Mississippi

Report shows Mississippi Legislature retirement reforms this year aren’t effective. See why

Published

1 year ago

September 4, 2024

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Report shows Mississippi Legislature retirement reforms this year aren’t effective. See why

Lawmakers, PERS director agree they must work together in the future

State lawmakers will need to readdress concerns about the Public Employment Retirement System of Mississippi in 2025 if it is to remain viable long term, according to a July study.

Legislative actions in the 2024 Session to reduce public employer contribution rate hikes and increase state funding are not enough to address billions in unfunded future benefits to retirees, according to a report released by the Legislature’s third-party watchdog group, the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Committee.

Projections show the state’s retirement plan being less than 50% fully funded by 2047 and having $25 billion in liabilities. According to several municipal leaders who spoke to the Clarion Ledger earlier this year, the legislative move from lawmakers in the past session should save public employers from cutting positions and raising taxes to keep and hire more public employees.

“Change in approach for increasing the employer contribution rate, in addition to the one-time funds transfer, reduces the plan’s projected future funded ratio from 65.5% to 49.9%,” the report reads. “…The PERS plan is currently expected to be at a lower-funded level in the future than it currently is today.”

PERS Executive Director Ray Higgins told the Clarion Ledger he wasn’t surprised by the report’s findings.

“The PEER analysis seems to be an accurate report and generally reconciles with our information,” Higgins said. “Also, the legislative action from last session appears to be a short-term solution.”

While the report does not list out any specific recommendations for lawmakers this coming year, it says continued work will be necessary to fix the retirement system that has 118,000 retirees receiving benefits and 147,000 active members paying into the system.

In 2023, the PERS governing board, made up of mostly elected members, as advised by financial actuaries who watch over the state’s retirement plan, passed a rate increase on public employers, such as cities, counties and school districts from 17.40% to 19.90% that was to take effect July 1. The rate would have continued to increase to 22.4% by 2027.

In the 2024 Session, the Legislature passed two bills. Senate 3231, prohibits the PERS Board’s plan to gradually increase the employer contribution rate and replaces it with a plan to increase to 19.90% over the next five years in 0.5% annual increases. SB 3231 also takes the board’s only regulatory power to increase rates and puts it in the hands of the Legislature.

SB 2468 enacts a one-time transfer of $110 million of capital expense funds into the PERS trust.

More on PERS bill MS Legislature passes bill restricting state retirement board’s authority

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann’s Deputy Chief of Staff Leah Rupp Smith told the Clarion Ledger efforts Hosemann helped push forward that resulted in those bills’ passage led to a potentially more stable retirement system.

“To avoid this calamity while developing a future solution, the Legislature adopted a less-aggressive employer increase,” Smith wrote via email. “We are now informed the plan has a projected future funding ratio of 65.5% as of 2047, as compared to 48.6% projected one year ago.”

Republican House Speaker Jason White’s Communications Director Taylor Spillman did not reply to several emails requesting White’s comments on the report.

What are the big problems?

Higgins previously said the ratio of retirees to active members has seen a reverse trend since 2013, when there were 93,000 retirees and 162,000 active members. This increases the unfunded liability of the system as fewer people take jobs in government, reducing active members and more people retire, increasing the funding obligation of PERS.

The other issue lies with projections for the retirement plan’s future if state lawmakers decide not to take action in the years to come.

“While the ($110 million) funding for the first year is comparable, each year in the future could potentially see a greater deviation in expected employer contribution revenues for the PERS plan,” the report reads. “This deviation does not immediately constitute a problem for the PERS plan; however, careful evaluation of the plan’s future liabilities and funding needs will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the PERS plan.”

Are there any solutions?

Higgins and Smith both said future work on PERS is still a top priority.

Higgins specifically mentioned a new retirement benefits package that could be offered to new public sector employees, which the PERS board has called tier 5.

“The Board has previously recommended a tier 5 for new employees to help better sustain PERS in the future and is currently considering what may be included or resubmitted in next year’s legislative package,” Higgins said.

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Earlier this year, Hosemann told the Clarion Ledger he wanted to see evidence that a new tier of benefits could help maintain the retirement system long term. Smith did not confirm whether Hosemann’s office is currently studying that idea in the legislative off season, but she did say the Legislature is looking at several ideas.

“The Legislature is exploring any option for a more viable plan,” Smith said. “The Lt. Governor continues to be committed to fulfilling current employee and retiree benefits, including the cost-of-living adjustment for these individuals.”

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 15, 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 16, 2025

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Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 15, 2025

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 15, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

07-10-24-28-33

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 3-5-7, FB: 6

Evening: 5-8-0, FB: 0

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 5-5-2-5, FB: 6

Evening: 3-1-0-9, FB: 0

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 08

Evening: 08

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Mississippi

Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Published

15 hours ago

December 15, 2025

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Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Mississippi requires a permit to own certain exotic animals considered “inherently dangerous,” such as hippos, big cats and bears.
Permit applicants must be at least 21, have experience with the species and carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per animal.
Annual permit costs vary by species, ranging from $75 for canids to $300 for animals like elephants and tigers.
It is illegal in Mississippi to keep wild native species, such as deer or raccoons, as pets.

