Mississippi

Will Shad White, Delbert Hosemann run for Mississippi governor in 2027? See what they said

Published

4 months ago

July 31, 2024

Will Shad White, Delbert Hosemann run for Mississippi governor in 2027? See what they said

PHILADELPHIA, Mississippi — At least two statewide officials are now publicly considering running for higher office in Mississippi.

After giving stump speeches at the Neshoba County Fair Wednesday, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, two of the state’s high-ranking Republicans, told reporters they have no intentions of leaving the political arena after completing their current terms.

White, who took his time at the podium to discuss an upcoming report now said to detail more than $300 million of waste in state government, denounce Diversity Equity and Inclusion education and throw shade toward state lawmakers for not passing related legislation, said he is considering running for the state’s highest office.

“I am seriously considering running for governor,” White said briefly.

Hosemann did not so concretely state his intentions but said he does in fact have plans for a political office after his current term is over, and that he plans to stay in Mississippi.

“I have been honored to be here, and we’re not tired,” Hosemann said. “The state is going in the right direction. I’ve got a vision for where my grandchildren ought to be. Me and my wife Lynn, we have two special-needs kids, and she wants to work on special needs matters. So, we’re not ready to retire yet, and given the opportunity by the good Lord and the people of Mississippi, we’re going to keep working.”

Other than Hosemann and White, Democratic Senate candidate Ty Pinkins, Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps and Mississippi Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons spoke about the roles of both state and national politics in Mississippi and beyond.

More on Neshoba political speakers Neshoba County Fair again full of state leaders, political candidates stumping. See lineup

Here is what those speakers said.

Mississippi State Auditor Shad White

White told event goers he is soon to release a $2 million report that will detail at least $300 million in state government waste.

Of that sizeable figure, White said he has found thousands of dollars wasted on government cellphones that have never been turned on and found that some people in Mississippi had been receiving healthcare from the state’s Medicaid program.

“We identified about $144 million worth of payments to people who looked like they were making too much to be on Medicaid,” White said.

White later told reporters that waste within the Mississippi Division of Medicaid makes up a sizeable portion of the report.

That report was compiled through a $2 million contract with Boston Consulting Group, and White’s office is working to finalize that report. The Clarion Ledger submitted a public records request to obtain a copy of that report, but the office denied it, citing it could not release “work papers” related to a state audit, per state law.

“The statute says that work papers shall be confidential,” White said to a group of reporters Wednesday. “We’ve always treated all audit work papers as confidential.”

White also took up a long-held position of his in denouncing DEI education in Mississippi colleges, calling out a program that taught what he called “equity yoga” to children.

“We are in a fight for young America,” White said.

White went as far as to blame the Mississippi Legislature for not passing legislation to remove DEI programs at state universities, specifically calling out Hosemann and other senators for not pushing the bills forward.

Mississippi Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann

Up on the podium, Hosemann touted the Legislature’s efforts to increase K-12 education funding, which happened through a rewrite of the state’s K-12 education funding formula, economic developments and efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs in Mississippi.

Hosemann said one of his top priorities is still to improve the state’s lackluster job participation rate. One of the ways he thinks that can get done is through expanding Medicaid. He also hopes to work on cutting the state’s 7% grocery sales tax, which is among the highest in the nation.

The Legislature for the first time ever considered expanding Medicaid this past session, but the effort failed because of differing approaches to the number of people that would be covered, whether there should be a work requirement and what that would look like.

“We can (still) do that,” Hosemann said.

When asked what Hosemann thought of White’s comments, he said he did not hear them.

“I thought he would be on a book tour,” Hosemann joked.

Senate candidate Ty Pinkins

Pinkins told attendees that if they elect him to the United States Senate, he promises to work for all Mississippians and focus on issues that impact its people.

Other than attacking Republican incumbent Sen. Roger Wicker for not working to address what Pinkins says is his responsibility, he said he hopes to increase healthcare access in Mississippi and support women’s rights to have an abortion.

Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps and Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons

Stamps, a first-year Public Service Commissioner, called on 81-year-old President Joe Biden to step down and for Vice President Kamala Harris to assume his role.

In his own words, he said that move would further unite the country.

Simmons on the other hand, who has publicly endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee for president, called on state lawmakers to establish more recurring funds for the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

“I don’t see Republican or Democratic highways,” Simmons said.

