Mississippi conservative donors say they may withhold support after Legislature’s actions

Eight Republican donors said they are reconsidering political donations after what one called a “dismal” legislative session, Magnolia Tribune reported. The donors cited lawmakers’ rejection of a school choice proposal and Senate changes to a pharmacy benefit bill known as HB 1665.

Earlier this year, about 100 prominent business leaders sent a letter to the Legislature urging passage of a comprehensive universal school choice plan backed by President Donald Trump, Magnolia Tribune reported. The Senate Education Committee voted to kill the proposal in an 84-second meeting with no questions or debate, the report said.

Business leaders have also opposed the Senate’s addition of an $11.29 dispensing fee on every prescription, saying the change effectively shifts costs to employers and workers. Magnolia Tribune reported projections that the Senate version of HB 1665 could cost Mississippi employers and workers in the nine-figure range annually. Electrical Cooperatives of Mississippi told the newspaper it hired independent consultants and shared calculations showing more than $300,000 in new annual expenses for that employer should the measure take effect.

It was unclear whether the House would concur with the Senate changes. Magnolia Tribune noted House Speaker Jason White has previously pushed PBM reform and resisted new fees on businesses and consumers. The White House also urged the Mississippi House to reject the Senate changes, Magnolia Tribune reported.

Magnolia Tribune said one donor it interviewed told the paper there are fewer than five state senators he considers worthy of support and that he is urging others to stop contributions. The newspaper said it confirmed the validity of a White House letter related to the matter three separate ways, including receipt by the Speaker’s office and verification of an email from an official White House account.

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