It was a busy and productive week last week at the Mississippi Municipal League Mid-Winter Conference in Jackson as the new 2024 Legislative session is upon us and so is the beginning of the new state term. Gov. Tate Reeves inauguration was also last week, and I look for the 2024-28 term to be a very productive four years.
Being at the state capitol last week was a mixed feeling of excitement and anticipation for the future while municipal officials from this area gathered and joined other officials from across this state, and met with state leaders. Among those addressing the crowd were Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Jason White (R-West). The lieutenant governor and house speaker are powerful positions in our state government.
There was a MML Press Conference at the capitol for the 2024 proposed legislative priorities, which included local option sales tax, continuing funding of the emergency road and bridge repair fund of at least $100 million, small municipalities grant program funding of $10 million, and PERS reform to lessen the unfunded mandate of increasing the employer contribution.
There is no doubt that in the vision for this state, which is shared by state leaders, they understand the priorities of the local governments. The MML and our state officials share the challenges ahead and support for the needs in our communities, including local governments. The MML aggressively advocates for municipal-friendly legislation with the help of our full-time director of public and government affairs, and a professional lobbyist. The MML Legislative Committee, along with the League staff, meets with our state legislators to ensure that they are informed and up to date on the interests of our cities and towns. The legislation of municipal concerns is closely monitored and tracked. The MML Legislative Committee meets regularly during the legislative session to provide guidance to the MML staff regarding any legislation of municipal interest.
It was a rewarding experience here at the beginning of 2024 to take part in sharing ideas and initiatives from the local level with our state officials. When I left the MML Mid-Winter Conference in Jackson last week, I felt renewed enthusiasm for the future. From the courthouses of our towns, along with the decisions made in our city halls, our initiative gains traction that can be reached to Jackson and to Washington D.C. This initiative makes for stronger communities which can hit home for the citizens of our communities, but can also make a difference in our nation.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors.
