Philadelphia, Miss. — Lieutenant Governor Hosemann spoke at the Neshoba County Fair on Wednesday, discussing priorities ahead of preparing for the 2026 legislative session. His remarks focused on building upon recent successes in education, boosting labor force participation, investing in Mississippi families, supporting the military and veterans, and continuing to run state government like a business.

“We’re committed to good, conservative government that works by investing in education, growing our workforce, supporting families, and streamlining state government to better serve you and reduce your taxes,” said Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann.

Education

  • Proposing another teacher pay raise to address shortages and retain top talent.
  • Increasing incentives for retired teachers to return to teaching.
  • Addressing chronic absenteeism, which now affects nearly 1 in 4 students, by increasing pay for School Attendance Officers and placing them directly under local school districts.
  • Push for a state-wide ban on cellphone usage during classroom instruction.

Government Reorganization

  • The Government Structure Committee is reviewing the state’s organizational chart for opportunities to merge, streamline, reduce duplication, and cut costs and “red tape.”

Military 

  • Aim to boost military recruitment and retainment by studying ways to expand access to healthcare, strengthen suicide prevention, and reduce veteran homelessness.

Housing

  • Launching a Housing Study Committee to provide a plan to address the shortage of starter homes and access for first-time homebuyers.

Revitalizing Jackson

  • Establishing the Jackson Study Committee to propose strategies for increasing economic activity in the Capital City.

Tax Rebate

  • Proposing a $316 million tax rebate to return 15% of taxpayers’ money, made possible in part by a growing economy under the Trump administration and Mississippi’s continued commitment to fiscally conservative policies, strategic investments, and responsible budgeting.

Retirement System

  • Building on recent reforms to the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) by creating a new, dedicated recurring revenue stream of $100 million in addition to the increased employer contribution rate.

Workforce

  • To boost labor force participation by the creation of a “Mississippi Reconnect Program” aimed at helping non-traditional students without an associate degree or certification return to school, earn a credential, and connect with high-skill, high-demand jobs tuition free.

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