Mississippi

Director: Mississippi does not track welfare program results

Published

2 years ago

October 19, 2022

Director: Mississippi does not track welfare program results

JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi’s scandal-plagued welfare program turns away most candidates for money help, and it has not been monitoring whether or not its packages fulfill the purpose of lifting folks out of poverty in one of many poorest states within the nation, lawmakers have been advised Tuesday.

Robert G. “Bob” Anderson mentioned that when he turned director of the Mississippi Division of Human Companies in March 2020, he discovered the company had “output numbers” to trace spending.

“However we didn’t have lots of end result data,” Anderson mentioned. “We weren’t monitoring outcomes as an company.”

In response to questions from Democratic Rep. Robert Johnson of Natchez, Anderson mentioned Human Companies is taking a look at knowledge to outline whether or not packages are efficient, however he didn’t say when a program to trace outcomes shall be in place.

Anderson spoke on the state Capitol throughout a listening to held by the state Home and Senate Democratic caucuses.

Democratic leaders mentioned they convened as a result of Republicans, who management the 2 chambers, haven’t held hearings on a multimillion-dollar welfare misspending scandal that has ensnared a number of outstanding figures, together with retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre.

“We can not assist however to acknowledge that Mississippi has two fingers — one hand that’s principally taking support from the poor and one other hand that’s principally giving it to the rich,” mentioned Sen. Derrick Simmons of Greenville. “And Mississippi must do a greater job.”

Anderson mentioned about 90% of people that apply for Momentary Help for Needy Households in Mississippi don’t obtain it, both as a result of their purposes are denied or as a result of they abandon their purposes. He mentioned Human Companies is contemplating utilizing “navigators” to assist candidates.

Brandy Nichols of Jackson advised lawmakers that she has 4 kids — an 8-year-old, 5-year-old twins and a 4-year-old. She has labored a number of completely different jobs, together with as a cashier and a housekeeper.

She mentioned she by no means anticipated to want authorities support, however TANF helped her pay for groceries, cleansing provides, clothes and sudden bills resembling emergency automotive repairs. She mentioned she has already used the five-year restrict on funds underneath this system.

“I can not obtain TANF,” Nichols mentioned. “However my kids’s most costly years are forward.”

Anderson is a former assistant U.S. legal professional, and Republican Gov. Tate Reeves nominated him to guide Human Companies simply weeks after one of many company’s former administrators, John Davis, was arrested on allegations of misspending tens of millions of {dollars} that have been meant to assist among the poorest folks in the US.

Davis was chosen by Reeves’ predecessor, Republican Gov. Phil Bryant. Davis just lately pleaded responsible to state and federal fees tied to among the misspending.

As Human Companies director, Davis had direct management of federal funds that prosecutors mentioned have been improperly used on bills resembling drug rehab for a former skilled wrestler and first-class airfare for Davis.

Court docket paperwork additionally present that underneath Davis, $5 million from TANF was spent on a volleyball area on the College of Southern Mississippi — a challenge that Favre pushed on the college, the place his daughter was taking part in the game.

Favre has repaid $1.1 million he acquired for talking charges to assist pay for the volleyball facility. The cash got here from the Mississippi Neighborhood Training Heart, a nonprofit group that spent TANF {dollars} with Human Companies’ approval. State Auditor Shad White mentioned Favre nonetheless owes $228,000 in curiosity.

Favre isn’t dealing with prison fees however is certainly one of 38 defendants in a civil lawsuit that seeks to get better misspent welfare cash. Favre, a Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame member, mentioned final week that he has been “ unjustly smeared within the media” in protection over the welfare spending.

Johnson mentioned the Mississippi Legislature must eradicate hurdles for welfare candidates, together with a drug screening requirement in state regulation. Adults making use of for TANF should full a questionnaire about drug use. If the solutions present a “affordable chance” of a substance use dysfunction, the applicant should take a drug take a look at.

The Heart for Legislation and Social Coverage, or CLASP, a Washington-based nonprofit group that seeks to cut back poverty, mentioned Mississippi acquired 11,407 TANF purposes in 2017. After the questionnaire, 464 candidates got drug checks, and 6 of these checks discovered drug use.

Elizabeth Decrease-Basch, deputy director of coverage for CLASP, advised lawmakers Tuesday that one other Washington-based advocacy group, the Heart on Funds and Coverage Priorities, discovered that for each 100 households with kids dwelling in poverty in Mississippi, 71 households acquired money help by way of a welfare program in 1979. By 1995-96, support was going to 39 households per 100 dwelling in poverty. By 2019-20, Mississippi’s support quantity was all the way down to 4 households per 100 dwelling in poverty — tied for final within the U.S.

“The share of people who find themselves getting money help in comparison with the intensive want is simply astonishing,” Decrease-Basch mentioned.

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Mississippi

Former Mississippi Medicaid director may soon lead the federal program

Published

24 minutes ago

January 16, 2025

Press Room

Former Mississippi Medicaid director may soon lead the federal program

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A Mississippian could soon take a top health-related spot in the Trump administration.

