Veterans

SB 2034 appropriates $173.6 million in state funds for Mississippi National Guard operations during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It covers general expenses ($9.5 million), military programs ($164 million), and specific initiatives like the Youth Challenge Program ($2.3 million), Armed Forces Museum ($663,124), and the Sonny Montgomery Center ($300,000). The funding comes from general state funds, specialized accounts (e.g., Camp Shelby Timber Fund), and $4 million redirected from the Education Enhancement Fund. This is a routine budget allocation with no new policy requirements, solely authorizing financial support for existing Guard activities and facilities.

SB 2035 appropriates $5.67 million from the General Fund and $3.63 million from special funds to cover the State Veterans Affairs Board's salaries and operations for fiscal year 2026. It also allocates $6.36 million from the General Fund and $54.54 million from special funds to support Mississippi State Veterans Homes operations and staff salaries during the same period. The bill specifies exact funding amounts for "Personal Services" (covering salaries and benefits) and sets authorized headcounts (40 permanent and 25 time-limited positions for the Board; 265 permanent and 317 time-limited for Veterans Homes), with strict rules preventing fund transfers or salary increases beyond approved amounts.