Mississippi Edition

A bill to improve distance learning is making its way through the legislature.

Then, the latest State of the State survey examines voters’ attitudes about government priorities and leadership during the pandemic.

Plus, for the first time in three years, Mississippi dropped in the Kids Count Data Book rankings. We look at the reasons why.

Segment 1:

The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting the struggles rural and poor school districts are having to provide quality distance learning. The Equity in Distance Learning Act, passed by the Senate and now being considered in the House, is designed to address those disparities. The legislation would provide every public school student in Mississippi with a laptop or tablet, while improving upgrading current technology and wifi access.

House Democrat Gregory Holloway of Hazlehurst is on the House Education Committee. He tells our Desare Frazier he hopes the act can help bridge the gap between Mississippi's rural districts and their more affluent counterparts.

Segment 2:

The latest Millsaps College - Chism Strategies, State of the State Survey comes during a time of heightened public health concerns and economic anxiety. The coronavirus pandemic has set the legislative calendar back months, and a shortfall in revenue means lawmakers will have tough decisions to make when drafting the budget for the next fiscal year. Brannon Miller is the Director of Voter Targeting for Chism Strategies. He says voters are keeping an eye how taxpayer money is being prioritized, and a plurality of them want legislators to protect funding for education. Miller shares this and more results from the survey with our Michael Guidry.

Segment 3:

For the first time in three years, Mississippi's ranking in the annual Kids Count Data Book decreased - falling from 48th to 49th in 2020. The rank is according to new data released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Children's Foundation of Mississippi.  The four domains used in the national rankings include health, education, economic well-being, and family and community. Linda Southward is the Executive Director of the Children's Foundation of Mississippi. She tells us, despite it's low ranking, Mississippi showed improvement in many of the study's indicators.