[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6361984,"mediaKeyId","2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586","parentId",2169116,"title","Mississippi Arts Commission asks for increased grant funding, staffing and capital support for building fund","audioSeconds",372,"startMs",2658000,"endMs",3030000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586&start=2658&end=3030","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586/thumbnail_2658000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6361984/Mississippi/Mississippi-Arts-Commission-asks-for-increased-grant-funding-staffing-and-capital-support-for-building-fund","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361984-d0a88edee284a849cab7a37083b1bad3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776412104&Signature=ZFj8~DbzrRgl7DJw22STgohAC5hy0KZS9UTMmPthzs9Q34lfFVQgEgU11sH00owbfsV20ysTfD6zLY4QF63qRsJnIuDj1VAkpAUbUB8d6jvLBq2YcQrNNwBH6xmu23Eh-1zofoOIfOMS~jGsnsTv2JZAg~M~GVSiETw6U3xR~LVoQo40VnNyhPg3ZkBV8ciY~k6SVznqKzO0pl2sq69SkNJCLJuu-39bxhIOawg9RxY7w7fER7Ww2dCWVYzzsLcvAMbDj6kRbV8xx6~J3cSXe4MsG7k8rvXtXybeaiCghyycG3rSY67Qt5KNuz8XakpYoV5Sqi28PV6MGXOvMSTxMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mississippi Legislature","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","David Lewis, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, told the Appropriations Subcommittee the agency’s FY26 requests focus on boosting grant support, adding one permanent staff position, upgrading the agency website to federal accessibility standards and funding the Building Fund for the Arts.

Lewis said the commission’s grants support artists and nonprofit arts organizations statewide through fellowship awards, mini grants, apprenticeships, and a schools program that integrates arts into classroom instruction. He told the committee that the agency’s grant investments yield substantial economic activity — the commission’s analysis showed roughly $32 million in economic activity tied to its grant pool and about 1.9 million people engaged in supported programming.

The commission requested an increase to its grant budget to respond to rising demand and higher costs; Lewis said more grant applications require a larger grant pool to maintain award levels. The agency also sought one additional permanent position by converting a time-limited role and restructuring staff: elevating a grants director to deputy director, converting an executive-assistant/special-programs post into a program director and adding an executive assistant.

On capital, Lewis said the Building Fund for the Arts has invested in museums, theaters and community spaces across the state and requested $630,000 for the fund to support year-round arts venues and leverage additional public and private investment. Lewis also highlighted the Whole Schools program, which he said has produced measurable gains in some participating schools and asked for maintained support for that program.

Ending: Committee members praised the agency’s work and said they would evaluate the requests as revenue projections for the session become clearer; no formal appropriations action was taken at the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Appropriations - Room 210; 29 January, 2025: 8:30 AM","oneSentenceSummary","David Lewis, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, told the Appropriations Subcommittee the agency seeks greater grant funds, one additional permanent staff position, website upgrades, and $630,000 for the Building Fund for the Arts to support capital projects across the state.","taxTitle","Appropriations, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Mississippi","taxId",29323,"location","Mississippi","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6361989,"State veterinarian warns bird-flu threat persists; requests replenishment of disease-response fund and more equipment",655,1534000,2189000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586&start=1534&end=2189","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586/thumbnail_1534000.jpg","/articles/6361989/Mississippi/State-veterinarian-warns-bird-flu-threat-persists-requests-replenishment-of-disease-response-fund-and-more-equipment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361989-8afa5a4b1790d0c061454f8cace60757/orig.mp4?Expires=1776412104&Signature=BJYeea4x9seIFXKqf79o64ndCBRw3zATqSpF9T5BQl0XhZsIs1OIdTyn6N7vuoEEybw-NffmYc3AompCwJY6hC1Gxsk~YHAJHiT4jtwlJAE7O4kjJ7dfC5gV7oS~VMQZEKYIsyVmVRDK7I0VBSDguEsQI78wXMnLL03ujFvUqD3X1JXQ36bIP4SL6Zs1F8AR19DRO5-HYsJf12gKUT5klZwwsC2j7MyNBMgDEdJ3LdMQQUuigiS2DuUimQ8LMcW4G8c4cRgcbpZrjaZ99Bwp4ZfGEHUAJ0Q7s0lvKQ6pzMEJRRNvR455Q09E5rbWjJRAedla5Nt2EroBbflMUqfQgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Veterinarian Dr. Watson told the Appropriations Subcommittee that avian influenza remains active in wild and domestic animals and that the agency requests replenishment of its disease-response fund and capital equipment to sustain rapid depopulation and response capacity.

