BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – State Representative Kevin Felsher mentioned healthcare, retirement system reform, and school choice might be amongst his prime priorities when the 2026 Mississippi legislative session begins in Jackson.
PERS funding and reform
Felsher mentioned lawmakers have been reviewing insurance policies associated to the Public Employees’ Retirement System or PERS, which he referred to as “a huge issue.” The retirement system is presently about 55% funded with a $26-27 billion shortfall, in response to Felsher.
“We need a steady source of funding, whether that be through redoing the lottery, how that’s allocated, or perhaps sports gambling,” Felsher mentioned.
Due to a latest change, PERS now requires regulation enforcement officers to work for 35 years for full retirement advantages, regardless of age. Felsher mentioned that the timeline is just too lengthy, given the each day stress officers face.
“I do think we have to come up with a solution to that. I’m working on that as we speak,” Felsher mentioned.
Healthcare funding and entry
The Biloxi consultant, who additionally serves as vice chair of public well being, mentioned Mississippi acquired simply over $200 million in federal healthcare funding. Felsher mentioned the cash will broaden group healthcare entry and broaden telehealth providers.
Felsher mentioned the funding may help scholarship applications for physicians to handle Mississippi’s scarcity of docs.
Sports betting laws
Felsher expressed optimism that cell sports betting might move this 12 months after being held up within the Senate in earlier periods. He mentioned any program would wish to guard present on line casino operations whereas permitting residents to make use of cell units for sports playing.
“I’m hopeful this year could be the year that we get a sensible mobile sports betting program that protects the integrity of our brick-and-mortars,” Felsher mentioned.
Education and know-how coaching
Felsher plans to introduce the Future Innovators Act, which might require laptop science and AI programs in all Mississippi faculties by the 2029-2030 school 12 months.
“Every child in Mississippi will graduate with the knowledge of computer science and AI,” Felsher mentioned.
The laws builds on the 2022 Computer Science and Cyber Education Equality Act.
School choice
School choice applications would enable households to make use of public funds to enroll their youngsters in faculties outdoors their assigned native possibility, together with personal faculties. The subject is predicted to be a big-ticket merchandise this session.
Felsher mentioned Gulf Coast districts are “blessed” with many ‘A’ rated faculties, however famous that there are 9 failing districts statewide that have an effect on 1000’s of college students.
“Because of their zip code, they are trapped in a school district that is providing an F-level education. That’s not fair,” Felsher mentioned.
He mentioned he might help complete school choice laws that additionally addresses instructor shortages and low pay.
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