Transcript Highlights:

• workforce, uh, we have developed and coordinated and launched what we call Power Path, which is a K-12
• Equip Mississippi is the K-12 equipment grant program.
• There are some situations where our schools, K-12 specifically, cannot take a grant because they don't

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 14 January, 2026: 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: MDES presented its FY27 budget request, describing the agency as a special fund workforce agency focused on helping Mississippians get jobs through employment services, labor market information, and unemployment insurance. Executive Director Bill Ashley said the revised request seeks level spending authority similar to FY26, with line-item changes driven mainly by higher salaries and fringe benefits and lower contractual services. He said MDES currently has 406 employees, 28 active recruitments, and six additional planned positions, for a requested total of 440 positions, down from 453 authorized last year. The request also includes $1.4 million for the State Longitudinal Data System and $400,000 for Accelerate Mississippi fiscal support. Committee members asked about the SLDS pass-through funding, whether it is recurring, and the staffing/pin changes; MDES explained the SLDS is a recurring annual pass-through and that the staffing request reflects turnover and recruitment needs rather than a net expansion. Accelerate Mississippi then outlined its FY27 request and program updates. Officials said the office is requesting level funding overall, with some salary adjustments tied to benefits and two new positions, including one for Talent Solutions and one systems administrator. They described workforce initiatives such as Encore, a recruiter/instructor program; Facet, a partnership with Northwest Mississippi Community College to strengthen instructor preparation; Power Path, a K-12 advanced manufacturing credential model; and expanded career coach activity, reporting 204 coaches serving 209 schools and more than 22,000 unique student interactions. They also reviewed funding streams for workforce enhancement training, Mississippi Works, Equip Mississippi, and ARPA, saying ARPA funds are on track to be fully spent by the September 30 reimbursement deadline and that monthly check-ins are being used to ensure funds are drawn down. Members asked about the budget changes, the use of contractual services, and the career coach program; the office said it was shifting some audit and monitoring costs to the funds being monitored and was not requesting an increase for career coach funding. The Mississippi community college presidents and the Community College Board also presented their budget priorities. They reported that Mississippi community colleges served 88,600 students in academic year 2023 and said the system’s graduation rate is about 42 percent, with a goal of reaching 55 percent. Their FY27 request includes a 6 percent salary increase for employees, increased basic operations funding, and continued support for CTE Advantage programs, totaling $61.5 million in general support. On facilities, they requested $150 million after receiving no facilities funding last year, citing roughly $413 million in identified needs across capital improvements, repairs and renovations, and pre-planning. The Community College Board requested restoration of $310,000 in general fund cuts and a new $2 million appropriation for adult education, noting that an estimated 300,000 to 330,000 Mississippians lack a high school diploma. No votes were taken during the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• BEST YOU COULD FOR ALL MISSISSIPPIANS<00:12:02.680> IN<00:12:03.080> THE<00:12:03.680>
• :12:10.000> CHRIST,<00:12:10.480> WE<00:12:10.640> PRAY.
• flag of<00:12:22.680> the<00:12:22.720> United<00:12:23.240> States<00:12:23.720
• and<00:12:25.160> to<00:12:25.520> the<00:12:25.600> republic<00:12:26.480>
• , with<00:12:31.640> liberty<00:12:32.360> and<00:12:32.440> justice<00:12:32.920

Keywords: MS House Floor - 14 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, during which the guest minister, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Gladney, offered a prayer focused on justice, health care, public education, accessible elections, and economic progress across Mississippi. Members then introduced several guests, including a doctor of the day, local officials, former legislators, and visitors in the galleries. On the calendar, the House adopted several blocks of House Concurrent Resolutions and House Resolutions, with the recorded vote on one block showing 120 yeas and 0 nays. The chamber then took up House Bill 325, which removes the sunset repealer from the lottery-funded transportation program so the first $80 million continues to go to transportation and the remainder to the education enhancement fund. The sponsor said the bill does not change the program’s substance and is intended to allow MDOT to keep planning beyond 2028; a question was raised about whether education enhancement funds could later be redirected to PERS, and the sponsor said that could be considered later. The bill passed 121 yeas, 0 nays. Later, members made announcements, including notice of committee meetings and a Mississippi State Medical Association Alliance screening event. The House also observed the death of former Representative Jerry Wilburn and agreed to adjourn in his memory, with the full membership added as co-authors unless they opt out. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 14 January, 2026: 8:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in<01:12:01.920> the<01:12:02.080> last<01:12:02.239> couple<01:12:02.480>
• <01:12:08.640> And<01:12:08.800> again,<01:12:09.120> we'll<01:12:09.440>
• So, uh<01:12:27.199> we're<01:12:27.360> very<01:12:27.600> excited<01:12:27.840
• :12:41.120> middle<01:12:41.360> school<01:12:41.600> and<01:12:41.840> then<
• high school<01:12:42.560> and<01:12:42.800> they're<01:12:42.960> taking<01:12:

