Mississippi Happenings

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Representative Justis Gibbs to discuss pressing issues in Mississippi, including taxation, public education funding, prison reform, and voter rights. The conversation delves into the implications of eliminating the state income tax, the Inspire Act's impact on education funding, and the need for reform in the prison system to protect inmates' rights. Gibbs emphasizes the importance of restoring voting rights for those with nonviolent felonies and the challenges faced in the legislative process. The episode highlights the interconnectedness of these issues and the ongoing efforts to advocate for the citizens of Mississippi.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings
01:29 Taxation and Its Implications
05:47 Negotiating Tax Legislation
09:13 House vs. Senate Tax Plans
11:01 Funding Social Services
14:01 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
25:48 The Inspire Act and Education Funding
33:27 Grocery Tax Rates in Mississippi
34:26 Tax Proposals and Their Implications
38:10 Diversity in Political Representation
42:58 Strategies for Local Democratic Engagement
46:48 Legislation for Inmate Protection
55:42 Voting Rights for the Incarcerated
01:00:39 Restoring the Initiative Process
01:07:00 CLOSING