Mississippi Edition

A look how the legislature is managing a budget deficit, and what’s next with the CARES Act funds.

Then, tattoo parlors are open again. We check in with owners to see how they’re adapting.

Plus, open enrollment for the MPACT college savings account is extended. We hear from State Treasurer David McRae.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Legislature is set to resume on May 26th, and when they do, appropriation of the remaining CARES Act funds will be a top priority. The $1.25 billion pot of federal aid is designated to help states recover from the financial challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, lawmakers passed a $300 million small business program. That bill is awaiting signature from Governor Tate Reeves. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says the next step for the available CARES Act funds is making sure counties municipalities, and hospitals are solvent. He joins us to discuss those priorities and how the legislature plans on managing a potential budget deficit.

Segment 2:

Tattoo parlors in Mississippi are reopening after being closed for nearly two months. The shops were closed as part of Governor Tate Reeves’s executive order to slow the public transmission of the coronavirus. Christian Cornin, owner of Carnivale Tattoo in Biloxi, says he is excited to reopen, but worries about customers' anxiety over cleanliness. He tells our Kobee Vance, even though he has always practiced strong shop hygiene, he knows people are apprehensive. Dani Shives is with Oxford Social Club. She says she's eager for the shop to return to its busy ways.

Segment 3:

State Treasurer David McRae is extending the open enrollment period for the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Plan or MPACT program to July 15. This College Savings Plan allows families to lock-in tuition rates and pre-pay their child's tuition. McRae, who began his first term in January, tells our Michael Guidry his first few months in office have been challenging, but he's excited about providing this opportunity to Mississippi families.