2025 Legislative Priorities

Policies to move Mississippi forward

Overview

Our vision is clear: We envision a Mississippi where we all thrive. In this future, every resident has access to the tools and resources needed to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. As such, One Voice’s 2025 Legislative Priorities pave the way for a just future by advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to empowering communities to engage in the issues most impacting their lives. Together, we can break down barriers and build a state that reflects our shared values of equity, opportunity, and inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind and that our goal of creating a better future for Mississippi is realized.

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Overview

Our vision is clear: We envision a Mississippi where we all thrive. In this future, every resident has access to the tools and resources needed to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. As such, One Voice’s 2025 Legislative Priorities pave the way for a just future by advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to empowering communities  to engage in the issues most impacting their lives. Together, we can break down barriers and build a state that reflects our shared values of equity, opportunity, and inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind and that our goal of creating a better future for Mississippi is realized.

Mission

Guided by principles of self-determination, One Voice ensures historically silenced communities have representation and influence in spaces of power.

Vision

We envision a Mississippi where we all THRIVE.

Tagline

ONE VILLAGE. ONE VISION. ONE VOICE.

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The Mississippi legislative session is a critical time when laws, policies, and budgets that impact every aspect of life in the state are decided. It’s not just for politicians to make decisions—it’s an opportunity for communities to demand accountability, push for equity, and advocate for meaningful change.

Education

Increase resources to make quality public education available to all.

We envision a Mississippi where every child, no matter their ZIP code, race, or income level, attends a fully funded school that is equipped with the resources and support needed to provide a high-quality, well-rounded education.

Our vision is rooted in the belief that equitable access to quality education is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of their circumstances. We recognize that education is the key to unlocking potential and breaking the cycle of poverty, and it is essential for creating a brighter future for all Mississippians.

Policy Recommendations

Expand quality state-funded pre-K education programs: To ensure that every child in Mississippi has a strong start, the state must invest in expanding quality early Pre-K programs. Despite being one of only five states to meet all ten quality benchmarks established by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). 1 Only 15% of four-year-olds currently have access to state-funded Pre-K programs.2 Mississippi ranks 35th in access, with an average investment of  just $3,281 per child enrolled in preschool.3 Expanding early Pre-K will not only increase kindergarten readiness for young children but also provide much-needed financial support for families with young children, advancing safe, reliable, high-quality childcare options throughout the state.

Fully fund the Mississippi School Funding Formula: During the 2024 Mississippi Legislative Session, lawmakers passed a new school funding formula, named the Mississippi School Funding Formula, after 27 years of chronically underfunding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program by over $3.5 billion.4 Even with increased funding for the state’s public schools though, historic patterns of underfunding and continued public school divestment raise concerns that schools may still face financial shortfalls, especially since the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that fully funding the previous formula was not mandatory.5

To provide Mississippi students with the resources they need to succeed, greater investments in public education are crucial. As of 2023, the state spent $11,932 per pupil, ranking 45th out of 51 states in per-pupil spending, which is approximately $4,000 less than the national average of $15,114.6 This funding gap directly affects educational quality. Mississippi must prioritize strong, equitable funding to ensure all students receive the education they need and deserve.

Keep public dollars in public schools: Public tax dollars are essential for funding public schools, ensuring that every child receives a quality education and that schools have the resources they need to thrive. However, when these funds are diverted to private institutions with little to no oversight, it undermines a public education system that serves 90% of Mississippi students.7

For example, currently, public school funds are diverted through The Children’s Promise Act, allowing individuals or corporations to donate to certified private schools and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for up to 50% of their state tax liability.8 Under this law, a total of $9 million in tax credit money can be diverted to private schools annually with minimal oversight.9

Lawmakers must protect public education funds by preventing their diversion to charter schools or voucher programs and restoring any funds already diverted. Clear policies should prohibit using public tax dollars for private or for-profit schools, ensuring resources stay focused on strengthening public education. Prioritizing these measures will help all Mississippi students, especially those in underfunded districts, receive the quality education they deserve.

