Gov. Bryant Delivers 2015 State of the State Address

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) — In his fourth State of the State address, Gov. Phil Bryant presented his priorities to lawmakers for the 2015 legislative session. Major proposals include an income tax cut for working Mississippians and a $50 million investment in workforce training.

“In the three years that have passed, we have achieved remarkable things together,” Bryant said. “We have created one of the most job-friendly states in America…For the third year in a row, we have been awarded a Silver Shovel…and The American Economic Development Institute also ranks our Mississippi Development Authority as number nine in the nation among state economic development entities.”

Bryant highlighted the growing strength of Mississippi’s economy, as indicated by a decrease in the unemployment rate, an increase in job creation and a projected increase in personal income.

Workforce Development
“We realize that finding a job can and has changed lives for the better, so we must do all in our power to put people to work. Tonight, I am announcing the Keep Mississippi Working Fund—a program that will move nearly $50 million over the next two years without putting a demand on the General Fund.”

Due to reduced demand on Mississippi’s Unemployment Trust Fund, $50 million will instead be allocated for workforce training in high-demand industries. The Keep Mississippi Working Fund will not increase taxes.

The governor also called on the Legislature to fund a $3 million scholarship program for high school students in career tech programs to pursue skills certifications and academic degrees at Mississippi’s community and junior colleges.

“I believe with these two programs, we can focus on creating a world-class workforce. With that accomplished, our economic progress can be unlimited,” Gov. Bryant said of the workforce development initiative and scholarship program.

Economy
The governor highlighted Mississippi’s financial strength, as well, reporting that the state’s gross domestic product continues to exceed $100 billion, that revenue is projected to grow by almost $166 million for Fiscal Year 2016, that the state’s Rainy Day Fund is filled to its statutory limit and that the state’s credit rating remains a strong double A.

“In short, we pay our bills, save our money and invest wisely.”

Education
Bryant reviewed the transformational public education reforms enacted under his administration and conveyed to lawmakers that his administration is working to put more money in Mississippi classrooms.

“To put more funding in the classroom, I signed into law a historic two-year $100 million teacher pay raise. Performance Based Pilot programs continue in 14 school districts and over $1 million has gone to teachers who are performing at the highest levels. We have also appropriated $65 million in the last three years for the National Board Certified Teacher Program.

“The Education Week Research Center ranks Mississippi as 19th in the nation for state expenditures on K-12 education as a percentage of state taxable resources. No less authority than the U.S. Department of Education lists our state as number twelve in the nation for school expenditures as a percentage of the state’s gross domestic product.

“My Executive Budget Recommendation increases MAEP funding by $53 million over the current year. Under my recommendation MAEP funding will reach nearly $2.2 billion or a 2.5 percent annual increase. Funding for K-12 overall will reach $2.5 billion. It includes $41 million for the second year of a $100 million teacher pay raise and $15 million for more reading coaches to assist in the literacy program within the Third Grade Gate.

“I believe most of us want to fund reforms in education that work and make certain the money goes to the classroom.”

The governor also called on the Legislature to send the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act to his desk for signature.

“Mississippi children with special needs, and their parents, deserve nothing less.”

Tax Cut for Working Mississippians
“Each year we have worked together to balance our budget and this year will certainly be no different, with one exception. This year I intend to take the bold and controversial position that when times are good, we shouldn’t spend all the money.

“In fact, I will ask you to give a raise to the people who need it most—the working people of Mississippi. I have proposed a Working Families Tax Cut that would provide an income tax credit to working Mississippians earning up to $52,000 annually.

“I realize the legislative process will generate additional ideas to provide tax relief to Mississippi families. The good news is I am open to any number of tax cuts that put money in the pockets of working Mississippians. In short, put a tax cut on my desk, and I will sign it.”

State Contract Reform
“Last year also brought us man made challenges such as those at the Department of Corrections—this even as we passed the most comprehensive corrections and criminal justice reform in this state’s history. But, as with all challenges, there exist opportunities. With a stellar independent task force to review all contracts within the department, we will make changes to add accountability to the Department of Corrections and beyond. With your help, we will bring long needed reform to laws governing state contracts, including an overhaul of our state’s contract review board.

“I will also ask for your help with several reforms to narrow the use of emergency and single source contracts across state government. We will ask to transfer control of all corrections farming land to the authority of the Secretary of State and place the corrections inmate welfare account at the Treasurer’s Office to separate controls of income and expenditures. With your support and the leadership of Marshall Fisher, we will reform the Department of Corrections and make it a system of efficiency, accountability and outcomes.”

“This is a new year for Mississippi and for all of us, filled with promise and challenges. Being an optimist, I always look for greater possibilities. I believe Mississippi can and will improve its public education system, build a stronger economy, become a healthier place to live and put our people to work…But if we are to do so, we must set aside our petty, political differences and seek real solutions in both our economic and social environments.

“Last year, I asked you to make a simple but profound change to our state seal. Some said it was a waste of time, but we knew better. You see by simply adding our national motto to the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi, we professed our understanding of a higher power over the affairs of men. We expressed a faith that this wonderful state will continue to be blessed. Let us now and forever boldly and without apology affirm, In God we trust.”