Mississippi Votes Statement on Governor Reeves Special Session Decision

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Votes Executive Director Arekia Bennett today issued the following statement on Gov. Tate Reeves’ failure to call a special session ahead of next year’s legislative session:

“Whether it be fixing Mississippi’s broken ballot initiative process, addressing voter-ratified medical cannabis legalization or funding an incentive program to stop the statewide nursing crisis, there are a number of reasons Mississippi’s legislature should reconvene for a special session ahead of the 2022 legislative session.

“Yet, none of these reasons appear to fit the bill for Gov. Reeves. He has provided no explanation for his opposition even though over the summer, he regularly said he was open to calling a special session for both medical marijuana legalization and the nursing crisis stopgap. Legislators have finalized bills for both programs, but they’ve both been met with silence from our governor.

“Above all else, this is a failure in leadership and that leadership rests on Gov. Reeves’ shoulders. The governor cannot point fingers at legislators when they've done what was asked of them. This is a decision that can only be made by a sole individual.

“If action is not taken, I agree with the sentiments expressed by Rep. Robert Johnson, when he recently called the ongoing debate over medical marijuana legalization a ‘moving target’. The 2022 legislative session can either be a continuation of drawn out debates, or Gov. Reeves could call a special session and address these matters so that legislators can prioritize the several other issues facing Mississippians.”

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PRESS CONTACT: Seth Nieman | 601-341-6234 | seth@msvotes.org