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.399> but<00:12:20.639> I<00:12:20.880> know<00:12:20.959> it<00:12:21.200
• I know<00:12:22.959> it<00:12:23.120> is<00:12:23.279> in<00:12:23.600> fantastic
• <00:12:24.240> hands and<00:12:28.959> I<00:12:29.200> look<00:12:29.360>
• forward<00:12:29.760> to<00:12:30.079> my<00:12:30.320> role<00:12:30.720><
• <01:12:01.840> to<01:12:02.000> disappoint<01:12:02.560> all<01:12:02.719>

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened for the first day of session and first elected Delegate Luke Clippinger as Speaker Pro Tem. Members nominated and seconded him with remarks praising his leadership, work on Judiciary Committee issues, and ability to mentor colleagues. Nominations were then closed, the House voted by voice, and Clippinger was sworn in. The chamber then opened nominations for Speaker of the House. Multiple members spoke in support of Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, highlighting her personal story, legal background, public service, and committee leadership. Speakers emphasized her work on major policy areas including education, police reform, racial and economic justice, reproductive freedom, and support for historically Black colleges and universities. One member from the minority party also seconded the nomination, saying she had been inclusive and respectful in committee work and legislative process. After nominations were closed, the House voted by voice and elected Peña-Melnyk Speaker of the House of Delegates. She was sworn in and thanked members for their support, reflecting on the diversity in the chamber and the significance of the moment. In her remarks, she also praised outgoing Speaker Adrienne Jones and recognized family members, dignitaries, and colleagues in attendance.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> On<00:12:02.720> behalf<00:12:03.120> of<00:12:04.000> Senator<00:12:04.480
• :12:07.040> like<00:12:07.279> to<00:12:08.240> welcome<00:12:09.440> and
• <00:12:12.720> Well,<00:12:13.040> from<00:12:13.600> um<00:12:14.880> Horn
• <00:12:36.160> And<00:12:36.399> also<00:12:36.800> from<00:12:37.120> Tuna
• > to<00:12:55.920> ask<00:12:56.079> them<00:12:56.240> to<00:12:56.399><

