Governor Delbert Hosemann was forcefully rebuffed by Secretary of State Delbert. Phil Bryant declared that the presidential election was rigged. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann countered forcefully, saying that Mississippi’s integrity will be protected. Bryant echoed remarks by Donald Trump, Republican presidential nominee, during a Tuesday interview with a radio host. Bryant said that he believed the presidential election process was unfairly structured. Those comments were refuted by Hosemann during Hosemann’s appearance at the Mississippi Economic Council’s Hobnob event. “I want one thing to be crystal clear. Hosemann stated that Mississippi’s election will not be rigged. “There are approximately 7,000 voting machines in this state. The Russians don’t control them, regardless of what you see on Fox or other media outlets.” Hosemann was one eight elected officials from the state who spoke to hundreds of political and business leaders at the Mississippi Coliseum. Bryant and Lt. Governor were also present. Tate Reeves was also present, as well as Philip Gunn, House Speaker, Secretary of State Delberthosemann, Attorney General Jim Hood and Treasurer Lynn Fitch. Stacey Pickering was Auditor and Cindy Hyde Smith, Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner. Although seven of the speakers were Republicans, the opinions of the other members of the party varied greatly. They had optimistic views about Mississippi’s agriculture and acknowledged that the state has the highest level of poverty in the country. Bryant spoke about the recent corporate hauls made by Mississippi, including ABB in Senatobia, Continental Tire in Hinds County and Raytheon which will build fighter jet training system in Meridian. Reeves, Gunn were praised for their efforts in improving education standards in the state. He also lauded EdBuild from New Jersey to reassess public school funding. “Do we have challenges in Mississippi?” Bryant assured the business leaders that he was positive. We know that budgets can sometimes be difficult. We are trying to prevent the crimes that occur. We know that children in foster care need the best help and support possible. We’re making great progress, and I want you to thank you. Scott Waller, vice-president of the Mississippi Economic Council introduced Reeves. He praised his efforts to eliminate the state’s corporate tax. Reeves said that high taxes will not attract jobs. “I believe that the No. Reeves stated that job creation is the number one priority for state government. “But, I also believe that government does not create jobs. This is something I hold dearly. Our goal is to provide an environment that encourages you to create new jobs. “If the cost of doing business increases, being competitive falls.” Reeves also highlighted Mississippi’s achievements in education reform, but said that more needs to be done for public schools. He said that this starts in the classroom. “When we increase funding, we do it to fund things like teacher pay increases, so that a beginning teacher earns $34,000 per year. This puts us in the top two to three in the Southeastern region. Reeves stated that you don’t get to see the good things happening, but public education in Mississippi is doing well. Reeves offered a positive outlook on Mississippi’s future economic prospects. Reeves stated that Mississippians will rise up to meet expectations if you raise their expectations. “We here in Mississippi should spend less time apologizing, and more time bragging about the successes that we are experiencing here.” Speaker Philip Gunn harshly criticised the state’s public school system. “Antiquated. Confusing. Inefficient. Unreliable. Unpredictable. What does this mean? Gunn took the stage to describe the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. Gunn said, “This program has failed as it allows spending for education to be misused.” Gunn applauded the legislature’s efforts to fund education but called the Mississippi Adequate Education Program an ineffective solution to funding Mississippi’s education program. Gunn stated, “We want to see outcomes.” Gunn stated, “We want to see results.” Lynn Fitch, State Treasurer of Massachusetts, focused on higher education. She spoke about her efforts in increasing college savings and financial education programs. Fitch stated that enrollments in college savings programs has doubled in a year. Fitch introduced Echo, the mockingbird mascot last month to help spread the message about college savings. Echo joined Fitch on stage and received a lot of applause. Fitch stated that if someone invests in their grandchild or child, it’s seven times more likely they will continue their education. Fitch also praised her financial education programs. Fitch stated that 48,000 people in the country have been offered financial education in just two years. She said there were 360 schools offering it in 71 countries. She said that these young people are confident and plan to go to college, because they are able to afford it. Credit scores are rising in states that require education. We’re going continue to help financial education.” Jim Hood, the lone Democrat statewide elected representative, came up swinging and criticised state leadership for failing to get the MEC’s push to increase highway funding through. Hood linked this to the Legislature’s push for “social problems” such as HB 1523, a religious freedom bill, that was brought to the Legislature during the session. Hood stated that “when they pass these social problems and we lose,” Hood asked, “guess which side pays the other’s legal fees?” Hood said that the expansion of transportation infrastructure was a way to get people employed and encourage the establishment of businesses in the state. Hood stated that highways are key to boosting the economy. We don’t have enough revenue. We have people who can swing hammers when we’re out building highways. People who are working and making money. These workers can purchase fuel and can also buy goods. It helps the economy.” Hosemann emphasized how his office’s online resources helped Mississippi businesses attract and retain customers. Hosemann praised his website, Y’all Business. It aggregated information from all 82 Mississippi county businesses so potential businesses can find the information they need. Cindy Hyde Smith, the commissioner for agriculture and commerce, spoke about recent state moves to support Mississippi farmers. Hyde-Smith stated that the state is looking to expand markets with China in order to support Mississippi’s poultry industry. This is the state’s No. 1 export. Hyde-Smith stated that she is open to exploring opening Cuba up as a market for Mississippi’s agriculture exports. Hyde Smith stated, “One thing is certain, we will eat every day,” and Stacey Pickering, the state auditor, followed Hyde Smith, rushing through many of his office’s wins, including the arrest this week of a New Albany resident accused of embezzling $300,000. As you have heard, Mississippi is among the top 10 states for enforcing corruption laws. Pickering stated that Mississippi takes right vs. error very seriously. Pickering was primarily concerned with the $104 million in federal grants that were being misappropriated by state agencies. Pickering stated that the money was not stolen or embezzled. Pickering said that the state has now hired 15 auditors to combat fraud and “incompetence” which has exposed the $104 million in dollars. “One hundred and forty million dollars can make a big difference in Mississippi’s public education. It would make a significant impact on public safety and would help build roads and bridges. Pickering stated that our commitment to you goes beyond eradicating corruption and embezzlement, as well as the fees, to also work on incompetence, misappropriation, and mismanagement that have cost our state dearly. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today.