Increase access and affordability in our higher education system: College has long been viewed as a pathway to prosperity, yet funding for public higher education in Mississippi has faced significant cuts, putting that promise at risk. Over the last decade, state funding per student has decreased by almost 34%, forcing universities to rely more heavily on tuition revenue, which has now reached an average of $8,833 annually.10 This increase places a substantial financial burden on students, especially those from low- and middle-income backgrounds.11 To counter these challenges, lawmakers must prioritize higher education funding by restoring state support and expanding financial aid, ensuring every student has a chance to pursue their dreams and contribute to a vibrant, growing economy.

End corporal punishment in schools: Corporal punishment is a form of discipline in which an adult inflicts pain on a child in response to behavior deemed unacceptable, including actions like spanking, paddling, confinement, excessive exercise, and enforced postures for long periods. In Mississippi, this practice remains legal, with the state being one of 17 in the U.S. that still permits it in public schools.12

Data from the Mississippi Department of Education for the 2021-22 school year shows nearly 60% of corporal punishment instances were administered to Black students, though they comprised only 47% of K-12 enrollment, while 35% involved white students, who made up 43% of enrollment. 13 To foster a healthier and more equitable learning environment, Mississippi should eliminate corporal punishment and shift toward restorative practices that prioritize conflict resolution and emotional well-being.

Expand community schools: Student success is influenced by both in-school factors and outside circumstances. Community schools enhance educational equity by tackling systemic barriers that affect access and opportunities, particularly for students from marginalized backgrounds. They focus on critical challenges like homelessness, lack of medical and dental services, and hunger.14 By effectively coordinating resources, community schools ensure comprehensive support without duplication of services.15

Lawmakers can promote these models by:

  • Developing funding strategies and resources across various state departments, including health, workforce development, and recreation, to support community schools.
  • Leveraging federal resources from the Every Student Succeeds Act to provide states and districts with the flexibility to meet the specific needs of their students and families.
  • Accepting Summer SNAP to ensure that children have reliable access to food during the summer months supports their overall health and readiness to learn when school resumes.

Criminal Justice

Redefine public safety in our communities.

We envision a Mississippi where criminal justice promotes safety and dignity.

Our vision is grounded in the belief that justice should heal, not harm. We seek to transform Mississippi’s criminal justice system into one that promotes safety and dignity through fair sentencing, investment in rehabilitation, and the elimination of racial and economic inequities.

Policy Recommendations

Reduce mass incarceration: Reducing mass incarceration in Mississippi is necessary to improve our communities. That is because the United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world. 16 Meanwhile, Mississippi ranks number one in mass incarceration―incarcerating more people than any other state in the country. 17 In addition, reducing mass incarceration can help address the state’s disproportionately high incarceration rates. In Mississippi, over 60% of those incarcerated are Black,18 despite Black people representing less than 40% of the state’s population.19

To effectively combat mass incarceration in Mississippi, state lawmakers should implement a comprehensive reform package that includes reducing penalties for low-level, non-violent offenses, particularly drug-related crimes; eliminating the habitual offender law to allow for more judicial discretion; increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment alternatives to incarceration; and expanding probation and parole reforms to minimize technical violations leading to reincarceration. Overall, reducing mass incarceration in Mississippi will create a more just, equitable, and safer state for all residents.

Improve prison conditions: Poor prison conditions, characterized by overcrowding, violence, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational and rehabilitative resources, have drawn significant scrutiny from the federal government. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice identified conditions at three Mississippi prisons—Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility—as violating constitutional standards.20

These facilities currently house about 7,200 individuals, leaving those incarcerated at higher risk of widespread physical violence due to inadequate supervision, insufficient measures to stop the flow of contraband, and poor investigation of serious incidents.21 These issues are exacerbated by low staffing levels, and the use of restrictive housing (commonly known as “solitary confinement”) poses a substantial risk of serious physical and psychological harm, particularly at Wilkinson and Central Mississippi facilities.22 Additionally, Mississippi’s prison system has faced ongoing criticism for inadequate living conditions, with extreme heat reaching up to 185 degrees.23

To secure compliance with constitutional standards in our state’s criminal justice system, promote public safety, and protect the rights of every Mississippian, state lawmakers must implement a robust reform package that prioritizes increasing access to medical and mental health care, revising needs and risk assessment classification systems, reducing mass incarceration, reducing overcrowding, modernizing existing infrastructure, and halting the construction or expansion of jails and prisons.