If the state were to establish a larger and more consistent budget for MDOT, Simmons said the effort could reduce the long-term cost of road and bridge maintenance.

read about US Court decision US Court rejects RNC challenge to MS mail-in absentee ballot counting, GOP to appeal

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

This week in politics: Reeves uses budget meeting to urge on tax reform

Published

6 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Press Room

This week in politics: Reeves uses budget meeting to urge on tax reform

Updates on Medicaid policy, former Medicaid director and US Sen. Roger Wicker

State leaders are again looking toward the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session now that most elections are over and the money they will have to set the new state budget.

Members of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, consisting of Republicans Gov. Tate Reeves; Speaker of the House Jason White of West; and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and others, agreed Thursday to set the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 revenue estimate at $7.62 billion.

In the spring, they will vote to set a more concrete estimate, which is used to determine the actual state budget.

The current figure is less than $30 million above what was estimated for Fiscal Year 2025, which began in July.

During the meeting, Reeves said about $600 million of unspent tax dollars remains in this year’s budget and suggested the committee members, made up of House and Senate lawmakers, to give that money “back to the taxpayers.”

Both Hosemann and White are eyeing major tax cuts in the 2025 Session. Hosemann has publicly advocated for a cut of the state’s 7% grocery tax, while White is looking to take an axe to the state’s personal income tax.

Reeves has been on record for years saying the income tax should be cut, which is currently being phased down to 4% by FY 2026.

“There are lots of crosshairs on that $600 million that you speak of,” White said, jokingly, in response to Reeves’ suggestion.

State Economist Corey Miller told the committee sales tax revenues are growing at a slower pace than in the previous three years, while income tax revenues despite the phasedown, are up.

Former Medicaid director is now leading up a healthcare lobbying group

Former Mississippi Division of Medicaid Executive Director Drew Snyder appears to have found a new job, albeit not very far from his last one.

On Tuesday, Capitol Resources, a powerful lobbying group in Mississippi and beyond, announced Snyder will lead Health Resources LLC, its latest division aimed at healthcare policy.

“Health Resources is a health policy consulting and strategic advisory firm whose primary focus is advancing sound healthcare policy and providing impactful solutions for clients in the healthcare sector,” a press release states.

When asking if Snyder would be in violation of any state ethics guidelines by working in the same sector as his previous vocation, the Clarion Ledger was provided an ethics opinion on the Mississippi Ethics Commission website. Ethics commission questions are posted with those who asked for the opinion listed anonymously.

The commission ruled if a former state agency head does not work directly with their new company’s clients that do work with that state agency, there shouldn’t be an issue.

“I could not be more excited to be part of Health Resources and contribute to a mission that aligns with my passion to enhance operational efficiency and deliver cost-efficient, high-quality care,” Snyder said in the press release.

Gov. Reeves ‘open to discussions’ about Medicaid

Speaking of Medicaid. Reeves said he is hoping that Trump will allocate Medicaid funding in a block grant to the state rather than the current funding model.

Each year, Mississippi currently receives approximately $6.5 billion federal funds for Medicaid. Reeves said during a meeting Wednesday he thinks that money has too many federal restrictions.

Reeves has for years been an opponent of Medicaid expansion. During the 2024 Session, the Clarion Ledger reported his unwavering opposition to Medicaid expansion at every juncture.

Medicaid expansion was considered for the first time in a decade in the Legislature this year, but Senate and House lawmakers could not come to an agreement on expansion specifics by a legislative deadline to do so.

Both Hosemann and White have vowed to return Medicaid expansion to the forefront of state politics in 2025.

With US Senate GOP majority, Wicker now reps Mississippi in a powerful position

As Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker makes his way back to Washington, D.C., for the next four years, he will be walking into a position of high regard.

As the most senior member of the now-majority party on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Wicker is tapped as its chairman, sources close to the senator confirmed and according to Senate procedure.

With Wicker in the driver’s seat of the committee, he will have serious sway on any conflict-related policy and spending. It will certainly be interesting to see how he moves on policy in the near future.

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

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Mississippi

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Utah Utes live stream, TV channel, start time, odds | November 17, 2024

Published

14 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Press Room

The Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-0) bring a three-game win streak into a home matchup with the Utah Utes (3-0), winners of three straight as well. It begins at 4:00 PM ET (on ESPN2) on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

In its most recent game, Mississippi State defeated SE Louisiana 80-59 at home, with Josh Hubbard (23 PTS, 5 AST, 57.14 FG%, 4-8 from 3PT) and Kanye Clary (12 PTS, 2 STL, 33.33 FG%) the standout performers.

