Mississippi, Missouri Governors Call Lawmakers Special Sessions Over Budget, Relief

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has called a special legislative session starting May 28, 2025, to secure a budget deal after Republicans failed to pass a budget during the regular session, marking the first time since 2010 the legislature did not finalize a budget on time. Reeves proposed a fiscally conservative $7.1 billion budget aimed at funding core government functions while maintaining spending levels similar to the current fiscal year. He expressed confidence that the session would be brief, potentially concluding in one day, and emphasized the importance of prioritizing government operations amid uncertainties in the federal budget. The legislature's recent impasse was largely due to internal disagreements over non-core issues rather than funding essential state functions. Meanwhile, in Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe has also called lawmakers back for a special session to address storm relief, a stadium funding plan benefiting NFL and MLB teams, and economic development projects, although opposition voices criticize the need for the session as a sign of Republican leadership shortcomings. Kehoe's stadium plan includes tax credits and bonding options to help retain major sports teams in Missouri, with protective measures requiring repayment if teams relocate.