Reform the state’s bail practices: Money bail disproportionately impacts low-income individuals, leading to significant economic disparities within the justice system.24 In Mississippi, local fines and fees generated $77 million in revenue in 2019, which equates to $25.80 per capita, representing 1.3% of the state’s general fund revenue.25 Furthermore, 16 localities in the state derived 10% or more of their general revenue from fines and fees, emphasizing the need for more equitable local revenue-generating practices.26

To effectively address the issue of bail reform in Mississippi, state lawmakers should end money bail and enact legislation that limits pretrial detentions, allowing exceptions only in cases of imminent violence or a risk of willful flight. Also, by allowing alternatives for those unable to pay, such as community service opportunities and payment plans based on an individual’s ability to pay, Mississippi can effectively reduce mass incarceration while promoting public safety. In addition, reforming penalties for minor traffic violations that disproportionately affect Black and other communities of color will foster a fairer system. These changes will not only help reduce the state’s jail population but also ensure fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their economic status, promoting a more just and equitable criminal justice system.

Reduce collateral consequences, decrease recidivism, and increase access to reentry:  Recidivism is the tendency of a person who has previously been convicted of a crime to reoffend or return to criminal behavior, often resulting in re-arrest, reconviction, or reincarceration. In Mississippi, the three-year recidivism rate is approximately 36.8%. Mississippi’s five-year recidivism rate is more than 77%.27

To reduce recidivism and support successful reentry into society, Mississippi should implement policies that address the collateral consequences of involvement with the criminal justice system. Collateral consequences, such as the inability to secure housing, employment, or professional licenses, disproportionately affect individuals with criminal records, limiting their opportunities for stability and reintegration.

By reducing state and local reliance on fines and fees, banning the box on employment applications, and increasing access to re-entry services related to education, housing, employment, and healthcare, the state can significantly reduce recidivism. Altogether, by prioritizing rehabilitation over punitive measures, Mississippi can help to reduce incarceration rates, improve public safety, and ensure an individual’s successful reentry into his or her community after incarceration.

Energy Democracy

Advance climate and environmental equity.

We envision a Mississippi where every resident has access to clean, renewable energy sources, ensuring an equitable distribution of resources that leads to a sustainable future for all.

Our vision is rooted in the belief that access to clean, renewable energy is a fundamental right for all . By prioritizing sustainable energy solutions, we can create a more equitable distribution of resources that not only protects the environment but also stimulates economic growth.

Policy Recommendations

Expand access to reliable, high-speed internet access: To promote economic development, empower local communities, and decrease educational, income, and health disparities across Mississippi, expanding access to reliable high-speed internet, especially in underserved and rural areas, is essential. Currently, 26% of Mississippians lack access to broadband internet, and 50.1% live in areas that have only one internet provider, significantly affecting their ability to participate in educational and economic opportunities. 40

By prioritizing investments in broadband infrastructure, the state can ensure that all residents, regardless of their location, have equal access to online resources, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous Mississippi.

Invest in renewable energy to stimulate economic growth and provide sustainable communities: Energy is essential to Mississippi’s economy, and its prosperity relies on access to affordable, abundant sources. With global energy demand projected to rise nearly 50% over the next 25 years, meeting this need will require diverse energy sources and improved efficiency in buildings, transportation, and manufacturing.41 By investing in the development of infrastructure to improve energy efficiency, moving the state toward renewable energy sources, funding utility assistance programs, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and increasing programs to help mitigate the effects of flooding for weather events, Mississippi has a unique opportunity to lead in environmental justice by investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, expanding renewable energy, funding utility assistance, and enhancing flood mitigation programs. These actions will boost economic development, reduce emissions, improve energy affordability, and lessen natural disaster impacts.