In its previous game, Utah was a winner at home over Queens 96-65, with Gabe Madsen (24 PTS, 2 STL, 46.67 FG%, 5-12 from 3PT) and Mike Sharavjamts (19 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 72.73 FG%, 3-4 from 3PT) leading the way.

Here’s what you need to get ready for Sunday’s college hoops matchup.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Utah Utes

Game day: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Game time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Live stream: Fubo (Watch for free – Regional restrictions may apply)

NCAA Basketball Odds and Betting Lines

Spread: Mississippi State -6.5
Total: 151.5

College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 4:00 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

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FAMU football’s 23-home game winning streak snapped by winless Mississippi Valley State | recap

Published

22 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Press Room

FAMU football’s 23-home game winning streak snapped by winless Mississippi Valley State | recap

This story will be updated.

Florida A&M football hosts Mississippi Valley State for a Week 12 Southwestern Athletic Conference game at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Keep scrolling for updates, and refresh the page for the latest information.

The Rattlers (5-4, 3-2 in SWAC), fresh off a 31-12 loss at Prairie View A&M, look to return to the win column. Additionally, FAMU aims to extend its second-longest home winning streak in the Football Championship Subdivision to 24 games.

MVSU (0-10, 0-6 in SWAC) is still searching for its first win after faltering at Jackson State 51-14 last Saturday. Today is the Rattlers’ third-to-last game with matchups versus Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 23) and Alabama A&M (Nov. 29). FAMU likely won’t be granted postseason play with two SWAC losses.

FAMU vs Mississippi Valley State score updates

FAMU football highlights vs MVSU

FAMUs winning streak at Bragg Memorial Stadium has snapped, and it handed Mississippi Valley State its first win of the season.

It is also the first time in program history that the Delta Devils have beaten the Rattlers. The Rattlers had a lot of momentum in the second half after shutting MSVU out and scoring 11 unanswered points.

A wasted timeout and a fumble loss on the snap cost the Rattlers. The Rattlers fall to 5-5 for the first time since 2018. Daniel Richardson completed 18 for 24 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown.

The FAMU Rattlers have shown life.

A tunnel screen pass to Jamari Gossett led to the first touchdown score in the second half, cutting MSVU’s lead to three points as the Rattlers trail 24-21 with 7:14 left in the fourth quarter.

FAMU has scored 11 unanswered points. The defense has shut down the Delta Devils’ offense the entire second half.

FAMU has been playing better, especially defensively, as they kept the MSVU scoreless in the third quarter.

However, the Rattlers are still behind 24-13 entering the fourth quarter. The Seminoles need a spark on offense to make it at least a one-possession game.

FAMU’s kicker Cameron Gillis nails a 45-yard field goal for the Rattlers to add more points on the board.

However, the Rattlers are still trailing by two scores, 24-13 with nine minutes left to play in the third quarter.

This could be the worst FAMU has looked in the first half as it trails 24-10 at halftime.

It started with poor special teams play and miscues, which led Mississippi Valley State to capitalize on the Rattlers. The Delta Blue Devils scored two touchdowns after a FAMU turnover.

FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson has completed 8 of his 10 passes for 116 yards and was sacked twice. FAMU has been running the ball effectively led by Bo Sommersett as he rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown.

MSVU’s quarterback, La’Jarian Williams, has completed 13 of his 17 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns.

Nathan Rembert has been Williams’ primary target as he recorded 113 receiving yards on six catches.

MSVU decided to take a shot downfield. QB Ty’Jarian Williams threw a deep-ball 60-yard pass to Nathan Rembert for a touchdown.

FAMU trails big 21-10 with under six minutes left to play in the second quarter. The Rattlers allowed two touchdowns after a turnover.

FAMU’s offense was about to respond after running back Bo Sommersett’s 51-yard run that put the Rattlers inside the one.

Sommersett would cough the ball up on the next play and the Delt Devils recovered the fumble.

It was a no-score for the Rattlers, leaving another missed opportunity to put up points. The Delta Devils got the ball back and still up 14-10 with 7:08 left to play in the second quarter.

Special teams miscues continue to hurt the Rattlers, and the winless Delta Devils are taking advantage of it.

After Gregory Martin returned a 71-yard kickoff, MSVU’s quarterback Ty’Jarian Williams connected with Cameron Nelson on a four-yard slant.

The Delta Devils captured their first lead of the day, 14-10, with 10:48 left in the second quarter.

FAMU kicker Cameron Gillis redeemed himself with a 45-yard field goal for fAMU to regain the lead, 10-7, at the start of the second quarter

Daniel Richardson has been efficient so far for the Rattlers, as he completed all seven passes for 106 yards.

