In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Senator David Blount to discuss critical issues facing Mississippi, particularly focusing on the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and its funding challenges. Senator Blount explains the current state of PERS, the implications of recent legislative decisions, and the potential impact on public employees and education funding. The conversation highlights the need for a sustainable financial strategy for PERS and the importance of education in the state budget.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast
01:27 Understanding PERS: The Employee Retirement Fund
10:24 Challenges Facing the Retirement System
18:36 Education: The Top Priority for the Upcoming Session