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 14 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Brother Justin Cheney of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, and then adopted routine motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and the titles of bills and resolutions. Several guests were introduced and welcomed, including Dr. Brianna Herd Pinho and a student shadowing her, multiple mayors and local officials from around the state, and several groups of gifted students, teachers, and parents visiting the chamber. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2016, which creates the Mississippi Department of Tourism. The bill transfers tourism-related powers, duties, property, contracts, staff, and obligations from the Mississippi Development Authority’s tourism division to the new department effective July 1, 2026. It also establishes an executive director, authorizes grant programs and tourism promotion efforts, creates a state treasury fund for the department, and forms a Mississippi Tourism Association Marketing Advisory Board. The bill’s sponsor said the change would better support an industry that brings significant revenue and goodwill to the state and requested passage by use of the morning roll call. No objections were raised, and the bill passed. Afterward, the Senate completed its calendar and moved to announcements. Senator Frasier announced a 3:30 p.m. meeting of the community colleges and workforce subcommittee of Appropriations, and Senator Younger noted a Highways and Transportation meeting after adjournment. The presiding officer also reported that about 1,128 bills had been filed for drafting, with roughly 300 already allocated, and the Senate then agreed to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m. or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are<00:12:21.519> there<00:12:21.760> any<00:12:22.000> further<00:12:22.480>
• Chair<00:12:24.399> hearing<00:12:24.800> none.
• <00:12:25.200> The<00:12:25.440> nominations<00:12:26.000> are Chair hearing
• <00:12:27.760> call<00:12:27.920> the<00:12:28.160> role.
• <00:12:35.519> senators<00:12:36.000> voted?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened for the opening day of the 449th legislative session, with an invocation delivered by Reverend Amen Flowers and the prayer journalized without objection. The clerk then called the roll, establishing a quorum with 46 senators present and the Senate ready to conduct business. The first order of business was the election of a temporary presiding officer, followed by the election of the permanent presiding officer. Senator Ben Brooks nominated Senator Malcolm Augustine to serve as President Pro Tem, and Senator Karen Lewis Young seconded the nomination, both praising his policy knowledge, collaborative style, and ability to work across differences. The Senate then voted and elected Augustine as President Pro Tem, after which he was escorted to the rostrum and sworn in. Augustine thanked colleagues, his family, and the chamber, and said he looked forward to working through a challenging session together on behalf of Marylanders. The Senate next nominated and elected Senator William C. Ferguson IV as President of the Senate. Senator Charles Sydnor nominated him, and Senator Cory McCray seconded, describing Ferguson as an honest broker, steady leader, and compassionate presiding officer. Ferguson was elected with 46 affirmative votes, took the oath of office, and delivered extended remarks about the importance of federalism, the role of states in filling gaps left by the federal government, and the need for Maryland to lead through state-level action during a difficult political climate. He also thanked colleagues, staff, and his family, and emphasized that the session would require collaboration and focus on Marylanders' needs.

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 957, house, all

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 957, house, all

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• air task force meeting is at 3:00 today in Room 409, and tomorrow Subcommittee Appropriation Number 12
• So, thank you very much for being with us today. subcommittee number 12 will have a subcommittee number
• 12 will have a meeting<00:24:45.440> starting<00:24:45.760> at<00:24:46.159> 8<
• > tourism committee that we are expected tourism committee that we are expected at<00:27:07.200> 12
• The Air Task Force will meet at 3:00 p.m. today in Room 409, and Appropriations Subcommittee Number 12

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 13 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared. The chamber then heard an invocation by Reverend Curtis Strong of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Thomas. The Senate approved motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and the titles of bills and resolutions. Several guests were introduced, including members of the Convention of the States in Mississippi, a Yazoo County delegation celebrating Yazoo Day at the Capitol, the doctor of the day, Dr. Pete Ara of Pascagoula, former senator and BEAM director Sally Doty, the Mississippi Worker Center for Human Rights and City University of New York group, and a group of junior pages. The main floor action was a resolution honoring Dr. Charles Mlen, commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and newly appointed NCAA board of governors member, for his financial and athletic impact and for elevating the national image of the SWAC. Senator Norwood presented the resolution and Dr. Mlen addressed the Senate, speaking about his Mississippi roots and thanking the chamber for the recognition. The Senate also recognized additional Yazoo County visitors and other guests in the gallery. Members then made a series of announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the legislative prayer breakfast, a Visit Jackson reception, budget hearings, an air task force meeting, and tourism committee business. Several senators asked that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including Shelton McCay, Delmo Payne, Mayor Dale Barry, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Boyce Davis, and Nona Living Plazo. The Senate ultimately adopted Senator Blackwell’s motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Keywords: Tourism - Room 210; 13 January, 2026: 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.480> your<00:12:00.720> truth<00:12:01.279> in<00:12:01.600> service<
• 00:12:01.920> of<00:12:02.160> others<00:12:02.880> in seek your truth in service
• ><00:12:24.720> all.
• >> But by January 23rd. >> But by January 23rd.
• She passed away on January 10th. Bond. She passed away on January 10th.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 13 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a prayer by Reverend David McDow of Fondren Presbyterian Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled routine business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the reading of the journal and bill introductions, and recognizing pages and several visiting groups in the galleries, including Oktibbeha County Young Leaders, Special Olympics champions, the doctor of the day, and members of the Women’s League of Voters. There were also remarks honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and a response from a member of Omega Sapphire Fraternity. The main legislative item was House Bill 580, a technical correction to judicial district maps. The bill was explained as fixing precinct placement errors in the Fourth Circuit Court District and correcting precincts affected by the creation of the CCID in Hinds County’s Seventh Circuit Court District. Members asked about how many judges would be on the ballot, whether the CCID judge would exercise regular civil and criminal jurisdiction, and when the changes would take effect. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve existing district boundaries, avoid changing qualifying deadlines, and keep the CCID judge as a regular circuit judge for an eight-year term. The House passed the bill 112-0 and then granted immediate release. Toward the end of the meeting, members made several announcements about committee schedules and upcoming events, including budget hearings, Military Affairs, Universities and Colleges, Rules, State Affairs, and a legislative prayer breakfast and welcome reception. The House also took multiple adjournment-in-memory requests for deceased Mississippians, including Larry Bryant, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Linda Stranger, Mary Lou Thompson, and Viva Hughes Williams. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yep.<01:12:07.040> That<01:12:07.280> was<01:12:07.440> actually<01:12:
• not<01:12:09.040> be<01:12:09.120> able<01:12:09.280> to<01:12:09.440>
• <01:12:12.719> but<01:12:13.120> I<01:12:13.360> had<01:12:13.440> a<01:12
• to preside<01:12:22.400> in<01:12:22.560> that<01:12:22.719> kind<01:12:22.880>
• like<01:12:23.040> if<01:12:23.120> I<01:12:23.280> like<01:12:23.600>

