it worse. MEDICAID, the federal-state health program that provides services to 760,000 Mississippians, is asking for $898million in state funds for next year. This represents a $496,000 decrease from the current year. Snyder said that the agency may even be able to carry forward a balance. Snyder stated that the future of the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain and that the Medicaid budget was “always fluid and at this moment it’s even more so.” Snyder also said that states have been receiving “enhanced federal matching” money, and that there was a significant decrease in Medicaid recipients being able to use the funds early on in the pandemic. Snyder stated that the federal share of Medicaid spending increased from almost 77% to 83% during the pandemic. This reduced the state’s cost share. K-12 PUBLIC Education The Mississippi Department of Education has requested lawmakers to approve a budget of $2.86 BILLION for the next year. This is a $311 million increase over the current year. The largest amount of the increase requested — $283 million — would go to fully fund Mississippi Adequate Education Program. This formula was created by the Legislature to help fund schools that lawmakers have only fully funded twice in 30 years. Carey Wright, Superintendent of Education, told lawmakers that the system was dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. She said the system has been able to maintain statewide distance education and manage a huge project to purchase 390,000. Tablet devices and computers for students and teachers. Wright stated that this is giving them a chance to be creative and think differently. Wright said, “But you’re not going to replace teachers.” To support this important work, make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today.