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By Rep. Zakiya Summers Published by Essence on March 2, 2025 Every year, we mark Equal Pay Day as a reminder of the staggering wage gap that Black women continue to face. Yet, every year, we are forced to fight the same battle for something that should already be a given: equal pay for equal work. In Mississippi and across the South, Black women—who have historically been the backbone of our families, our communities, and our economy—earn around 66 cents for every dollar a white man makes. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a financial stranglehold that limits our ability to build generational wealth, own homes, invest in our children’s futures, and retire with dignity. And despite what the Trump administration and its allies would prefer be our fate—despite their deliberate efforts to erase conversations about racial equity and economic justice—we are not backing down. I know firsthand what pay inequity looks like. In 2005, I had just graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia—one of the top journalism schools in the country. I had already been working in a newsroom for two years when I landed my first full-time job as a news producer at a Fox affiliate in Elkhart, Indiana. Around the same time, a young white woman, also fresh out of college, was hired for the same position. The difference? Her show was just one hour long while mine was a full two hours—twice the responsibility, the same title, and, I later discovered, half the pay. When I questioned my employer, I was met with silence. There was no justification. Instead of righting the wrong, they moved her to a primetime show—a move meant to cover up the blatant discrimination I had just uncovered. At the time, I didn’t have the words to describe what was happening. But now, after years of advocating for pay equity alongside leaders like Cassandra Welchlin of the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable , I know exactly what it was: systemic pay discrimination. And I am far from the only one. There are millions of Black women across the South who are overworked and underpaid—whose skills, labor, and leadership are undervalued simply because of who they are. Some, like Cassandra’s mother and aunt, were paid so little they had to hide Cassandra in the utility closet and maid cart just to make ends meet . We cannot allow this to continue. That’s why I introduced House Bill 716—the Mississippi Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. This bill would ensure that employers cannot use a person’s past salary history to justify paying them less than they deserve. Why? Because allowing wage history to determine new salaries perpetuates discrimination. If a Black woman has been underpaid in one job, that same discrimination follows her to every job after that. But let’s be clear—this fight isn’t just about one bill. It’s about holding lawmakers, employers, and business leaders accountable. Mississippi claims to be focused on economic growth. But what good is attracting new businesses if they refuse to pay Black women fairly? If our state is serious about workforce development, we must demand a real equal pay law—not just a watered-down version that looks good on paper but does nothing to close the gap. We need public pressure on the Mississippi Legislature, the governor and corporate leaders. We need to push back against policies that favor profits over people, especially at the expense of Black women who have done more than their fair share of carrying this country on their backs. And let’s not forget—despite being the most educated demographic in this country, Black women still earn the least. The math isn’t mathing. So, what can you do? Make noise. Demand action. Support Black women in leadership. Hold employers accountable. And when Election Day comes, vote for leaders who will fight for pay equity—not just with words, but with policy. The fight for equal pay isn’t just about fairness. It’s about economic justice, dignity and the    right to thrive—not just survive. And we’re not stopping until the work is done. Rep. Zakiya Summers represents House District 68 in the Mississippi Legislature and is a leading advocate for pay equity, racial justice, and women’s economic empowerment.

