JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi lawmakers met at the State Capitol on Wednesday for a special session to address the state budget.
House representatives had to wait several hours for bills to come out of committee to get on the floor. The bills that lawmakers are voting on will contribute to setting a budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed budget is $7.1 billion, which is generated from taxes.
Senate Minority Leader Derrick T. Simmons (D-District 12) said he, along with House Minority Leader Robert Johnson (D-District 94), requested that all bills agreed upon to be released to all members of the Legislature.
“Every year, we are constitutionally required to take the people’s money and make appropriations to our state agencies at community colleges, school districts, the retirement. So, that’s our obligation as legislators,” said Simmons.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Mississippi Senate completed their part, and they’re waiting on the House to finish, so they can review the bills.
“I know we would all love to be out of here today. I don’t think is going to happen. I think we’ll probably be back tomorrow just because, you know, you have to pitch a perfect game to get it all in at once,” said State Senator Jeremy England (R-District 51).
