JACKSON, Miss. – Governor Phil Bryant said in his State of the state address that he wants to bring more jobs to the state, improve the public education system, reaffirm the state’s faith, and work smarter to combat crime in Mississippi.
Bryant delivered his third State of the State Address to a joint session of the Mississippi Legislature Wednesday afternoon.
“First, we believe every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be gainfully employed right here at home,” he said. With the help of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, the State Workforce Investment Board, and the state longitudinal data system, the Governor plans to soon unveil a state-of-the-art system to match job seekers with employers. “The system, along with its app, will be unlike any other in the nation. It will put job seekers and employers a click away from success. Finding a job or a qualified employee in Mississippi will be easier and more effective than ever.”
Pointing to a recently released Education Week report rating Mississippi Number 51 for k-12 student achievement, the Governor noted serious problems continue to exist in the state’s public education system. “Political posturing and finger-pointing do nothing to help these children,” he said, while calling for common sense priorities. “Our Education Works reforms will help prepare children for lifelong learning by improving literacy skills and ending status-quo social promotion.”
Governor Bryant also challenge the Legislature to “take a bold step for God and country” by embracing legislation that would change the wording on the Seal of the State of Mississippi to reflect the nation’s motto. “With your help, the seal of the State of Mississippi will, from this session forward, reflect the simple yet profound words ‘In God We Trust’.”
Unlike his previous two State of the State Addresses, the Governor this year added public safety to his list of priorities. “I have no sympathy for violent or career criminals, and I believe that any modification to the correctional system should put the victim first.” The Governor called for funding for Drug and Veterans treatment courts, a trooper school and for the creation of a violent crime strike force composed of state, local and federal law enforcement officers.