Increase funding for utility access in Mississippi: Access to reliable utility services is a fundamental necessity for every Mississippian, yet many households face significant barriers due to insufficient funding for utility access programs, with 40% experiencing energy insecurity.42 Programs like the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are crucial, helping families afford electricity, heating, and water. Access to such assistance improves housing stability, reduces eviction risk, and enhances health and education outcomes. By investing in utility assistance programs and increasing state allocations for utility assistance programs, lawmakers can support essential services, promote economic stability, and foster healthier communities, contributing to long-term growth and resilience for Mississippi families.

Strengthen democratic infrastructure that promotes environmental equity: To advance democratic processes that promote equitable environmental solutions, lawmakers must support energy democracy, empowering communities to make decisions on renewable resources, efficiency upgrades, and energy debt elimination. This need is especially pressing in Mississippi, where 93% of the nation’s persistent poverty counties are serviced by electric cooperatives 43, and residents spend up to 42% of their income on electricity—well above the national average.44 Furthermore, Mississippi’s electric cooperative boards are only 6.6% African American45, despite the state’s 36.2% Black population,46 highlighting the urgent need for greater diversity and representation. Lawmakers can address these issues by enacting policies for representative cooperative boards, transparent decision-making, and funding for community-driven renewable projects, ensuring all residents have a voice in shaping their energy in the future.

Voting Rights

End Voter Suppression.

We envision a Mississippi where the political process is accessible to all, allowing every individual to have their voice heard and counted.

Our vision is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy thrives when all individuals have the opportunity to engage meaningfully in the political process. It is not just about casting a ballot; it is about fostering a culture of civic engagement and accountability that empowers every citizen in Mississippi. Together, we can build a political landscape where every voice is not only heard but also valued, paving the way for a more just and equitable society.

Policy Recommendations

End felony disenfranchisement and enact an effective suffrage procedure: Lawmakers must end felony disenfranchisement and establish a clear and effective suffrage process for citizens seeking to regain their voting rights. That is because Mississippi is among 10 states that ban at least some people with felony convictions from voting for life. 28 This ban on voting affects more than 10% of the state’s voting age population, including more than 90% of whom are no longer incarcerated.29 Even more, the ban affects nearly one in six Black adults.30

To have voting rights restored, people convicted of any of the 23 disenfranchising crimes must get a pardon from the governor or persuade lawmakers to pass individual bills just for them, with two-thirds approval of the House and Senate. And despite lawmakers approving 21 suffrage bills in 2024,31 the suffrage process remains difficult and ambiguous, leaving many more potentially eligible citizens without a meaningful path to getting their voting rights restored.

By implementing policies that not only abolish felony disenfranchisement but also create a straightforward procedure for requesting suffrage until that goal is realized, Mississippi can restore voting rights to those disenfranchised, thereby reducing disparities created by restrictive voting practices and promoting equitable participation in the state’s electoral process.

Expand voting rights: Mississippi’s voting laws remain some of the most restrictive in the nation.32 For instance, Mississippi is one of only 10 states to permanently restrict people convicted of certain felonies from voting. Mississippi also requires a photo ID to cast a ballot in person at the polls or by absentee ballot in the circuit or municipal clerk’s office, does not provide no-excuse absentee voting, does not allow early voting, and does not allow mail-in voting.

Alleviating barriers to the ballot and modernizing the state’s election processes through policies by prohibiting strict voter ID laws, reforming voter registration procedures to allow for automatic, online, and same-day voter registration, addressing language barriers to voting, allowing for no-excuse early voting and mail-in voting, and extending polling hours and locations will ensure a more efficient and inclusive voting experience for all.

