Education (Teachers)

HB 41 appropriates $1.6 million from general funds and $6.49 million from special funds (including $1.49 million from the Education Enhancement Fund) to cover the Mississippi Arts Commission's expenses for fiscal year 2026. The bill specifically allocates $1.49 million to fund arts education programs in public schools, including teacher training, grants, and the "Whole Schools Initiative." It strictly limits $1.098 million of the total funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, benefits, and vacancy funding for staff), prohibiting use for promotions or salary increases beyond approved headcounts. The Commission must maintain detailed financial records and ensure funds are spent only as specified, directly affecting its staff and public school arts programs.

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.