Reeves’ swearing in ceremony was similar to the outgoing governor. Due to heavy rain, Phil Bryant’s 2012 first inauguration was moved from South Steps of the State Capitol to a packed House chamber. The weather affected the day and forced the cancellation of the inaugural parade. Reeves made a 13-minute speech to state, just like his Republican predecessors. He addressed legislators, state officials, and family members. Reeves also stated that he would improve the state’s troubled corrections system. This month, there have been inmate deaths, violence and last-minute transfers to secure facilities. Reeves stated that he would “elevate our public schools”, with a promise to increase the number national board-certified teachers and to give every teacher a raise. Teachers in Mississippi receive a $6,000 salary increase if they are certified by the national board. A few districts also offer $4,000 incentives. According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, currently 4,336 teachers have this certification. The state fell two places from 2018 to ninth place in the number certified teachers. Reeves stated Tuesday that it was his mission for the state to rise to No. 1. Mississippi teachers still rank among the lowest-paid in the country when it comes to teacher salaries. According to the Mississippi Department of Education, the average teacher’s salary was $45,105 for the 2018-19 school years. The Legislature passed a $1500 raise in pay last year, but advocates and educators felt that it was too little. The topic of teacher pay was a frequent talking point in the 2019 election. Reeves admitted that it was a “full contact campaign” and said that it was time for the state to come together.
This was the first inauguration where Republicans held all the statewide offices since modern times, thanks to the November general election results and supermajorities in both the Legislature’s chambers. Robert Johnson, a state representative from Natchez, said that Reeves talked about compromise but it has not been my experience over the past eight years.
He said that it would be beneficial for everyone to work together in Mississippi to make progress. It is a good thing. Johnson stated that Johnson just wants to see it happen. Johnson thanked Reeves for mentioning the importance of growing home-grown businesses. Reeves stated, “While we rebuild our workforce training system, from kindergarten through high school, and we will travel the globe to find job creators who are willing to be our partners,” Johnson said that Mississippi’s roadbuilders are home-grown businesses that could be a boon to the state. “We will do everything we can to make this the best place to start or grow a business.” Johnson stated that a comprehensive road program would help boost the economy. Johnson stated, “We could do them a favor (as an state) by putting them in work building roads.” “Some of them were fourth-generation Mississippi businesses.” Make a regular donation to support this work today as we celebrate our Spring Member Drive.