- Mississippi Free Press

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White-Appointed Court, State Police For Majority-Black Jackson Goes to Governor

Jackson residents who commit local misdemeanor offenses could soon appear before an unelected, Mississippi Supreme Court-appointed municipal judge from any part of the State after the Mississippi Legislature sent the final version of House Bill 1020 to Gov. Tate Reeves’ desk. If signed, the bill would take some authority away from elected judges and prosecutors over the 83% Black city’s capitol district.

Kayode Crown April 1, 2023

Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba speaking at a podium

News

State Could Force Jackson to Use Sales Tax On Water Only

The Mississippi Legislature will restrict the City of Jackson’s use of the 1% Sales Tax to water issues if House Bill 1168 becomes law.

Kayode Crown February 27, 2023

Senate Judiciary B Committee Chairman Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, explains the various sections of a bill in the Senate Chamber

News

State-Run Capitol Police’s Jurisdiction Would Cover All Jackson If Bill Becomes Law

Mississippi Senate Bill 2343 would give Capitol Police jurisdiction “relative to the enforcement of all laws of the State of Mississippi within the boundaries of the City of Jackson, Mississippi.”

Kayode Crown February 13, 2023

Cliff Johnson, center, with the MacArthur Justice Center, voices his opposition to Mississippi House Bill 1020, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, during a protest at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson. The bill would create a separate court system in the Capitol Complex Improvement District in Jackson. Now the Legislature is backing away from the courts plan.

News

White-Appointed Capitol Courts in Jackson A Step Closer After Mississippi House Approval

The Jackson City Council passed a resolution calling House Bill 1020 an “unconstitutional” effort that “would deprive the citizens of Jackson of their right to elect judges according to the Mississippi Constitution.”

Kayode Crown February 8, 2023

a photo of Speaker Gunn looking at Delbert Hosemann

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Gunn’s Gambit Risks Rescue Act Aid For Hospitals, Jackson Water System, Lt. Gov Warns

“The clock is ticking” on spending federal funds that would provide Mississippi with economic relief, alleviate hospital shortages and repair ailing infrastructure and more, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann warned in an MFP Voices piece today.

Ashton Pittman March 21, 2022

Two men in suits sitting at a desk talking into thin mics

News

Senate Unveils Plan To Eliminate 4% Tax Bracket

The Mississippi Senate has unveiled its income-tax plan, challenging the House’s charge toward full elimination of the State’s income tax. As Senate Finance Committee leadership previously hinted, the Senate bill’s aim is to eliminate the 4% income-tax bracket, while leaving the top income-tax bracket of 5% intact.

Nick Judin February 2, 2022