Restore the state’s ballot initiative process: Restoring Mississippi’s ballot initiative process is crucial for enhancing democratic participation and empowering citizens to effect change. Historically, the ballot initiative process allowed citizens to propose legislation directly, ensuring their voices were heard in government decision-making when the Legislature refused to address issues that mattered to them.33

Through this process, Mississippians successfully changed the state flag from a symbol associated with the Confederate battle emblem to one that is more inclusive of all residents.34 However, in 2021, the Mississippi Supreme Court struck down an initiative legalizing medical marijuana and ruled that the process for gathering signatures for an initiative to be placed on the ballot was unconstitutional. 35At the time of the ruling, there were six pending ballot initiatives, including proposals to expand Medicaid, allow early voting, and approve recreational marijuana use.36 This ruling made Mississippi the only state in recent history to overturn its initiative process, and the legislature has yet to restore it for three consecutive legislative sessions.37

By reinstating a fair and accessible ballot initiative process, Mississippi can enhance civic engagement, reduce barriers to political participation, and ensure that citizens have a direct avenue to influence legislation that affects their lives.

Eliminate unnecessary voter purges: Voter purging is the process by which election officials remove individuals from voter registration rolls. While intended to maintain accurate and up-to-date records, the practice has increasingly become a tool of voter suppression. For example, Mississippi allows voter purging if an individual has not voted in two consecutive federal elections immediately following the sending of a confirmation card by the election commission.38 This practice, justified under the guise of maintaining accurate voter rolls, undermines voter participation and disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. It often leads to the disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly those from minority and low-income backgrounds who may face barriers to regular voting.39 Eliminating unnecessary voter purges is essential to ensuring every eligible voter in Mississippi remains on the rolls, thereby strengthening the state’s democratic process. Instead of purging inactive voters, the state should focus on outreach efforts to encourage voter participation and ensure that all citizens have equal access to the ballot box.

Economic Justice

Advocate for systems that advance economic mobility.

We envision a Mississippi where equitable systems reduce poverty and encourage economic mobility, enabling families to support one another and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Our vision is rooted in the understanding that economic justice requires accountability and transparency in government spending and that wealth and opportunity should not be concentrated in the hands of a few, but rather distributed equitably among all citizens. By advocating for systems that promote economic mobility and reduce poverty we can ensure that all communities benefit from public investments and services.

Policy Recommendations

Improve the state’s budget-making process to include open, inclusive budgeting: To promote greater equity and community empowerment in Mississippi’s budget process, it is essential to adopt participatory budgeting practices that enhance transparency, inclusivity, and public engagement. In 2024, lawmakers passed a $7 billion state budget.47 However, Mississippi’s budget is usually passed behind closed doors during the last weekend of the session. 47 Many lawmakers vote on the budget, often without a comprehensive understanding of how the proposed spending measures align with past budgets.49

This lack of transparency and inclusiveness disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, as decisions made behind closed doors often fail to reflect the needs and priorities of those most affected. Instead of a rushed, closed budget process, lawmakers should consider participatory budgeting. Research indicates that participatory budgeting can significantly increase community involvement and ensure that budgetary decisions align with the values and necessities of residents.50 By implementing participatory budgeting the Mississippi Legislature can foster a budget process that is not only open and accessible but also equitable, empowering communities to influence the allocation of state resources and ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping the future of the state.

Strengthen the state’s income tax system: Mississippi’s tax system is critical for funding essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, the state’s tax structure is inadequate for generating enough revenue to support these services.51 In addition, as a result of our tax system, income disparities are larger in Mississippi after state and local taxes are collected than before.

In 2022, lawmakers passed the largest tax cut in the state’s history, benefiting primarily the wealthy.52 Under House Bill 531, starting in 2026, Mississippi will implement a flat 4% income tax on earnings over $10,000.53 Once fully implemented, this will cost the state $535 million annually.54 This is in addition to the over 50 tax cuts that have drained $577 million from the state’s budget, mostly benefiting the wealthy and corporations since 2012.55 Less than 20% of all tax cut dollars will go towards families making less than $50,000.56 Also, the $25,500 tax cut the top 1% of Mississippians would get from eliminating the income tax is more money than over a third of Mississippi households make in a year.57

