Gov. Phil Bryant Gives State of the State Address Wed. Night

Wednesday night, Governor Phil Bryant gave his State of the State Address to Mississippi, highlighting areas where the Magnolia State has succeeded and where we can improve. News 25 breaks down the Governor’s key points.

Governor Bryant is optimistic about the State of Mississippi. The state unemployment rate fell from 9.8% three years ago to 7.3% today, and 8,800 more jobs were added in 2014 than the number added in 2013. Bryant says, "According to Area Development Magazine, Mississippi ranks in the top 10 states in the nation for economic development."

Governor Bryant also says there is still work to be done. He plans to focus resources on workforce training programs and childhood education. He says, "This year, I will support doubling the funding for the Pre-K Collaborative Program, with a total appropriation of $6 million."

The Governor hopes this, along with the teacher pay raise and third grade reading gate bills passed last year will begin improving Mississippi’s education system. Bryant is also looking out for the middle class. He says, "I proposed a working families tax cut that will provide an income tax credit to working Mississippians earning up to $52,000 annually."

Across the state, Bryant hopes to tap into the tourism market even more. He says, "More than 22 million visitors came to our state. The potential to increase this number and the $390 million it brings to our general fund is obvious."

While the Governor says there’s work to be done, he is optimistic Mississippi will continue to grow and succeed.

Bryant closes, "And without apology affirm tonight, in God we trust."