Mississippi State Government & Agencies
BPF strives to inform citizens and elected officials on its views regarding public policies that benefit or cause hard to Mississippi's economic condition. Bigger Pie believes sound public policy grounded in fiscal responsibility is a cornerstone to successful communities.
Featured Work
Bigger Pie Forum Projects
PERS
Legislative Session 2018
Government Transparency? Be Prepared To Fight for FOIA Records
Transparency is the hallmark of a government that is for the people and by the people. The best way for citizens (not just media) to take a look beneath the hood to see the inner workings of government is the Freedom of Information Act request under the Mississippi Public Records Act — but keeping a check on government requires vigilance.
Mississippi’s Infrastructure Needs and the Gasoline Tax — Gubernatorial Candidates Weigh In
Mississippi’s infrastructure issues have led to some gubernatorial candidates to call for an increase in the state’s gasoline tax.
State Agency Waste
When legislative leaders makes decisions on how they’re going to spend our tax dollars, they usually seek the counsel of agency executive directors. Often, the agency heads will ask for more money, but rarely for less. And, of course, legislative leaders don’t have to listen to the advice they’re given, but this example defies the ruling party’s principles.
Delta Health Alliance’s Administrative and Program Costs
Imagine a CEO that makes more than Mississippi’s Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer and Secretary of State combined. This CEO isn’t the leader of a successful, innovative company that’s making money for shareholders and creating jobs. Karen Matthews runs a nonprofit, the Delta Health Alliance, whose budget is dependent on taxpayer dollars from both federal and state sources while averaging about $350,000 in salary and benefits in the past seven years.
Report of Recommended Changes to Economic Assumptions for PERS
Every two years, the actuaries for Mississippi’s defined benefit pension system release a report that examines the economic and demographic outlooks that underpin the financial planning. The newest one was released last month and the actuaries make some interesting recommendations for the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
MS Legislative Session Recap
It’s easy to judge a legislature by what is passed in a session, but what doesn’t make it through the process is just as important a measure.