Still, lawmakers are considering fully eliminating the state income tax. To avoid further revenue loss, harming our state’s public services, and worsening income inequality, lawmakers should halt additional income tax cuts and maintain the current 5% tax bracket.58 They could also implement a new 6% tax on incomes over $100,000, which would raise revenue without affecting 80% of Mississippians.59

Enact an Earned Income Tax Credit: EITCs are tax credits that benefit low-to-moderate-income working families by reducing personal income tax liability based on a certain percentage of the family’s earnings.60 Ultimately, the credit provides a much-needed boost for working families who are raising children and are particularly helpful for women, Black, and other workers of color―groups that historically and disproportionately work in low-wage jobs.61

As of December 2023, 319,000 Mississippi families filed federal EITC claims for a combined total EITC amount of $961 Million.62 The average EITC amount for the state totaled $3,010.63 This amount is higher than any other state in the nation.64 Mississippi should join the thirty-one states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico that have boosted opportunity for workers through a state EITC. State EITCs are easy to administer, cost less than 2% of the state tax revenues each year, and they are specifically targeted to low-and moderate-income workers.65 If implemented, a state EITC should be refundable. Refundable credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund for the portion of the credit that exceeds their income tax bill. By adopting an EITC, Mississippi has the opportunity to foster a more inclusive economy, ensuring that working families can achieve greater financial security and well-being.

Enact a state Child Tax Credit: Child Tax Credits are designed to alleviate financial burdens, helping families make ends meet by providing crucial financial support. The federal Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per eligible child (under age 17 at the end of the tax year) and includes a $500 non-refundable credit for families with qualifying non-child dependents.66

Currently, 15 states have enacted a Child Tax Credit.67 If Mississippi were to enact a Child Tax Credit, it should be refundable, meaning that families should receive a tax refund even if the credit exceeds the amount of their tax bill. A Mississippi Child Tax Credit should also be extended per child, including a young child bonus, and be eligible for all residents. It should be indexed so it does not erode over time and should be potentially advanceable/monthly.

A well-structured Child Tax Credit could drastically reduce child poverty in Mississippi, even in a state with one of the highest child poverty rates in the nation, with 27.7% of children living in poverty.68

In addition, a well-structured Child Tax Credit can stimulate state and local economies.69 Research shows that every dollar spent on the Child Tax Credit generates an estimated $1.50 to $2.00 in economic activity.70 By investing in a Child Tax Credit, Mississippi can take a significant step toward ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive, while also boosting the overall economic health of communities across the state.

Tackle the state’s high grocery tax: Eliminating the state’s grocery tax, reducing it by half from 7.0% to 3.5%, or providing a grocery tax credit is a critical policy solution that can alleviate financial burdens for Mississippi families, particularly those with lower incomes. Currently, Mississippi has the highest sales tax rate on groceries in the nation, with a tax rate of 7.0%, making it one of only three states that tax groceries at the full state sales tax rate.71 This tax disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income households, who spend a larger percentage of their income on food.72 If this tax were cut in half, Mississippians would save, on average, around $20.35 weekly, or over $1,000 in savings annually.73 By prioritizing the elimination of the grocery tax, Mississippi can enhance economic equity, support struggling families, and promote healthier eating habits by making nutritious food more affordable.

Expand Medicaid: Mississippi is one of ten states that have yet to expand Medicaid.74 As a result, currently there are over 200,000 uninsured adults with incomes below the poverty line who are currently caught in the Medicaid coverage gap.75

Expanding Medicaid would significantly increase access to healthcare services for those with low incomes, ultimately reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for children and families. In addition, expanding Medicaid would also help stabilize the state’s healthcare system by increasing federal funding and enabling more residents to receive necessary medical care, thus lowering the overall cost of healthcare in the long term.76 Research indicates that Mississippi could realize a net fiscal benefit of $690 million over two years if expansion had been implemented in 2022.77

Given these benefits, Mississippi lawmakers should prioritize the expansion of Medicaid as a strategic move to enhance public health and well-being across the state. By expanding Medicaid, Mississippi could not only increase access to healthcare, it could also help reduce health-related disparities and improve the stability of health systems, including rural hospitals and community health centers.

