Education

SB 2001 allocates nearly $1.5 billion in state funds to Mississippi's eight public universities (Alcorn State, Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, Ole Miss, and Southern Miss) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides $376 million from the state general fund for core operations, $1.09 billion from federal/student fees, and $1.5 million from the Ayers Endowment for specific university support. The bill also earmarks $145,000 for the Governor's School for Gifted Students (requiring nominations from all high schools) and $349,200 for the Teacher Corps program. Key provisions include requiring 65% of on-campus funding for off-campus centers and prohibiting general funds from replacing federal or special funds.