Rep. Anderson's Statement Re: The Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act and The State Lottery

Statement

Over the past few days, the Mississippi Legislature has convened for a special session to tackle issues that we failed to resolve for our constituents during regular session. On top of the docket was the state's crumbling infrastructure and funding problem. To address this issue we had to debate two separate bills. House Bill 1, The Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act, defined where monies for infrastructure repair would come from and how it would be distributed across the state. In this legislation, $80M in funding was left to come from a lottery that was going to have to be passed in a separate bill.

I voted in favor of The Mississippi Infrastructure Modernization Act. Even though I had some reservations regarding the bill's framework, I understood the enormous need for statewide repairs. This bill is not a permanent fix to our infrastructure funding deficit, but it is a step in the right direction. I initially voted in favor of the State Lottery bill on Monday after it returned from the conference.

After working with colleagues Tuesday, we developed a more solid plan that would generate more jobs, ensure guaranteed concrete pre-k, and provide classroom resource funding. This plan was more beneficial for our districts and surpassed the range of benefits in the conference report. I decided to vote against the legislation to force further communication and secure more benefits for my constituents.

While I am excited that the lottery bill passed, I hate that the benefits in our plan were blocked for consideration as I believe the benefits would have been better for the people of Mississippi's 110th House District. If we are going to pass a lottery then the proceeds should benefit those communities that need it the most. I understand this is a complicated issue; therefore, I am hosting a Town Hall meeting next Wednesday, September 6th at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at the Eastside Community Center on Azalea Road in Moss Point.

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