By Senator Derrick Simmons, Minority Leader Published by Mississippi Today Each year, in a handful of states, public offices close, flags are lowered and official ceremonies commemorate “Confederate Memorial Day.” Mississippi is among those handful of states that on Monday will celebrate the holiday intended to honor the soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. But let me be clear: celebrating Confederate Memorial Day is not only racist but is bad policy, bad governance and a deep stain on the values we claim to uphold today. First, there is no separating the Confederacy from the defense of slavery and white supremacy. The Confederacy was not about “states’ rights” in the abstract; it was about the right to own human beings. Confederate leaders themselves made that clear. Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens declared in his infamous “Cornerstone Speech” that the Confederacy was founded upon “the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man.” No amount of revisionist history can erase the fact that the Confederacy’s cause was fundamentally rooted in preserving racial subjugation. To honor that cause with a state holiday is to glorify a rebellion against the United States fought to defend the indefensible. It is an insult to every citizen who believes in equality and freedom, and it is a cruel slap in the face to Black Americans, whose ancestors endured the horrors of slavery and generations of systemic discrimination that followed. Beyond its moral bankruptcy, Confederate Memorial Day is simply bad public policy. Holidays are public statements of our values. They are moments when a state, through official sanction, tells its citizens: “This is what we believe is worthy of honor.” Keeping Confederate Memorial Day on the calendar sends a message that a government once committed to denying basic human rights should be celebrated. That message is not just outdated — it is dangerous. It nurtures the roots of racism, fuels division and legitimizes extremist ideologies that threaten our democracy today. Moreover, there are real economic and administrative costs to shutting down government offices for this purpose. In a time when states face budget constraints, workforce shortages and urgent civic challenges, it is absurd to prioritize paid time off to commemorate a failed and racist insurrection. Our taxpayer dollars should be used to advance justice, education, infrastructure and economic development — not to prop up a lost cause of hate. If we truly believe in moving forward together as one people, we must stop clinging to symbols that represent treason, brutality and white supremacy. There is a legislative record that supports this move in a veto-proof majority changing the state Confederate flag in 2020. Taking Confederate Memorial Day off our official state holiday calendar is another necessary step toward a more inclusive and just society. Mississippi had the largest population of enslaved individuals in 1865 and today has the highest percentage of Black residents in the United States. We should not honor the Confederacy or Confederate Memorial Day. We should replace it. Replacing a racist holiday with one that celebrates emancipation underscores the state’s rich African American history and promotes a more inclusive understanding of its past. It would also align the state’s observances with national efforts to commemorate the end of slavery and the ongoing pursuit of equality. I will continue my legislative efforts to replace Confederate Memorial Day as a state holiday with Juneteenth, which commemorates the freedom for America’s enslaved people. It’s time to end Confederate Memorial Day once and for all. ### Derrick T. Simmons, D-Greensville, serves as the minority leader in the state Senate. He represents Bolivar, Coahoma and Washington counties in the Mississippi Senate.

By Vice Chairman Sen. Rod Hickman Published by Clarion Ledger on April 15, 2025 The Mississippi Legislature exists to serve the people. As the policymaking body of our state, we are tasked with enacting laws, allocating resources and ensuring that government functions effectively for all Mississippians. One of our most essential responsibilities is passing a state budget — a task not just central to governance but legally required. The budget dictates how we fund schools, hospitals, infrastructure, public safety and critical social services. It reflects our priorities and our values. Without it, our state government cannot operate properly, and the people of Mississippi bear the consequences.  Yet, as the 2025 legislative session ends, we have failed in that fundamental duty. Instead of passing a responsible budget, internal divisions and last-minute power plays within the state’s Republican supermajority derailed budget negotiations, forcing the governor to call a special session to fix what never should have been broken in the first place.  This legislative stalemate underscores a troubling pattern of misplaced priorities. While critical budgetary decisions were left unresolved, the Legislature expedited the passage of the largest tax cut in state history for the wealthy — with significant typos in the legislation. This move will cut one-third of the state’s budget, forcing working families to bear the brunt of economic uncertainty while risking funding for vital services like education and healthcare. This comes at a time when federal funding cuts are already stripping essential resources from agencies. For example, the health department just announced that federal funding cuts will cost the state nearly $238 million in public health and mental health funding in Mississippi.  On top of that, lawmakers spent the last week of the session focused on anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion legislation in Mississippi's public schools and universities. Instead of addressing the state's deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, the Legislature chose to focus on cultural issues, passing laws that reflect a troubling agenda of divisiveness rather than progress. This decision makes it clear where their priorities lie.  Meanwhile, Mississippi remains at the bottom of too many national rankings. We have one of the highest poverty rates, highest incarceration rates and some of the worst health outcomes in the country. Rural communities are struggling with economic development and job opportunities, leaving too many families behind.  This is not governance or leadership; it is negligence.  With a Republican supermajority controlling both the governor's office and both the House and Senate in the Legislature, the party has had nearly unchecked power. This concentration of control has allowed the GOP to shape the state’s agenda without meaningful opposition, limiting diverse perspectives and preventing the state from addressing its most pressing needs. As a result, Mississippi continues to fall behind, especially where it matters most, showing how unbalanced political control has hindered the state's progress.  The Republican supermajority has controlled our government for years, yet our quality of life has not improved. It is time to rethink not only who holds leadership positions but how we govern. We must do better.  To my fellow Mississippians, I ask: When will we recognize that this kind of leadership is failing the people we vowed to serve? When will we take responsibility for the misguided priorities that have left families struggling? Hold us accountable. Demand more from your elected officials. Show up, speak out and vote for leaders who put people over politics. The future of Mississippi depends on a government that truly works for its people. It is time we make that a reality.  — Rod Hickman is the Mississippi Senator serving District 32.

