Mississippi
Will private school vouchers come to Mississippi? House leaders explore possibility
Mississippi Democrats oppose any attempt to give public funds to private schools
Gov. Reeves gives State of the State address
Gov. Tate Reeves gives the 2024 State of the State address in Jackson, Miss., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.
Even as the Mississippi Supreme Court is still considering whether private schools can receive public funds for students, Republican leadership in the House of Representatives is pushing legislation to study its viability.
House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, R-Starkville, originally filed House Bill 1449 on Feb. 19, which would establish a funding program through the State Treasury of Mississippi to create financial accounts for parents to pay for non-public education.
However, after conversations with Republican Gov. Tate Reeves and first year House Speaker Jason White, R-West, Roberson told the Clarion Ledger he introduced a substitute bill to lawmakers Thursday afternoon to create a committee to study whether a voucher program would work in Mississippi.
“(The committee would look at) what the cost would be cost be, who it would help, who was in areas that would maybe need this, where would this need be and what information is out there that would be applicable to what this would like if it was implemented,” Roberson said.
Roberson previously said he did not believe any voucher legislation would pass through his committee or the House this year and simply wanted to start a conversation.
The new bill would establish a committee comprised of about six members appointed by Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and White, which would complete a study about a voucher program in Mississippi.
If passed, the committee would report back to lawmakers at the beginning of the 2025 legislative session.
“I’m all for getting more information (on this), Roberson said. “I think we all could use whatever information to come and see who could be benefited. The bottom line is just that it is always good to have information to see what would happen, and what it would look like and what the cost would be.”
Reeves and White have both publicly endorsed the idea of a voucher program in Mississippi.
White said during an interview with the SuperTalk radio network earlier this month that he would support a limited school voucher program for students in low-rated schools.
“In D and F districts, we want that child to go anywhere they can find, whether public, private, charter, home school, whatever,” White said.
Reeves also addressed “school choice” during his State of the State address Monday night.
“We must be innovative,” Reeves said. “We must be open to new and different models. We should fund students, not systems. We should trust our parents, not bureaucrats, and we should embrace education freedom.”
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Supreme Court still undecided on private school funding
Despite Roberson’s attempt to study a private school voucher system in Mississippi, the legality of public funding for private schools is still being determined by the Mississippi Supreme Court.
In 2022, the Legislature appropriated $10 million to fund education in private schools, but it was halted after a lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Democracy Forward, and the Mississippi Center for Justice on behalf of Parents for Public Schools, a Jackson-based nonprofit, claiming the move was unconstitutional.
According to the state’s constitution, public funds shall not go to any school “not conducted as a free public school.”
The state has countered that claim by stating the appropriation is constitutional because the Legislature appropriated the money to the Department of Finance and Administration, which could disperse it to the private schools.
Earlier this month, the court heard oral arguments from both sides, but the case is not expected to be decided on until after the 2024 legislative session, which ends in early May.
Court’s latest hearing on funding: MS Supreme Court listens to arguments over federal funding in private schools. See details
Democrats oppose voucher program
Even still, the bill already faced opposition from five House Democrats who voted against the bill Thursday, Roberson said.
One of the representatives on the Education Committee, Justis Gibbs, D-Madison County, told the Clarion Ledger he would not support any voucher program in the state.
“Our priorities should be on public education,” Gibbs said.
Jackson legislators Rep. Chris Bell and Sen. David Blount both also voiced concerns about a voucher program.
“At the end of the day, those vouchers are taking away from our public schools, and I’m fully supporting our public schools,” Bell said. “For Individuals to prop up vouchers, it only hurts our public schools, and it hurts our communities.”
“I am opposed to vouchers and using tax money for private schools,” Blount said. “Public money is for public schools.”
Senate Education Committee Chairman Dennis DeBar, R-Leakesville, told the Clarion Ledger he has not read Roberson’s original bill, but he believes a private school voucher program would only add financial burden to the state.
“We have approximately 50,000 Kids in private schools, and if you allocate that using our current (school funding) formula of $7,500 per student, you’re looking at roughly $350 to $400 million of new money needed for those students. I don’t believe at this point the state can afford something like that.”
Nancy Loome, executive director of The Parent’s Campaign, an education advocacy group, said in a press release Thursday night the bill is an “affront” to the public school system and those who work to sustain it.