If you want a hippopotamus for Christmas, there are some hurdles to legal and responsible pet ownership in Mississippi.

There are plenty of exotic species, like birds, reptiles and rodents that are considered safe pets. They can be bought next to cat and dog supplies at pet stores and exotic animal shows.

But some people, only a hippopotamus will do. Baby hippos, like Fiona and Moo Deng, can make the species look cute and, well, manageable. (The same can be said of many species that can grow up to be a menace, like baby big cats.) And as much as the song pleads, a garage isn’t the best home for a hippo hero.

Mississippi has laws about owning pets that are considered inherently dangerous, like monkeys or wild dog species. If you’re planning to get an exotic animal as a pet, it helps to know which animals are on the list. If you want to give an unusual species as a Christmas gift, be sure the new owner can meet the criteria so they won’t end up in a tricky legal situation.

Colt Mooney, Exotic Species Program leader of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said animals on the list aren’t totally banned in a previous interview with the Clarion Ledger. But owners have to apply for a permit and meet several requirements.

And permitting isn’t a one-and-done process. There will be an annual follow up, and it could get expensive over the lifetime of the animal. That’s not even accounting for the costs of specialty veterinary care.

Here’s what to know about which dangerous animals you need a permit for in Mississippi, whether you can own a wild animal native to the Magnolia State and what the permitting process requires and costs.

Can I own an exotic pet in Mississippi?

Yes, but you have to have a permit for certain species, like big cats, bears and primates.

It’s illegal to sell, give, deliver, or transfer an animal on the state’s list of dangerous animals unless the recipient has a permit or is an exempt organization.

“It’s mostly due to their ability to inflict damage if something goes wrong,” Mooney said. “The potential is always there.

“They’re not pets. All it takes is one slip-up, one moment, to cause a life-threatening incident.”

What exotic animals do I need a permit for in Mississippi?

The state defines several animals as “inherently dangerous,” including elephants, rhinoceroses, African buffaloes and, yes, hippopotamuses.

If those sound like large pets, there are plenty of small primates and carnivores on the list too. (Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!)

Carnivoras:

Wolves, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals
Jackals
Dingos
Red dogs
African hunting dogs
Bears (all species)
Wolverines
Hyenas (all species)
Lions
Tigers
Jaguars
Leopards
Cheetahs
Cougars (all sub-species)

Primates:

Gibbons
Orangutans
Chimpanzees
Siamangs
Gorillas
Macaques
Mandrils
Baboons

What do Mississippi exotic animal permits cover?

Each permit is good for one year, according to information from the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It’s only for the species specified, and a permit is needed for each animal.

At base level, applicants must:

Be at least 21 years old with no convictions involving wildlife offenses or cruelty to animals within the past 3 years
Have 2 years of experience with care and handling of the species or be able to pass a DWFP test on biology, diet, health care and habit needs
Have a plan to quickly and safely capture the animal if it escapes, including how to put it down or kill it if it can’t be caught

Personal permits don’t cover exhibiting the animal, like making money by showing it at a fair or appearing at parties. They must have a full-time caretaker on the grounds where the animal will be kept. Applicants must have a letter from a vet stating that all the owner’s pets are vaccinated and receive yearly care. Proof of liability insurance of $100,000 per animal and up to $1 million is also required.

If your own version of Cousin Eddie wants to start a petting zoo, don’t buy him animals. At least not until he has the permits.

Public zoos have multiple criteria to meet, including being the designated zoo of a town or city and being accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

Zoos and exhibitors must hold a USDA Class “C” Exhibitor’s License. Exhibitors also have other extensive requirements.

Rehabbers and sanctuaries also have conditions. Like they can’t make a profit from exhibiting, breeding or selling the animals. They also must have 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt status and meet state and federal permitting requirements.

How much do dangerous animal permits cost in Mississippi?

According to MDWFP, the personal permit cost depends on the type of animal:

Canids (wolves, jackals, etc.): $75
Primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc.): $150
All species of bears: $200
Big cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, etc.): $300
Wolverines: $300
Hyenas: $300
Elephants: $300
Rhinoceroses: $300
Hippopotamuses: $300
African buffalo: $300

Exhibitor fees range from $100 for up to 30 days or $300 for up to a year.

How do I apply to get a permit?

Email Colt.Mooney@wfp.ms.gov or call MDWFP at 601-432-2199.

Some organizations, like “public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, exhibitors, and rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit,” according to the commission. MDWFP or the commission would have to approve the exemption.

Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in Missississippi?

There are several wild animals native to Mississippi, like deer, raccoons and opossums. The state does not allow people to keep wild native species as pets.

“They’re a public resource that’s held in trust by the state, or public, to enjoy,” Mooney said. “It’s the people of Mississippi’s animals.”

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 14, 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 14, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

10-18-19-20-22

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 7-7-0, FB: 6

Evening: 1-8-0, FB: 1

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 0-4-0-4, FB: 6

Evening: 3-0-5-9, FB: 6

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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