Vaccinating Mississippians for the coronavirus tops the concerns some legislators want to hear Governor Tate Reeve address. They say constituents want to know when the vaccine will be available after appointments are cancelled. And Republican Representative Donnie Bell of Fulton says there’s no drive-thru vaccination site in Itawamba county, making it difficult for the elderly to be vaccinated. There are only 19 drive-thru sites statewide.
“It’s tough for them to drive 50, 60, maybe 75 miles to get the vaccine. They’re not able to do that. I think as a state we can prepare more sites available or at least one in every county,” said Bell.
Bell, the chair of the Workforce Development Committee also wants to hear the governor’s approach to funding technical training and education. Democratic Senator Angela Turner-Ford of West Point chairs the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus. She’ll be listening for the governor’s goals for bringing teacher pay up to the southeastern average, access to broadband and expanding Medicaid.
“The fact that we are in the midst of a global pandemic hopefully that would cause him to reassess where we are and want to make change in the area of Medicaid expansion. It’s certainly something I would support,” said Turner-Ford
Republican Senator Joey Fillingane of Sumrall chairs the Judiciary B Committee. He wants to learn Reeves' goals for infrastructure and economic development.
“Well we also love to hear about some of the executive agencies for instance the MDA (Mississippi Development Authority) and economic development projects around the state. I know there have been some announcements even down here in South Mississippi in my area recently, news businesses coming and locating and expanding and hiring people ” said Fillingane.
The Governor’s State of the State Address takes place at 2:30 this afternoon.
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