“HB 1449 is an affront to public schools and the hard work of Mississippi teachers,” Loome wrote. “It calls for a study committee to evaluate the feasibility of universal vouchers in Mississippi — vouchers that would be available to all K-12 students in the state, including students already attending private schools. We don’t need a study committee — we can see clearly the disastrous consequences to state budgets, voucher students, and public schools in the states that have allowed universal voucher programs.”
Even though Roberson passed the bill through his committee, it will still need approval from the House Appropriations Committee, which will have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday to either send it to the House floor for a vote or let it die in committee.
If it passes that committee, the bill will go to the House floor, where Republicans hold a majority in the 122-member chamber.
Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.
The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (1-12) head into a road matchup with Tae Davis and the Oklahoma Sooners (9-3) at Lloyd Noble Center on Monday, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
We provide more details below, and that includes how to watch this game on SEC Network+.
Here is everything you need to prepare for Monday’s college hoops game.
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Monday, December 29, 2025
- Game time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Norman, Oklahoma
- Arena: Lloyd Noble Center
- TV Channel: SEC Network+
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State stats and trends
- With 86.9 points per game on offense, Oklahoma is 46th in the nation. At the other end, it gives up 72.7 points per contest, which ranks 174th in college basketball.
- The Sooners are grabbing 34.8 boards per game (111th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing 30.5 rebounds per contest (156th-ranked).
- Oklahoma is averaging 16.7 dimes per game, which ranks them 76th in college basketball in 2025-26.
- The Sooners are forcing 11.6 turnovers per game this season (214th-ranked in college basketball), but they’ve averaged just 9.3 turnovers per contest (20th-best).
- This season, Oklahoma is making 10.2 three-pointers per game (45th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.6% (143rd-ranked) from three-point land.
- The Sooners are giving up 8.6 treys per game (281st-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing a 35.2% three-point percentage (285th-ranked).
- Of the shots attempted by Oklahoma in 2025-26, 53.7% of them have been two-pointers (66.6% of the team’s made baskets) and 46.3% have been threes (33.4%).
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Sooners (-44.5)
- Total: 152.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 2:47 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
The powers-that-be have put college football coaches and players in very awkward spots with the transfer portal.
For roughly 68-70 FBS teams, there’s a stretch of time between its regular season finale and bowl game where important decisions have to be made.
Coaches have to be fired and hired. Coaching staffs have to be adjusted or changed entirely. Players have to make decisions about staying or going, whether via the portal or NFL Draft.
It leads to awkward moments with players announcing plans to enter the transfer portal and opting out of their team’s bowl game. There are good arguments to be made for all sides, too.
For example, fans may hate it, but if a player knows they’re entering the transfer portal then it’s a smart business decision to not play in a bowl game. (Playoff games are different.)
But not all players planning to enter the transfer portal are opting out of their team’s bowl game. Just like not all coaches are keeping transferring players at home for bowl games.
In those instances, it’s a good display of coaches and players having good relationships.
That brings us to today’s news that Mississippi State quarterback Luke Kromenhoek is going to be with the Bulldogs for their Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against Wake Forest on Friday.
“He is with us and will be available,” Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby announced Sunday morning. “So, appreciative of him staying with us, going through this, being a great teammate, and excited for what he’s going to be able to go do next.”
Kromenhoek has already announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after one season in Starkville. He played in two games (earning a redshirt) and threw only four passes, but his availability is important.
Blake Shapen started 11 of 12 games for Mississippi State this season before true freshman Kamario Taylor was handed the starting job in the Egg Bowl. Shapen is no longer with the team, as Lebby confirmed earlier this month.
That left some question as to who the No. 2 quarterback in the bowl game would be. With Kromenhoek planning to enter the transfer portal, the only other quarterbacks were Taylor and fellow true freshman Parker Puckett.
Taking just Taylor and Puckett to Charlotte would be a big gamble that Taylor doesn’t miss any plays. But Kromenhoek will be available, easing those concerns.
More than 20 Mississippi State players have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens January 2. But Kromenhoek is the only one that’ll be available for the bowl game.
“The situation is exactly what it is, and I totally understand where (Kromenhoek’s) coming from, and that’s college football these days,” Lebby said. “Luke’s got a chance to be a great player, really talented and really intelligent.
“I think for us, that’s really the only one that has said he’s going to go in that is going to be with us.”
DAWG FEED:
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
03-04-10-14-16
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
Midday: 5-6-7, FB: 0
Evening: 3-9-7, FB: 8
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
Midday: 4-0-6-9, FB: 0
Evening: 8-0-6-3, FB: 8
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
Midday: 12
Evening: 14
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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