Lawmakers were called into Special Session to adopt a $7.135 billion budget for State Fiscal Year 2026 after failing to adopt a budget during the 2025 regular session. Although it lasted only two days, the Special Session was not without drama and excitement. We break down all the action in a special (session) edition of Capitol Chat.

State Senator Brice Wiggins (R-Pascagoula), Chairman of the Judiciary-A Committee, joins Grant Callen to discuss his journey from prosecutor to legislative leader. Representing Jackson County since 2011, Senator Wiggins shares insights into his proudest legislative achievements, including 2014’s House Bill 585 that reshaped Mississippi’s criminal justice system, reducing incarceration rates and saving taxpayers millions. They also discussed the Early Learning Collaboratives, the Literacy Based Promotion Act, Medicaid Expansion, income tax elimination, and school choice. Plus, hear his prediction about the upcoming special session. 

In this jam-packed episode, host Grant Callen serves up a buffet of political topics with Russ Latino, Founder & CEO of Magnolia Tribune. From the highs and lows of President Trump’s first 100 days—covering tariffs, taxes, and the “Big Beautiful Bill”—to Texas’ groundbreaking $1 billion school choice program and Mississippi’s historic income tax phase-out, no stone is left unturned. We dive into the state’s legislative wins, the wide-open 2027 race for governor, and contemplate the next big reform for Mississippi’s future. Tune in for a lively discussion that’s as diverse as it is insightful.

Mississippi’s economy is on fire! In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, to discuss Mississippi’s economic surge. With the state ranking No. 2 in the nation for GDP growth in 2024, record-breaking employment numbers, and over $32 billion in new business investments under Governor Tate Reeves’ leadership, Mississippi is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Bill shares insights into the strategies behind landing major projects like Amazon Web Services’ $10 billion data centers, the role of workforce development, and how Mississippi is overcoming its historical challenges to become a magnet for hyperscale companies. Tune in to hear about the ripple effects of these developments on communities statewide, the impact of policy wins like tax reform, and what’s next for Mississippi’s economic future. 

This week, host Grant Callen dives into the world of charter schools with DeArchie Scott, Founder of Ambition Prep, Mississippi’s top-performing public charter school located in west Jackson. Ambition Prep is a B-rated school (and climbing) and is the most academically successful open-enrollment public elementary school in Jackson. In this episode, we explore the impact of charter schools 12 years after their introduction to Mississippi, debunk common misconceptions, and hear inspiring stories of transformation from the frontlines of education. DeArchie shares his journey, the innovative two-teacher model, and his vision for the future of education in the state. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation is for you. Tune in!

Sine Die!

The countdown is on! Only 9 days remain in the legislative session. This week, the Governor signed House Bill 1 into law, and this weekend is crunch time on appropriations and revenue bills. All that, and more, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.

Following in the footsteps of the legendary radio host Paul Gallo, Richard Cross has quickly become a significant player in every public policy debate because he interviews the policymakers. Every morning Richard welcomes heavyweights like the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, U.S. Senators, and lawmakers from across the state, asking insightful questions until he gets to the root of the issue. This week, host Grant Callen sits down with Richard Cross so you can get to know him, his story, how Mississippi has shaped him, and how he thinks about public policy.  Tune in! 

A little luck of the Irish helped push an income tax elimination bill over the finish line this week. We’ll dive into House Bill 1 and what it means for you, as well as what’s next in the legislative session, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.

Week 10 was filled with excitement and acronyms! On this week’s episode we cover DEI, PBMs, and THC, as well as everything else you need to know from this week at your state Capitol.