2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION & PINE BELT UPDATE
The 2026 Legislative Session was a busy one, and I’m proud of what we accomplished for Mississippi and for the Pine Belt.
We invested in teachers, strengthened PERS, supported our National Guard, passed major education reforms, and brought important state resources back home. Here are a few highlights.
2026 Session at a Glance
$2,000
Teacher pay raise
30 YEARS
Tier 5 full retirement
#1 IN U.S.
Foundational AI Education
$30M
New Southern Miss investment
$1.25M
The Center at Forrest County
TRICARE
Guard premium support
A $2,000 Raise for Mississippi Teachers
Our teachers are vital to Mississippi’s progress. This year, the Legislature approved a $2,000 pay raise for teachers. This is an important investment in the people preparing our students for the future. Thank you teachers for all you do!
SB 2294: Preparing Students for What Comes Next
One of the bills I’m most proud of this year is Senate Bill 2294, a broad education package focused on the skills Mississippi students need to succeed.
First in the Nation on Foundational AI Education
Mississippi became the first state to explicitly require foundational artificial intelligence education as part of high school computer science instruction. Beginning with the entering ninth-grade class of 2029–2030, students will complete computer science coursework that includes AI and other emerging technologies.
Technology is changing nearly every industry. Our students need to be ready not only for today’s jobs, but for the jobs that will exist years from now.
SB 2294 also includes:
- Financial literacy instruction in grades 6–8.
- The Mississippi Math Act and Moving Mathematics in Mississippi (M³).
- Literacy interventions and progress monitoring beyond the third-grade reading gate.
- Stronger civics instruction on our Constitution, branches of government, free speech, civil discourse and evaluating sources.
Strengthening PERS
We reduced the full-service retirement requirement for new Tier 5 members from 35 years to 30 years and expanded options for experienced retirees to return to public employment. These changes help public employers retain experience while protecting the long-term strength of PERS.
Supporting the Mississippi National Guard
We also created a program to reimburse eligible Mississippi National Guard members for TRICARE Reserve Select premiums. This program helps to support Guard families, improve readiness and retain experienced service members.
Bringing State Support Back Home
One of my biggest responsibilities in Jackson is making sure the Pine Belt has a strong voice when state resources are allocated. This year, I was proud to help support several major local priorities.
$30 Million for Southern Miss
The Legislature invested another $30 million toward Southern Miss’s new science and technology research facility in Hattiesburg. The project will strengthen research, innovation and workforce opportunities across the Pine Belt.
$1.25 Million for The Center at Forrest County
I was proud to help secure $1.25 million for repairs and improvements at The Center at Forrest County, including work that will strengthen its ability to serve as an emergency staging site during hurricanes and other disasters.
Investing Across the District
State support also went to the Perry County Courthouse, infrastructure near Tatum Park, and recreation improvements at Optimist Park in Lamar County. The Perry County Courthouse project received $750,000 for repairs and upgrades.
Redistricting: Where Things Stand
Last year’s special legislative elections followed a federal court order requiring changes to Mississippi legislative districts under the Voting Rights Act, including districts in the Pine Belt.
This year, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais changed the legal framework courts use in redistricting cases. Previous Mississippi rulings were sent back for further consideration, and the Legislature is now reviewing what that may mean for congressional, legislative and State Supreme Court districts. I’ll keep you updated as that process continues.
Around the Capitol & Across the Pine Belt
Some of the best parts of serving happen outside the Senate chamber — visiting with students, educators, healthcare professionals and people across the district.
Recognizing Pine Belt Healthcare
It was an honor to recognize Dr. Becky Roberts of Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative as Legislative Doctor of the Day. She was joined by William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine students for a firsthand look at the legislative process.
Staying Connected in Perry County
I enjoyed visiting with Perry County Farm Bureau members and hearing directly about the issues affecting their community. Those conversations help me be a better voice for our area in Jackson.
Students at the Capitol
I always enjoy welcoming students to the Capitol. Seeing state government firsthand gives young people a better understanding of how decisions are made — and why staying involved in their communities matters.
