In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Mississippi House Representative Robert Johnson to discuss pressing issues in the state, including redistricting, the recent legislative session, the elimination of the state income tax, and the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Johnson expresses disappointment in the legislative outcomes, particularly regarding education and healthcare, and emphasizes the need for stronger Democratic representation and accountability in the state government. In this conversation, Robert L. Johnson III discusses the systemic issues facing Mississippi, including the flaws of private prisons, the need for Medicaid expansion, challenges in education funding, and the state’s poor rankings in healthcare and economy. He emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and leadership to address these pressing issues and improve the quality of life for all Mississippians.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings
01:37 Redistricting and Voting Rights
08:12 Legislative Session Review
14:03 Democratic Representation and Accountability
20:12 State Income Tax Elimination Debate
28:30 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Discussion
31:41 The Flaws of Private Prisons
34:28 Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion in Mississippi
38:55 Education Funding Challenges
44:27 Mississippi’s Rankings and Leadership Issues
49:21 Economic Disparities and Jim Crow-ism
52:05 The Importance of Civic Engagement