Appropriations Work Begins
The Senate has started developing the state’s annual budget. Each year, the House and Senate agree upon a budget based on recommendations from accountants, economists, and financial experts. One of my top priorities as your state senator is to ensure your tax dollars are spent appropriately and in ways that generate the greatest return on taxpayer investment.
February: Career & Technical Month
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker signed a proclamation recognizing February 2023 as “Career Technical Education Month” in the city. As a legislator, I hear reports from our state’s workforce team regarding the shortage of workers in high-demand industries caused by, among other factors, a lack of awareness of available jobs among students. This month, the Skills Foundation of Mississippi, a non-profit focused on increasing the skilled workforce in the state, launched a targeted campaign to educate key stakeholders on many the job opportunities in industries like manufacturing, energy, transportation, and others. The campaign, “Skills that Pay,” was kicked off in Hattiesburg in conjunction with the Area Development Partnership. This highlights the importance of the Pine Belt to Mississippi’s overall workforce, and I commend area leaders for working collaboratively to enhance our job market.
Record Shattered
Join me in congratulating Josh Hubbard of Madison-Ridgeland Academy for breaking the Mississippi High School basketball record! Josh scored his 4,275th goal of his career right here in Hattiesburg last week. I know he will continue to do great things and make Mississippi proud!
Photos of the Week
A nice evening shot of the state Capitol. I’m always in awe of the beauty of this building, and I feel so blessed to get to represent you in this incredible work of architecture.
Buttercup the Rescue Pony
I snuck of photo of my favorite neighbor, a miniature pony rescued by my neighbors in Jackson. Her name is Buttercup, and while she’s not all that talkative, she’s the star of the neighhhhborhood!
Let Me Hear from You
Have thoughts or concerns about the legislative session or the appropriations process? I can always be reached at chjohnson@senate.ms.gov.