Reeves could view the resolution as an insult because it would remove one of his most prized powers, the authority to summon legislators back to special sessions after the year’s regular session has ended. If the Legislature does not adjourn the regular session, the two chambers’ presiding officers – Speaker Philip Gunn (House) and Lt. Governor (Senate) – will be ineffective. Delbert Hosemann, in the Senate, could call lawmakers back to session. Hosemann and Gunn already blocked Reeves from obtaining sole authority to spend $1.25 Billion in federal funds to pay the state for COVID-19. It is not surprising that Reeves was present in the Senate to voice his disapproval of the resolution just a day after it had passed the House without dissenting votes. This visit was no doubt a factor in Hosemann’s inability to pass the resolution. It could be considered a major win for Reeves, at least for the moment. Hosemann’s inability to pass the resolution right now doesn’t mean that he won’t be able pass it before the session closes. The Legislature will be in session from July 12 through July 12. Reeves served eight years as lieutenant governor and is currently the Senate’s president. He knows that the legislative leadership has at most one advantage in passing or killing legislation. Hosemann, the leadership, has the power to summon the legislation whenever he feels or believes he has enough votes to pass it. The House leaders are putting tremendous pressure on the Senate for the resolution to be passed. Both Senate and House leaders agree that the Senate must be able to continue in session to address coronavirus-related matters. Hosemann stated that he would like the Legislature to be able return to spending funds if, for example, the federal government gives money to state and local governments to offset the COVID 19-induced revenue shortfall. Hosemann stated that COVID-19 and budget problems are the only reason he would like to return. However, some senators stated that they would like to complete their work and go back to the private sector. They are already in session at the Capitol, dealing with budget issues for longer than expected. Although the session was supposed to finish in May, legislators decided to take a break due the coronavirus. This allowed them to continue working in the Mississippi heat. Sen. Chris Johnson (R-Hattiesburg) stated recently that “I believe it is premature to prolong the session for the remainder year.” “If we do what we are supposed to, it is likely that we won’t need to return.” “The governor can call a special session whenever the need arises.” However, there may be disagreements between the legislative leadership or governor over when and if the Legislature should meet. In the first year of the four-year term, there were more disagreements between the governor and legislative leaders than expected. All involved are part of the same Republican Party. The Constitution grants the Legislature the power to stay in session if two-thirds of the votes from both chambers are cast. However, this power has not been used to keep the Legislature in sessions for more than a year. Both the Senate and House leaders insist that they would technically be in session, but they wouldn’t be there unless they had to. Hosemann stated that the authority was needed because “we’re in the most unprecedented state since the Civil War.” It would be cheaper for the state, even if legislators return to the capitol only to address coronvavirus-related matters. The Legislature is paid a base salary of $10,000 for regular session. The Legislature would not be eligible for any additional funds if the resolution was passed and the legislators return to Jackson, say, September or October, to work on the budget. They receive $75 more per day if they are called to special sessions by the governor. The state would be charged an additional $13,050 per person for special sessions. They receive expenses payments for food, lodging and transportation, regardless of whether they are in regular or special session. This is based on the current federal rate of $151 per day.