Mississippi House Education Committee ends session without school choice bills

The Mississippi House Education Committee met Wednesday for just five minutes before adjournment, passing two Senate education bills and announcing it would not meet again this session, according to committee Chairman Rob Roberson.

Roberson, a Republican from Starkville, said this was the committee’s only meeting, suggesting that efforts to advance school choice legislation may be halted. The move comes after the Senate Education Committee rejected a comprehensive school choice bill that included private school tuition vouchers earlier this month.

House Speaker Jason White, a Republican from West, had championed the bill, which was his signature issue this session. He criticized the Senate’s opposition, calling their quick rejection of his bill “theatrical” during a Monday meeting.

Roberson did not confirm whether the House would pursue further action on school choice. The decision raises the possibility that the governor could call a special session to push the issue, as Gov. Tate Reeves is a strong supporter of school choice.

Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar, a Republican from Leakesville, stated that the House’s actions would not affect his committee’s priorities. The Senate had passed bills related to school counselors’ ethics, math initiatives, literacy standards, and financial literacy requirements, which could still move forward.

DeBar expressed hope that lawmakers could eventually reach consensus. If the House Education Committee does not meet again, more than a dozen Senate bills related to education could die, leaving key legislation stalled for the session.

Source: Original Article