Special teams error became an issue for FAMU.

A muffed punt set up a rushing touchdown for Mississippi Valley State, and the Rattlers’ kicker, Cameron Gillis, missed a 36-yard field goal to regain the lead.

Special teams continue to be a problem for the Rattlers early. After going three and out, Cameron Gillis missed a 36-yard field goal. It remains 7-7 with 3:08 left in the first quarter.

Mississippi Valley even the score with a two-yard rushing touchdown by running back Jakobe Thomas.

MSVU scored following a fumble by punter Gunnar Trout, putting the Delta Devils inside the 20. The game is tied at seven with less than five minutes left to play in the first quarter.

After a three and out from FAMU’s offense, a special teams error went to puter Gunnar Trout. The freshman fumbled on the punt and was recovered by the Delta Devils inside the 20.

Daniel Richardson got the green light and didn’t waste any time. In just three plays, the Rattlers are on the board.

Richardson set up a 44-yard pass to receiver Marquez Bell, which would set up a rushing touchdown by running back Bo Summersett. FAMU takes the first lead 7-0 in the first quarter.

FAMU uniform jersey combination

FAMU is wearing all orange uniforms with white helmets.

FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson is in full uniform and has been doing pregame warmups with the Rattlers.

It is still unclear if he will start against Mississippi Valley State, but he is active for Saturday’s game.

Richardson suffered a concussion in last week’s loss to Praire View A&M. Junior Muratovic is the backup quarterback.

Wide receiver Jamarri Gassett and running back Kelvin Dean Jr are also available to play.

FAMU vs Mississippi Valley State start time today

Date: Saturday, November 16
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Bragg Memorial Stadium (Tallahassee, Florida)

What channel is FAMU vs Mississippi Valley State game on today?

Florida A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State will broadcast on TheGrio TV in Week 12 of the 2024 college football season. The game will stream exclusively on HBCU Go.

The 2024 Rattlers are led by quarterback Daniel Richardson, a grad student who transferred from Florida Atlantic who is second in the SWAC with 2,030 passing yards and first with 19 touchdowns. FAMU has seven preseason All-SWAC selections: offensive lineman Ashton Grable, defensive backs Kendall Bohler and Deco Wilson and kicker Cameron Gillis on the first team, and running back Kelvin Dean, receiver Jamari Gassett and defensive lineman Allen Smith on the second team.

The 2024 Delta Devils are led by quarterback Ty’Jarian Williams, who has 1,177 yards and seven touchdowns passing while also leading the team with 273 yards and five TDs rushing. Wide receiver Nathan Rembert is second in the SWAC with 801 receiving yards.

FAMU vs Mississippi Valley State history

Series record: FAMU leads, 6-0
FAMU’s last win: September 30, 2023 (31-7)

Gerald Thomas III, Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU 27, MVSU 10

“FAMU hasn’t lost consecutive conference games since 2018. Nor have the Rattlers lost a home game since 2018. So, expect both to stay the same Saturday. And though the Rattlers are vulnerable right now with vanished postseason hopes and a banged-up roster, they can still defeat the Delta Devils if the execution is there.”

FAMU vs Mississippi Valley State betting odds

As of Friday, there were no game lines or odds from BetMGM.

FAMU vs Mississippi Valley State injury updates

Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson left last week’s game with a concussion. Running back Kelvin Dean Jr. also was injured vs. Prairie View A&M. Wide receiver Jamari Gassett is also battling injuries.

FAMU vs Mississippi Valley State weather updates

Weather.com predicts 72 degrees with sunny skies at kickoff in Tallahassee. Winds are expected to blow out of the northeast at 5 mph. There is a near 0% chance of rain throughout the day.

FAMU football schedule 2024

*- SWAC game

Mississippi Valley State football schedule 2024

August 31: at Tennessee State (L 41-21)
September 7: at Lamar (L 28-14)
September 14: at Murray State (L 59-8)
September 21: at Nicholls (L 66-0)
September 28: vs. Alcorn State* (L 42-21)
October 5: Open
October 12: at Alabama State* (L 54-17)
October 19: vs. Bethune-Cookman* (L 20-10)
October 26: at Arkansas-Pine Bluff* (L 35-21)
November 2: vs. Prairie View A&M* (L 17-16)
November 9: at Jackson State* (L 51-14)
November 16: at Florida A&M*, 1 p.m.
November 23: vs. Alabama A&M*, 1 p.m.
Record: 0-10 (0-6 in SWAC)

*- SWAC game

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