As Mississippi nears its peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials are beginning to look toward the eventual re-opening of the state’s economy.
While a specific timeline for a return to normalcy is still unknown, Governor Tate Reeves has announced the formation of ‘The Governor’s Commission for Economic Recovery’. According to a news release, the commission will be asked to “chart a course for economic recovery and re-opening Mississippi’s economy.”
“We need Mississippians helping Mississippians. I have asked a trusted group of our state’s top business minds to do just that. Under the ‘Restart Mississippi’ umbrella, they are going to develop a series of recommendations and goals for our new economy. They will study the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce and small businesses. And they will help us recover—day by day,” Governor Reeves said.
Chaired by Joe Sanderson of Sanderson Farms, the commission will examine the impact of the outbreak on each geographic region of the state and develop tailored solutions. The remainder of the committee will be made up of representatives from across the state.
“They will look at the impact on every industry, on every geographical area and every community in our state because we know they will not be the same. Each will require tailored solutions. They will help us to transform and rebuild our economy in this new time. They will be a source of wisdom for me – independent of government – as we consider how to help those most affected by this pandemic,” the Governor said during his daily press briefing.
Unemployment numbers in Mississippi continue to skyrocket as claims have increased by 9,000% in recent weeks. This follows a national trend as a record 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment last week.
