In the upcoming Mississippi legislative session, Rep. Jason White of West is set to succeed Republican Philip Gunn as the new House speaker. With promises of support from his Republican colleagues, White secured the position after Gunn chose not to seek reelection. White, who previously served as speaker pro tempore under Gunn, will now take on the highest leadership role in the 122-member House.

As White steps into his new role, Republican Rep. Manly Barton of Moss Point is expected to become the new speaker pro tem. In this position, Barton will serve as a close adviser to White and will preside over the House in White's absence. The transition of leadership comes as the Republican-controlled Mississippi Legislature begins its annual session, with all members being sworn in for a four-year term.

Meanwhile, Governor Delbert Hosemann returns for his second term presiding over the 52-member Senate. Alongside six other statewide officials, Hosemann will be inaugurated on Thursday. Governor Tate Reeves, a Republican, will be inaugurated on January 9th, marking the beginning of his second term. Reeves, who previously served as state treasurer and lieutenant governor, is advocating for the elimination of the state income tax. He argues that this move will help Mississippi compete with income-tax-free states like Florida and Texas.

In 2022, Mississippi enacted its largest-ever tax cut, which will gradually reduce the income tax over four years starting in 2023. Hosemann suggests that legislators may consider further income tax cuts or a reduction in the 7% grocery tax, depending on the state of the economy. However, he emphasizes that any changes would be phased in gradually and done in a fiscally responsible manner.

Conservative groups are pushing for "school choice" plans, which would allow parents to send their children to public schools outside their designated attendance zone if those schools accept the students. Additionally, these plans could permit public funds to be used for private schools or homeschooling. Legislators may also revisit the issue of allowing people to petition to put issues on the statewide ballot. In 2021, the Mississippi Supreme Court invalidated the state's initiative process, citing the requirement to gather signatures from outdated congressional districts.

For the first time, there is a possibility that lawmakers will seriously consider expanding Medicaid to cover individuals in low-wage jobs who lack health insurance. Medicaid expansion is an option under the health care overhaul signed into law by former President Barack Obama in 2010. Mississippi is one of ten states that have yet to take advantage of this option, with Governor Reeves referring to Medicaid as "welfare." While Gunn also opposed expansion, White expressed a desire to assess the number of individuals who could become eligible for Medicaid coverage if the program is expanded. He also intends to engage with business leaders to explore potential ways they could contribute to the state's cost.

White acknowledges that Mississippi is one of the poorest states and believes it is essential to find a way to make Medicaid expansion work in a financially responsible manner. As the legislative session begins, the state's lawmakers will have the opportunity to address these critical issues and shape the future of Mississippi.