Mississippi Edition

The Lt. Governor previews the upcoming legislative session while considering safety measures during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Then, a moratorium that prevents evictions has been extended by the federal government. But one apartment association leader says unpaid housing bills are still piling up for thousands of Mississippians.

Plus, a museum district receives grant funding to create more engagement spaces for Mississippi families.

Segment 1:

Mississippi lawmakers are scheduled to return to the capital city tomorrow for the second session of the legislative term. Last year's session brought a slew of promises - including teacher pay raises and criminal justice reform. But the coronavirus pandemic interrupted the regular calendar and altered some policy priorities. A rising awareness of racial injustice prompted lawmakers to retire the state flag in the summer, which was followed by an outbreak among members that halted business for months.  

With coronavirus transmission at a rate more severe now than ever, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann is proposing the legislature postpone the majority of the session until March 1st. Hosemann shares his concerns along with his priorities and outlook for the 2021 session. 

Segment 2:

Temporary relief is being extended for some Mississippi residents who have been unable to pay rent during the coronavirus pandemic. Part of the relief bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump last month protects renters from eviction for at least one more month, but they will continue to receive bills. James Burwell, President-Elect of the Mississippi Apartment Association tells our Kobee Vance there will need to be more rental assistance programs in 2021 to help renters and property owners through the remainder of the coronavirus pandemic.

Segment 3:

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation is awarding a nearly $4 million grant to create a state-of-the-art complex for physical and educational activities. The grant is for the LeFleur’s Bluff State Park Education and Tourism Partnership - a collaboration between Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Susan Gerrard is the President and CEO of the Children's Museum. She shares more about the grant and the partnership with our Michael Guidry.