Dr. Watson said the recent 2024–2025 wave originated with a Pacific Coast strain and that the virus is “not going to anytime soon get rid of the virus.” He described the disease as highly contagious in commercial layer operations where, he said, once introduced it can spread rapidly through a facility. The veterinarian explained that when a commercial flock tests positive, USDA and the department follow depopulation protocols to limit spread; rapid depopulation within about 24 hours of detection is the agency’s stated goal to interrupt transmission.

The agency asked for funding to replenish a disease-response fund and to purchase a second foamer, an additional response trailer (estimated $95,000) and replacement laptops for field staff. Dr. Watson said a foamer bought last year proved inadequate for a 10-house broiler operation and that “one foamer is not enough,” so the agency requests an additional unit. The agency also requested funds for enhanced personal protective equipment for responders and salary progression funds to compensate livestock inspectors who now perform depopulation work.

Dr. Watson told the committee that USDA cooperative agreements historically reimbursed portions of outbreak response — overtime, personnel and consumables — but that USDA has reduced cooperative agreement amounts and does not reimburse equipment purchases. “USDA last year cut all of our cooperative agreement amounts to the states, by about 7 or 8%,” Dr. Watson said. The agency therefore anticipates not receiving enough federal reimbursement to replenish equipment and capital costs.

Committee members questioned whether the current response fund balance would cover recent outbreaks. Dr. Watson said the agency was still closing out costs from two recent breakouts but estimated the fund balance to be “about $250,000” and that current requests aim to avoid a deficit appropriation if further outbreaks occur.

Dr. Watson and committee members also discussed human health interactions and animal reservoirs. He noted the virus has been detected in dairy cows and some marine mammals and that certain strains have caused human infections, typically conjunctivitis. He said pasteurization renders milk safe and emphasized standard hygiene precautions for consumers and workers.

Ending: The committee asked for clarification of the specific capital and replenishment figures; Dr. Watson said he would provide documentation and the agency acknowledged USDA reimbursement limitations for equipment purchases.","State Veterinarian Dr. Watson told the committee avian influenza remains a sustained threat; the department seeks capital for a response trailer, an additional foamer, laptops and personnel progression funds, and said USDA reimbursements will not cover equipment purchases.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6361993,"Forestry agency credits prior pay increases for improved hiring, requests flat budget with salary authority to finish pay plan",223,1598000,1821000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586&start=1598&end=1821","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586/thumbnail_1598000.jpg","/articles/6361993/Mississippi/Forestry-agency-credits-prior-pay-increases-for-improved-hiring-requests-flat-budget-with-salary-authority-to-finish-pay-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361993-c0d08c454c9b1d03f923cb13b6dfa9ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1776412104&Signature=I5sAB~CklCsPhu7X0Dib5i-ch9qCCem~kM-NWrBfsSEsO3xI7NNimRvlTo5tGrsFqFUPnmYg5OMhFyMbl-SZ9Y4s8Km04KtofVbf9E-bx2HYQhKWnOPP0jRlioMSBqJX-0dOlmkJ6PhFZzUIAk0YHqUFSYvHECiz3oI2RZ24BgOnlsJPveXwqLbLLD00HPcjLO7oHTojIYaOj9cIZWvaV3oqN8MmLGEL6sY7qTWyd2TMDyZsxau5Ua0i2dPZjfOvaNmPWMUzW-L1YfXXuI7aY57Y-e0CMhRR1kv50~bRU2ra1gx4d1MuGdi4~Vj0Xy5Czzx79xZL206GBd4VsKJaRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A forestry agency official told the Appropriations Subcommittee the agency’s fiscal 2026 request seeks to maintain current general and special fund levels while carrying additional salary authority to complete a multi-year personnel plan approved last year.

The official said the 2023 drought produced a surge in southern pine beetle damage and higher fuel loads, increasing landowner requests for assistance and putting pressure on forest health and wildfire response workloads. The official told the committee that the wildland firefighter pay increases approved previously by the State Personnel Board “has gone a long way to helping us get quality applicants” and that ranger, technician and forester hiring has improved as a result.

The agency said region 4 (the southern region) was hit hardest by beetle damage and had experienced recruitment difficulty; the agency reported that it recently hired additional registered foresters and was “50% full on foresters” in the southern region with more recruits expected before the end of the fiscal year.

On equipment, the official said the agency follows a recommended rotation schedule for heavy equipment and plans to replace dozers on a 12-unit purchase cycle (12 every other year) to obtain better pricing. Travel, contractual services and commodities budgets were described as generally stable. The agency also noted bond-payment obligations in its titling program and said bond payments are handled within the appropriation process.

Committee members requested clearer, position-level SPB documentation for any progression requests; the agency said classifications and many salary adjustments were implemented last year as part of the state personnel board plan and that the current request constitutes the second phase of that plan.

