Governor Phil Bryant gives his State of the State address today at the Capitol. Lawmakers talk about what they'd like to hear as the governor shares his vision for 2017 and beyond.
Republican Senator Brice Wiggins of Pascagoula, wants Governor Phil Bryant to support using BP settlement money for the Gulf Coast and improve early childhood education.
"We've now been rated top #5 in the county in quality of early education. We need to build on the success that we have. So, those are two big things," said Wiggins.
The senator would also like to hear Bryant discuss workforce development training. House Democrat Jarvis Dortch of Hinds County, thinks the governor should talk about ways to generate tax revenue to avoid shortfalls.
"I do want to hear some type of plan where we're going to have some growth in revenue that will allow us to pay for some things we need in this state, like healthcare, roads and bridges," said Dortch.
Last week the governor cut $51 million from the state budget and took $4 million from the Rainy Day Fund to close a budget gap. Republican Joey Hood of Ackerman is concerned about the state's budget.
"I look forward to hearing his opinion on the budget and how we're going to move forward. We all know it's going to be a lean budget year and I think that's going to be a very important topic moving forward," said Hood.
House Democrat Jay Hughes of Oxford hopes Bryant will talk about ways the state will improve the quality of public education.
"And what real plans they have not policy, but what plans can be enacted that protects and preserves or creates jobs in all small communities, not just one massive plant," said Hughes.
The Governor's State of the State address begins at: 5:30. It will air live on MPB TV, Think Radio and streamed on our website, MPB online.org.
