BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – State Representative Kevin Felsher said healthcare, retirement system reform, and school choice will be among his top priorities when the 2026 Mississippi legislative session begins in Jackson.
PERS funding and reform
Felsher said lawmakers have been reviewing policies related to the Public Employees’ Retirement System or PERS, which he called “a huge issue.” The retirement system is currently about 55% funded with a $26-27 billion shortfall, according to Felsher.
“We need a steady source of funding, whether that be through redoing the lottery, how that’s allocated, or perhaps sports gambling,” Felsher said.
Due to a recent change, PERS now requires law enforcement officers to work for 35 years for full retirement benefits, regardless of age. Felsher said that the timeline is too long, given the daily stress officers face.
“I do think we have to come up with a solution to that. I’m working on that as we speak,” Felsher said.
Healthcare funding and access
The Biloxi representative, who also serves as vice chair of public health, said Mississippi received just over $200 million in federal healthcare funding. Felsher said the money will broaden community healthcare access and expand telehealth services.
Felsher said the funding may also support scholarship programs for physicians to address Mississippi’s shortage of doctors.
Sports betting legislation
Felsher expressed optimism that mobile sports betting could pass this year after being held up in the Senate in previous sessions. He said any program would need to protect existing casino operations while allowing citizens to use mobile devices for sports gambling.
“I’m hopeful this year could be the year that we get a sensible mobile sports betting program that protects the integrity of our brick-and-mortars,” Felsher said.
Education and technology training
Felsher plans to introduce the Future Innovators Act, which would require computer science and AI courses in all Mississippi schools by the 2029-2030 school year.
“Every child in Mississippi will graduate with the knowledge of computer science and AI,” Felsher said.
The legislation builds on the 2022 Computer Science and Cyber Education Equality Act.
School choice
School choice programs would allow families to use public funds to enroll their children in schools outside their assigned local option, including private schools. The topic is expected to be a big-ticket item this session.
Felsher said Gulf Coast districts are “blessed” with many ‘A’ rated schools, but noted that there are nine failing districts statewide that affect thousands of students.
“Because of their zip code, they are trapped in a school district that is providing an F-level education. That’s not fair,” Felsher said.
He said he could support comprehensive school choice legislation that also addresses teacher shortages and low pay.
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