Reform Mississippi’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a cash assistance program that combines federal and state funding to provide much-needed support to working families experiencing poverty. As a critical tool of our nation’s economic support system and critical support for some families experiencing a crisis or change of circumstances, across the nation, and especially in Mississippi, TANF falls short in providing the support that families need.

Currently, due to misuse, scandal, and administrative hurdles, Mississippi’s TANF program is not reaching families in need. In fact, Mississippi has one of the lowest benefit levels in the nation, providing assistance to only 10% of families living in poverty, compared to the national average of 23%.78 Lawmakers should reform TANF in Mississippi by increasing the TANF benefit to a level that actually supports families and helps them escape the cycle of poverty; simplifying the eligibility process, reducing administrative hurdles, ending behavioral control and restrictions to accessing assistance, and ensuring that the program is reaching the families who need it most; and using TANF funding for its original purpose—helping families with children attain economic stability. By prioritizing these reforms, Mississippi can ensure that its TANF program effectively addresses the needs of its most vulnerable residents.

Reform Mississippi’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): As one of the nation’s most important anti-hunger programs, SNAP is an important part of the federal safety net and is a critical anti-poverty tool available for Mississippians. To better support low-income families in Mississippi, the state should reform its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by increasing benefit levels and eliminating behavioral controls and restrictions that hinder access to assistance.

Currently, Mississippi has one of the lowest average SNAP benefits in the nation, which contributes to food insecurity for many families. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 413,700 Mississippians rely on SNAP benefits79, with the program lifting an estimated 103,000 people above the poverty line in Mississippi, including 47,000 children.80 By raising benefit levels, the state can ensure that families have the resources needed to afford nutritious food, thus supporting healthier eating habits and improving overall health outcomes.

Adopt Paid Family and Medical Leave: To enhance the well-being of Mississippi’s workforce, state lawmakers should adopt a policy that provides up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. Currently, while the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, it leaves many families vulnerable due to financial insecurity during crucial times such as the birth of a child or caring for a sick family member. And as of now, only eleven states offer paid family leave programs.81

Research indicates that paid family leave leads to a reduction in employee turnover and increases productivity, as workers are less stressed and more focused when they know they have the financial support to care for their families. 82 By implementing a paid family leave policy, Mississippi can significantly improve retention rates in the labor force and foster a healthier population, while also addressing critical social determinants of health.

Implement a state liveable wage: A livable wage ensures that more low-wage workers are paid enough to cover basic living expenses. A livable wage will be a great benefit to women, particularly Black women and other women of color. 83 Forty-six states have a state minimum wage.84 Thirty states have a minimum wage above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.85 Five states―Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee―have not adopted a state minimum wage.86And two states―Georgia and Wyoming―have a minimum wage below the federal minimum wage.87

As one of the five states without a minimum wage, Mississippi applies the federal minimum wage of $7.25.88 The federal minimum wage has not changed since 2009, and if the minimum wage had been raised at the same pace as productivity growth since the late 1960s, it would be over $20 an hour today.89

Along with adopting a state minimum wage, Mississippi lawmakers should consider gradually raising the minimum wage to $15 to help women and families adequately cover basic needs.90 Providing a livable wage to Mississippians would help reduce poverty, improve income inequality, and ensure a better quality of life for the state’s women, children, and families.

Reduce Child Hunger: In 2024, Governor Tate Reeves opted out of the federal SUN Bucks summer food program, which would have provided $120 per child to families in Mississippi.91 While federally funded, states were responsible for half of the administrative costs.92 This decision left around 324,000 children in Mississippi without support, missing out on approximately $38 million in benefits and a potential economic impact of $58-70 million.93 To address this, state lawmakers should direct the Mississippi Department of Education and Mississippi Department of Human Services to secure funding for administrative costs and opt into the program in future years, ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals for children statewide.

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