By Rep. Kabir Karriem, MLBC Chairman Published by Jackson Advocate on April 14, 2025 As I embark on the role of Chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, I am filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. This opportunity is more than a personal achievement. More importantly, it is a sacred trust bestowed upon me by my fellow members—a commitment to lead with virtues, listen with empathy, and amplify our collective voice for the communities we serve. I am reminded of the legacy we have inherited from pioneering leaders like emeritus Speaker Pro Tempore Robert G. Clark, the first Black member of the legislature since Reconstruction, as well as Rep. Reecy Dickson, Rep. Rufus Straughter, and the late Senators Alice Harden and Bennie Turner. Their dedication to justice has incredibly shaped our path. Their names resonate not just as titles but as powerful symbols of our struggle and aspirations. These legislators, and many more, were warriors for justice, laying the groundwork for the work that lies ahead of us. In our oath, we affirmed our commitment to serve with integrity, wisdom, and courage— advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for African American communities and all people of Mississippi. We will strive to be a voice for the voiceless, a defender of civil rights, and a champion for education, economic justice, health equity, and criminal justice reform. This is not merely a political obligation. It is a moral imperative. As the scripture reminds us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). This truth will guide our actions and decisions as we move forward. We find ourselves at a critical juncture. The echoes of regression threaten to drown out our progress, as some of our colleagues seek to undermine the hard-won rights and opportunities that have taken generations to secure. It is essential that we do not allow ourselves to be divided in this challenging climate. Our strength lies in our unity. We must come together as one voice—unyielding and resolute. The more than 1.1 million Black Mississippians are counting on us to be their unwavering voice within the State Capitol walls. We will engage our communities across the state through town hall meetings and college tours across the state. We invite every constituent to actively participate because we need to learn of your concerns, intentionally collaborate towards policy solutions, and ensure your voices are at the center of our work. This is a call to action for all of us. Let us be led by wisdom, inspired by courage, and driven by love. Our ancestors remind us, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” We will build a brighter future for all Mississippians. On behalf of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, thank you so much for your support as we continue this critical work. May we remain steadfast and united in our mission, and may God bless each of you and the great state of Mississippi. Please stay in touch at www.msblackcaucus.com  as well as on our social media channels. ### Representative Kabir Karriem was recently elected as Chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus. He represents House District 41 in Lowndes County.

