Geoff Pender - Mississippi Today | The Greenwood Commonwealth

Pressed by CNN host Jake Tapper on the state's soaring pandemic death toll, Gov. Tate Reeves pivoted to politics, referring to dead Mississippians as "lagging indicators." Credit: CNN Credit: CNN

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Pender: Tate Reeves and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad CNN interview
By GEOFF PENDER - MISSISSIPPI TODAY
Thu,09/23/21-8:30AM , 661 Reads 11,302 Statewide
Below is a political column by Geoff Pender:
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Mississippi is flush with cash thanks to a federal stimulus package. Leaders have done little to plan its spending, unlike in other states. Credit: Vickie King, Mississippi Today

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COLUMN: Mississippi procrastinates as other states plan for, spend billions in pandemic stimulus
By GEOFF PENDER - MISSISSIPPI TODAY
Mon,09/20/21-10:06AM , 1267 Reads 16,804 Statewide
Below is a political analysis column by Geoff Pender:

In Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson formed a committee of executive branch and legislative leaders to plan spending the state’s $1.5 billion in American Rescue Plan Act money. He directed them to include community, private sector and nonprofit leaders in decisions.
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Toni Coleman, Center Hill High School economics teacher, helps her 12th grade class with one of their final class projects in Olive Branch Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Credit: Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today/Report For America

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‘Pay alone won’t solve the problem.’ Lawmakers look at teacher salaries, benefits, support
By GEOFF PENDER - MISSISSIPPI TODAY
Thu,09/16/21-2:12PM , 968 Reads 11,288 Statewide
Below is a political analysis by Geoff Pender:

Not only does Mississippi’s public school teacher pay lag other states, insurance and some other benefits cost teachers more or pale in comparison to others.
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"Both my wife and I had health issues. Using marijuana helped us tremendously, it's what inspired us to open our business," Santita Delaney of Pearl, owner of Hemp World, said on May 25, 2021. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

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Time for lawmakers, governor to fish or cut bait on medical marijuana
By GEOFF PENDER - MISSISSIPPI TODAY
Mon,09/13/21-1:24PM , 1157 Reads 13,169 Statewide
Below is a political analysis column by Geoff Pender:

The storyline of the summer has been that House and Senate negotiators are close, closer — even very, very close — to having a deal on a medical marijuana program, for which Gov. Tate Reeves could call the Legislature into special session to pass.
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