Drew Snyder left his post as Director of Mississippi’s Division of Medicaid at the end of October. Now, a Politico report indicates he may be waiting in the wings to assume the role of leading the federal program.

The news comes just as lawmakers are starting the new legislative session which leaders have said will include another attempt at extending Medicaid coverage to more Mississippians. Senator Brice Wiggins praised Snyder’s work at the state level.

“If he does get that position, I think it would be a boon for Mississippi,” noted Wiggins.

It’s been no secret that the next steps on Medicaid legislation this session are hinging on what the feds say under the new administration.

“All bets are off until we see which direction they want to go,” said Speaker Jason White ahead of the session.

The Governor and Speaker are praising Snyder but not going into any detail on whether they knew about the potential appointment. But leaders have all referenced in the last month that they’re starting conversations.

“I’m having the same conversations with people that will be in those positions to make sure that whatever we decide on will be approved at the national level,” said Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann in December. “And we’re getting some guidance on those.”

Wiggins was a conferee on last year’s bill that didn’t make it across the finish line. We asked how a Mississippian at the top of the federal program could impact this year’s efforts.

“I certainly think the amount of phone calls and the amount of persuasion would be lessened because he’s heard all of our arguments in the first place,” explained Wiggins. “He knows all the legislators. Knows all the statewide officials. I think none of that would come new to him. So, if we in the legislature can make that happen, you know that I would think that it would have some certainly smoother sailing.”

Snyder did not have a comment when we reached out Wednesday.

We received the following statements about the potential position for Snyder.

“Drew Snyder is sharp and, having served as Mississippi’s Director of Medicaid for nearly seven years, certainly understands the subject matter well. I am always proud of talented Mississippians who are earning opportunities on the federal or national level making our state look good.” – Speaker Jason White

“Drew Snyder is a professional. In my conversations with the incoming administration…I’ll just tell you that I don’t know what the President is going to do. The President will make this decision and certainly his picks to lead HHS. But they couldn’t find a more intellectual, smart, conservative leader of any agency including Medicaid and CMS than Drew Snyder.” – Governor Tate Reeves

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Mississippi

Stone Blanton, Mississippi State football starting linebacker, declares for 2025 NFL draft

Published

8 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

Stone Blanton, Mississippi State football starting linebacker, declares for 2025 NFL draft

STARKVILLE — One of Mississippi State football’s top tacklers won’t return for the 2025 season.

Stone Blanton, the Bulldogs starting linebacker, declared for the NFL draft on Wednesday. He made the announcement with a post on social media.

“After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, I am humbled and excited to declare for the 2025 NFL draft,” he wrote. “This journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, lessons and blessings.”

Blanton was second on the team and tied for 10th nationally with 124 tackles this season. The junior had one year of eligibility remaining.

It’s the second significant roster move of the day for MSU after Georgia wide receiver Anthony Evans III announced his commitment in the transfer portal.

What Stone Blanton declaring for NFL draft means for Mississippi State football

Blanton, a Jackson native, transferred to MSU after two seasons at South Carolina. Although MSU struggled defensively, he was one of the few bright spots. He also had 3.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

His departure leaves a hole in Mississippi State’s defense that doesn’t have an obvious replacement. Fellow linebacker Nic Mitchell is returning and so is sophomore Zakari Tillman, who showed flashes as a playmaker. Five linebackers have transferred out of MSU, but most of them were depth pieces. Two have transferred in, headlined by Tennessee’s Jalen Smith, an All-SEC freshman.

The Bulldogs signed four-star Winona linebacker Tyler Lockhart in the 2025 recruiting class.

Safety Isaac Smith, MSU’s leading tackler, is returning next season.

Feb. 7 is the deadline for players to opt out of the draft and return to college.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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Mississippi

Brutal low temps are coming to Mississippi. How cold will it get around the state?

Published

16 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

Brutal low temps are coming to Mississippi. How cold will it get around the state?

‘Some of this air is actually coming from all the way back to Siberia. You’re definitely going to get some very cold temperatures.’

A blast of cold air is moving into the U.S. and is forecast to reach down into Mississippi. All of the state will be affected and some areas will see temperatures plummet into the mid-teens.

“This is going to be a significant cold air outbreak,” said Eric Carpenter, senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson. “It’s coming out of the Arctic regions.

“Some of this air is actually coming from all the way back to Siberia. You’re definitely going to get some very cold temperatures.”

The cause of it is a shift in the Arctic jet stream.

“The jet stream is allowing it to drop down into the U.S.,” Carpenter said. “The Arctic jet stream is a lot farther South than usual.”

Temperatures in much of the state are predicted to drop into the teens and even the Gulf Coast is expected to see below-freezing temperatures. And as cold as that seems, it may get colder than the current forecast.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the forecast trended colder as we get closer,” Carpenter said. “So, I would continue to monitor the weather.”

Here are the expected temperatures across the state from Saturday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 24, according to AccuWeather as of 3 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15.