By Senator Derrick Simmons, Minority Leader Published By Clarion Ledger on April 15, 2025 At the heart of sound economic policy is a basic principle: we should build a state that works for everyone — not just the wealthy few. That means investing in schools, maintaining roads, supporting hospitals and ensuring working families aren’t left behind. It also means making responsible fiscal choices that protect our future. Unfortunately, with the passage of House Bill 1, Mississippi has taken a step in the wrong direction. At a time when our financial outlook is increasingly uncertain, the Legislature approved a sweeping tax plan that eliminates the state income tax and raises the gas tax. Cutting the income tax will strip more than $2 billion from the state budget — money that supports our schools, hospitals, roads and public safety. This reckless decision threatens the very services our economy and families rely on. And the benefits won't be shared equally. Mississippi’s wealthiest residents will receive a tax cut roughly equal to the average Mississippian’s yearly income. Meanwhile, families with low-income might save just enough to buy an extra gallon of milk each month. Raising the gas tax only makes things worse. While eliminating the income tax benefits higher earners, increasing the gas tax hits rural and low-income Mississippians hardest — especially those who drive long distances for work, school or basic services. Not to mention, retirees and those on fixed incomes simply can’t afford to pay more at the gas pump. This is not tax reform. This is textbook regressive taxation in favor of the rich: shifting the tax burden from those most able to pay to those who are already stretched thin. To make matters worse, a drafting error in the bill accelerates the tax cuts even faster than intended — shrinking revenue while we’re still absorbing the 2022 tax changes. And this is happening without a clear plan to cover essential costs like the new school funding formula or long-term health care obligations, especially as the state continues to reject Medicaid expansion. Proponents claim this plan will boost the economy and attract new residents — but history says otherwise. States that eliminated income taxes haven’t seen the promised growth. Instead, they’ve raised sales and property taxes or relied on other revenue sources like tourism or oil revenue — neither of which Mississippi can count on. In places like Arizona, Kentucky and Ohio, tax cuts have led to painful shortfalls and deep service cuts. Passing laws not rooted in reality but on political ideology and wishful thinking is dangerous. According to the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office, from July 2024 to March 2025, the state collected $71.7 million less in revenue than it did during the same period last year — a drop of 1.36%.  Also, the proposed general fund budget for the next fiscal year is $16.7 million less than what was appropriated for the current one. We are heading into a period of tighter budgets — and yet, we just cut our most reliable source of revenue. This is especially risky given Mississippi’s reliance on federal funding. The recent surge in state revenue that drove some of the optimism behind the tax cut decision was fueled by temporary federal aid — primarily from the American Rescue Plan Act. That funding is drying up. Despite persistent misinformation that Mississippi doesn’t want so-called “federal handouts” — especially around Medicaid expansion, summer meals for children, or safety net programs like TANF and SNAP — the truth is this: federal revenue is the single largest source of funding for Mississippi’s state budget. It contributes more to our economy than all state tax collections and other revenue sources combined. Mississippi is the second most federally dependent state in the nation. Federal funds account for over 46% of our state budget — more than $14 billion out of a total $31 billion. Now, we are already beginning to feel the effects of recent federal funding reductions under the Trump administration. The Mississippi Department of Education is set to lose $137 million in expiring COVID-related funds. The Department of Health faces more than $230 million in cuts to essential public and mental health programs. Even cultural and educational institutions like the Mississippi Humanities Council are bracing for a $1.5 million loss in federal support. Passing a massive tax cut while federal funds disappear is like tearing the roof off your house just as storm clouds are rolling in. You might enjoy the sunlight for a minute, but you're not ready for what's coming next. But the damage doesn’t end there. The consequences of this short-sighted policy won’t end with this legislative session. When the shortfalls come — and they will — future legislatures will be forced to fill the gaps. The most politically convenient solution will be the most painful for working Mississippians — raising sales taxes on everyday necessities, increasing property taxes or both. If that doesn’t work, we’ll see deep cuts to core public services. And if history is any guide, education will be the first on the chopping block. This would be another regressive move that pushes the cost of government even further onto working families and weakens our communities. In times like these, we need leadership that plans ahead — not political stunts built on wishful thinking. A strong, stable economy doesn’t happen by accident. It requires responsible governance, forward-thinking policies, and the courage to serve all Mississippians — not just the wealthy few. If we want to attract businesses, support working families, and prepare for future growth, we must make smart, sustainable economic choices. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can choose a better path — one that protects essential services, invests in our people, and builds an economy where everyone contributes and everyone benefits. That’s the Mississippi our families deserve. That’s the future we should be fighting for.