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard first from the Office of State Public Defender, which said its core budget request was essentially level funding, with attorney and investigator pay raises already included because of the DA pay raise linkage. The main discussion focused on two initiatives: a rural public defense pilot in four counties and a Hinds County/Jackson public defense expansion. The pilot, funded last year with capital expense money, has formed a nonprofit, hired a director and staff, opened an office in Kosciusko, and began taking cases on October 1; most of its 44 cases involved day-one jail visits. The office said the project is intended to improve early representation, reduce jail time, and generate data, while not displacing local public defenders. For Hinds County, the office said new data show about 31% of cases originate from state-agency arrests, and it is seeking roughly $525,000 more to fully fund positions, bringing the total request to about $952,972 for five lawyers, an investigator, a legal secretary, and office expenses. Senators asked about funding sources and workload standards; the office said the pilot request had been submitted as general funds rather than capital expense, and that it is using weighted workload measures rather than strict national caseload standards. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office, represented by Deputy Attorney General Doug Miracle, who presented the FY 2027 budget request. The office requested $45.48 million total, including $35.31 million in general funds, which is a reduction from the prior year’s appropriation, but also requested a $1.58 million increase in salary funding. Miracle said the office is losing attorneys to other state agencies and district attorney offices because of salary caps and pay disparities, noting the Attorney General’s statutory salary cap of $150,000 and that more than 18 attorneys left last year. He said HB 1509 created higher pay levels for district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, making retention harder for the Attorney General’s office, and asked for either the salary increase or authority to move funds between budget lines. Miracle also highlighted the office’s work on child welfare and human trafficking, noting that federal HHS officials were visiting Jackson to discuss foster children and that the office administers the state’s human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation fund. He said the office is working to reduce time children spend in state custody and support services for trafficking victims and foster youth. The committee discussed statewide youth court reform as well, with Miracle explaining that the office supports expert recommendations and a plan that could create 25 youth court positions in 20 chancery districts at an estimated $10 million, based on DHS and AOC data and a model using state-employed and contract lawyers. No votes were taken during the excerpted meeting.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 9 January, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House met briefly with opening prayer by Page James Dunlap, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a quorum call. The journal reading was dispensed with, and there were no reports from select or standing committees, no resolutions or memorials, and no substantive legislative debate or action on bills. The clerk also dispensed with the reading of bill introductions by unanimous consent. During announcements, Representative Skagen reminded members of the Universities and Colleges Committee tour and asked those planning to attend to RSVP in Ms. Gina’s office. Representative Carpenter announced a First Responder Caucus luncheon scheduled for 11 a.m. the following Wednesday and invited all members. With no further business, Representative Powell moved that the House adjourn until 4 p.m. Monday. The motion passed by voice vote, and the House adjourned.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 8 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > and<00:12:42.800> I'll<00:12:43.120> bring<00:12:43.360> her<00:12:43.600>
• <00:12:46.800> we<00:12:47.040> get<00:12:47.200> the<00:12:47.440> the<00
• <00:12:49.680> So,<00:12:49.839> we're<00:12:50.000> going<00:12:50.079>
• corrections<00:12:52.000> as<00:12:52.240> we<00:12:52.399> go<00:12:52.560
• >> This<00:12:53.920> is<00:12:54.000> an<00:12:54.160> easier<00:12:54.560

