During the governor's speech, he touched on things he considered accomplishments for 2022, including an economic boom he says lead to a $4 billion budget surplus.
Reeves says the state created "the largest economic development project in the state's history," a $2.5 billion investment that will create 1000 jobs. He also touched on other smaller investments across the state.
"Last year we announced a $2 million investment that will create 117 new upholstery jobs in New Albany," he said. "We announced a $79 million investment that will create 21 new operations jobs in Pelahatchie. We announced a $51 million investment that will create 41 new manufacturing jobs in Winona... when it comes to setting up our people and state for more economic prosperity, we are, by every objective standard, getting the job done. "
Reeves spoke at length about improvements in education, including how Mississippi's graduation rate has hit an all-time high and the raise that Mississippi teachers have recently received.
He also urged lawmakers to not expand Medicaid, saying that they should "think outside the box" when considering improving the state's healthcare system.
"Don’t simply cave under the pressure of Democrats and their allies in the media who are pushing for the expansion of Obamacare, welfare, and socialized medicine," he said. "Do not settle for something that won’t solve the problem because it could potentially and only temporarily remove the liberal media’s target on your back. You have my word that if you stand up to the left’s push for endless government-run healthcare, I will stand with you."
The governor is asking lawmakers to instead consider free market solutions that he believes will lead to better health outcomes. Speaking from the steps of the state capitol, the governor also said the crime situation in Jackson is "unacceptable", and he's calling on lawmakers to make further investments in capitol police.
"In Mississippi we choose to fund the police. We choose to back the blue. We choose to celebrate the brave men and women who put on the badge every day and run towards danger," he said. "...This session, I’m calling on the legislature to make further investment into our Capitol Police by giving them the 150 officers and equipment they need to continue fulfilling their mission and continue pushing back on lawlessness in Jackson."
The governor spoke for just over 40 minutes.
