Mississippi's 12 crucial issues shaping the state

Mississippi faces several key trends shaping its national rankings. Rising grocery prices strain family budgets, with the state now ranking fifth most expensive for food in the nation and facing the highest grocery tax. Public universities are increasing tuition, raising concerns about student debt and college affordability, while only one university avoids tuition hikes by making tough budget cuts.

Efforts to expand Medicaid are ongoing, but disagreements between the House and Senate over eligibility mean tens of thousands may remain without coverage. The state also debates the future of its education system, illustrated by discussions about the Department of Education's potential closure and ongoing challenges related to private school vouchers and school funding.

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves delivers his State of the State address to the Mississippi State Legislature, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at the state Capitol in Jackson, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

NO. 1: GOVERNOR’S NOMINEES WILL LEAVE POWERFUL COLLEGE BOARD WITH ONE HBCU GRADUATE

Gov. Tate Reeves’ nominations will seek to fill vacancies left by four of former Gov. Phil Bryant’s IHL appointees. | Published March 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Molly Minta

Mississippi State Senate Medicaid Committee Chairman Kevin Blackwell, R-Southaven, entertains questions from committee members on a proposal to expand Medicaid benefits to tens of thousands of residents, during its meeting Wednesday in the Mississippi State Capitol. By Rogelio V. Solis

NO. 2: MS SENATE REPUBLICANS PUSH MEDICAID EXPANSION PROPOSAL THAT WOULD COVER FAR FEWER PEOPLE

Mississippi’s Republican-controlled Legislature is considering expansion after years of opposition to the policy. | Published March 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michael Goldberg

A grimy sink in one of NEMCC’s industrial lab. By Molly Minta

NO. 3: COMMUNITY COLLEGES STRUGGLE TO FUND BUILDINGS FOR GROWING WORKFORCE PROGRAMS

Many of Mississippi’s community colleges are struggling with unmet needs, especially on the infrastructure side. | Published April 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Molly Minta

The Mississippi Division of Medicaid is located in the Walter Sillers Building in Jackson. By Eric J. Shelton

NO. 4: MISSISSIPPI HOUSE, SENATE CLOSE IN ON MEDICAID EXPANSION AGREEMENT

Senate move is a major step in finally reaching agreement to adopt a Medicaid expansion. | Published April 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bobby Harrison

The Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. By John Fitzhugh

NO. 5: EVERY UNIVERSITY IN MISSISSIPPI RAISING TUITION, EXCEPT ONE. A LOOK AT NEXT YEAR’S COSTS

The average cost of tuition in Mississippi is now $8,833 a year, a roughly 3% increase from last year. | Published May 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Molly Minta

Medicaid expansion died Thursday night at the Capitol in Jackson, as Mississippi lawmakers could not reach a deal. By Tim Thorsen

NO. 6: MISSISSIPPI IS ONE OF THE WORST STATES TO LIVE IN, ACCORDING TO U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT

The magazine ranked each state in eight categories, with the Southeast faring particularly poorly. | Published May 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by John Buzbee

House Speaker Jason White speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Jackson on March 7, 2024. By Eric J. Shelton

NO. 7: ANALYSIS: USING PUBLIC MONEY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS FACES LONG ROAD IN RUBY-RED MISSISSIPPI

Supporters of public funds to private schools were dealt a major blow after recent election results. | Published November 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bobby Harrison

Aisles of groceries await customers at the new Rouses Market location on Pass Road in Biloxi on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 8: MISSISSIPPI’S SOARING GROCERY PRICES AMONG HIGHEST IN THE NATION. JUST HOW BAD IS IT?

Here’s how much Mississippi families pay each week for groceries, and how to help this holiday season. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Martha Sanchez

How dismantling the U.S. Department of Education would affect Georgia school districts.

NO. 9: TRUMP NIXES THE DEPT. OF EDUCATION. HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MS SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS?

The budget cuts at the Department of Education have many parents worried about their children’s education, but what is Mississippi really facing? | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

Canned food lines the shelves of the Salvation Army in Hattiesburg, as employees work to stock the storeroom ahead of summer, March 4, 2025.

NO. 10: MISSISSIPPI FOOD BANKS BRACE FOR INCREASED DEMAND AS STATE DECLINES FEDERAL SUMMER PROGRAM

Federal food aid has dwindled after Gov. Tate Reeves opted out of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program for the second year in a row. | Published March 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Morgan Gill

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.