ME 1/7/20 - Legislative Session Preview | Special Report: Prison Crisis | Women in the House - a podcast by MPB Think Radio

The 2020 legislative session begins today. We take a look at what members of the House hope to accomplish this year.

Then, a special report on the prison crisis.

And, among the twenty five new members of the state house being sworn in, seven are women. We speak with two of them.

Segment 1:

Today marks the start of the 2020 Mississippi Legislative session with newly elected lawmakers joining those returning for the new four year term. In-coming governor Republican Tate Reeves says he'll be working with the legislature on issues that include workforce development and education.

Phillip Gunn is returning to Capitol Hill with a number of goals in mind for the session as well as the four year term.  Chris Bell of Hinds County is also returning to Capitol Hill. The second-term Democrat emphasizes that teacher pay raises and infrastructure are his top priorities. Both men talk with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 2:

Families of prisoners in the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman say they are worried about their loved ones after a recent string of fatal fights among inmates. As MPB's Ashley Norwood reports, state prison systems remain on lock down.

Segment 3:

Twenty five new legislators will join the State House of Representatives this term. Six of those new members are women. Zakiya Summers is a Democrat representing House District 68 which includes West Jackson, South Jackson, Byram and Terry. She tells MPB's Ashley Norwood what compelled her to run for office. Dana Underwood McClain chose to run partly due to her concerns regarding Mississippi's educational system. The Republican from Columbus also believes the law-making body needs the perspective she and her other female members brings.

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