Medicaid expansion continues to be at the top of the list for the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus but there hasn’t been enough bi-partisan support. Democratic Senator Angela Turner-Ford of West, chairs the caucus. She says the coronavirus pandemic is devastating communities and shows the need to make healthcare access a priority.
“But there’s been opposition to it. Hopefully there is a desire to look on people with compassion and try to create systems for them to get healthcare as the need,” said Turner- Ford.
Turner-Ford says they also want to increase the number of Medicaid waivers to provide more access to care for the elderly, disabled and those with traumatic brain injuries. Fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education program is on the list as well as increasing teacher pay.
“Mississippi teachers need to receive a pay that reaches the southeastern average and we need to develop a plan for that rate of pay to be maintained,” said Turner-Ford.
Members want election reform including restoring voting rights for those who have been incarcerated and served their time. Democratic Representative John Hines of Greenville says making early voting available and registering to vote online are critical.
“I’m actually in favor that as soon as a child turns 18 or say they get their driver’s permit they’re automatically uploaded to the database,” said Hines.
Members also say more mental health services are needed along with criminal justice reforms.
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