Ending: The committee did not take a formal vote during the hearing. Members asked for additional documentation on classification and position-level adjustments to accompany the SPB sheet.","The state forestry agency told the Appropriations Subcommittee its FY26 request is largely flat; it seeks additional salary authority to complete a personnel plan approved by the State Personnel Board after drought-driven beetle damage and higher wildfire risk increased demand for foresters and firefighters.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6361998,"Marine resources agency asks for salary authority and requests funding to align marine patrol pay with state officers",758,1353000,2111000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586&start=1353&end=2111","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169116-49d74d6b18fcc0b4b4a8cf258d3e1586/thumbnail_1353000.jpg","/articles/6361998/Mississippi/Marine-resources-agency-asks-for-salary-authority-and-requests-funding-to-align-marine-patrol-pay-with-state-officers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361998-ccd1b205bd75e995d9e1db3e473bbc4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776412104&Signature=iLqArNx16P2bGi96i~cXczYQdW8iD3LeoKuyuUZHpZGd3Ha4Y5Yt3dED0mkjHRumtsHqYdYaLVIdAPF-6bHJsNHhj7HXuoMd0ACutbo3PkkoRg-iNLtbhegmWj3D1iugAdhyVp0VjsPTjKEs2muoRseB2yWLezfRWNnQId5KAlktgSQvxwQrdExVvkMYvX0Z0m1VzGhbnmAuFc68MfmElKJA-CPxSZm-4slhbOi4UiPxX-r6seNtF6MzViBOgIY9WXoFgB2qT2kSDi4hG77GQVgBx8eChdWJVUlG9gLmaH1SG332uANwTxwmhdY5TogJIUcPhKkFmLQF1JlZZQcj0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An agency representative told the Appropriations Subcommittee that the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ (DMR) 2026 budget request is largely level but includes salary authority that would allow raises if state approval follows.

The representative said the agency’s requested salary authority totals $567,116, a figure framed as the maximum the agency would need “in case the state wants to allow us to give raise[s] next year.” The representative told senators the $567,116 is included in the draft figures for general fund appropriations and would only be used if state personnel rules allow the pay adjustments.

The request also contains a $280,412 line item described as funding for marine patrol salaries. The agency representative said that item would let the agency “align our marine patrol officers with the state capital officers” and that if the state personnel board approves a realignment, the agency would not need the separate $280,412 request. “If I get that done, I will not need this 280,000,” the agency representative said.

Committee members pressed the agency on how raises would be distributed. Senator Thompson asked whether the authority to give up to 7% meant every DMR employee would receive 7%. The agency representative replied it would provide authority “to give up to 7%,” and later described plans to target increases to lower-paid positions first, and to use a graduated scale rather than a flat percentage for all staff.

The agency representative described turnover pressures and private-sector competition for law enforcement officers, citing an example of a former DMR employee leaving for higher pay at a municipal agency. The representative said realigning starting pay to about $46,000–$47,000 under the proposed personnel changes would “help us…hire new officers coming in off the street.”

Beyond salaries, the representative summarized the agency’s other appropriations: titling operations and bond payments were described as stable, and travel, contractual services, commodities, and equipment were largely unchanged from the prior year. The representative noted the agency is repaying a bond obligation and said appropriations language and line-item presentation to the Legislative Budget Office (LBO) could be clearer to separate one-time projects from recurring funds.

Committee members asked for more detail on the salary progression requests. Senator Thompson asked for an itemized SPB (state personnel board) sheet showing the positions and dollar amounts for the $742,000 experience-based equity adjustment noted in one submission; the committee requested the agency supply position-level data to clarify which jobs would receive increases.

The agency representative said vacancy funding fluctuates and that the agency uses vacancy savings and progression funding in different ways; he acknowledged past use of vacancy money for raises and said the agency would provide more detail to the committee.

The agency did not request language changes in the appropriation bill, the representative said, and committee members agreed to work with the agency to clarify the project-level presentation on LBO documents.

Ending: The committee did not take a formal vote during this hearing. Members asked the agency to provide a more detailed SPB sheet listing positions and requested clarifications about project fiscal years in the LBO presentation.","An agency representative told the Appropriations Subcommittee the Department of Marine Resources’ 2026 budget is largely level but includes $567,116 in salary authority requested to allow up to 7% raises; a $280,412 item would realign marine patrol pay with state capital officers if the personnel board approves.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mississippi Arts Commission asks for increased grant funding, staffing and capital support for building fund

State veterinarian warns bird-flu threat persists; requests replenishment of disease-response fund and more equipment

Forestry agency credits prior pay increases for improved hiring, requests flat budget with salary authority to finish pay plan

Marine resources agency asks for salary authority and requests funding to align marine patrol pay with state officers