Keywords: MS House Floor - 8 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and dispensed with the reading of the journal. The chamber recognized several pages and visitors, including students from Students Rights for Life, and then moved to the calendar. House Concurrent Resolution 2 was called up and adopted unanimously, followed by House Resolutions 1, 4, and 5, which were also adopted without objection. The main bill considered was House Bill 1, described as a technical correction to last year’s judicial redistricting law to restore a missing chancery seat in the Grenada County area. Members asked about related district corrections and whether other changes would be handled separately. An amendment was offered to set the qualifying deadline for the new seat as February 2 if the governor signs the bill before January 23, or May 1 otherwise; the amendment was adopted. The bill then passed final passage by a vote of 116-0. After the calendar was cleared, members made announcements about the legislative prayer breakfast, page pictures, and a Stennis Institute event. The House also heard several motions to adjourn in memory of deceased community members, including Clarence Cooper, Megan Smith Bates, and Councilwoman Dorothy Glenn. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 9:00 a.m. the next day.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 7 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with a prayer by Representative Varner of Rankin County, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was declared present, and the House dispensed with the reading of the journal. There were no reports from select committees, and no resolutions, petitions, memorials, or other papers were presented. During introductions, Representative Thompson of Lee County introduced Dr. Vernon Rayford of North Mississippi Medical Center as the doctor of the day. Representative McNite of Harrison County recognized court-appointed special advocates from several Mississippi regions in the North Gallery and welcomed them. The clerk announced upcoming committee meetings, including Rules after adjournment, Public Health shortly after adjournment, Education at 2:30, and an Appropriations B budget hearing the next day for several state boards and agencies. Representative Haney of Harrison County invited members to a Gulf Coast delegation reception that evening at Trademark, noting king cakes on members’ desks. The Speaker also said committee assignments for two new members were being finalized and would be announced soon. No bill was taken up on the floor, and the House adjourned until 2 p.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:01.760> way<01:12:02.000> that<01:12:02.240> the<01:12:02.360> school<
• Line<01:12:09.080> 55,<01:12:10.240> the<01:12:10.360> committee<01:12:11.080>
• There's<01:12:24.960> concern<01:12:25.840> that<01:12:26.720> we<01:12:26.840><
• <01:12:28.800> creating<01:12:29.720> like<01:12:30.000> NIL<01:12:30.960>
• We<01:12:39.080> are<01:12:39.160> clarifying<01:12:40.560> which<01:12:40.920><

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Reverend Chip Stevens of First Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and received several guest introductions, including the president of Mississippi University for Women, the physician of the day, and the session’s pages. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act. Senator Sparks explained that the bill would provide a $500 million infusion to the PERS accumulated employers account on July 1, 2026, followed by $50 million annually for 10 years, with backup funding from unobligated general funds if needed. He said the measure was intended to help address the system’s roughly $26 billion liability and to support both state employees and local government employers, noting that the state had already taken other steps to strengthen PERS. The bill was advanced to engrossed status, read for the third time, and placed on the calendar for final passage. Senator Norwood asked whether the funding would help local governments, and Senator Sparks said it would, because the liability is shared by all employers in the system and affects local balance sheets and bond ratings. Senator Bryan then spoke at length in opposition to the broader direction of retirement policy, criticizing the committee process, the fragmentation of retirement legislation, and what he described as incentives for privatization and unfair treatment of new hires. He said he would still vote for the bill because it sends money into the system, but argued that the state should focus retirement benefits on older retirees and avoid further benefit expansions. Senator Sparks responded that the bill was a necessary cash infusion to honor commitments to employees, stabilize the system, and avoid insolvency, and said more PERS legislation would follow.

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 31 January, 2025; 9:45 AM, 925, all