General Fund; FY2026 appropriation for DFA for support at the 211 Mississippi helpline.
Impact
The passage of SB2945 is expected to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of the 211 Mississippi Helpline, thereby improving the response to health and human service needs statewide. By providing adequate funding, the bill seeks to ensure that the helpline can adequately serve the diverse populations within Mississippi, addressing both urgent and chronic needs for support services. This appropriation is seen as a critical move towards strengthening social support systems in the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 2945 aims to appropriate $500,000 from the State General Fund to support the 211 Mississippi Helpline, managed by the United Way of the Capital Area, Inc. This helpline serves as a statewide resource and referral service, connecting individuals with various health and human service resources tailored to meet their specific needs and geographical locations. The funding is designated for the fiscal year 2026, which begins on July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026.
Contention
Although the summary of discussions and votes surrounding SB2945 has not been detailed in the provided documents, matters of funding allocations often attract scrutiny regarding the sufficiency and effectiveness of the planned expenditures. Legislative debates could circle around whether the appropriations adequately meet the demand for services, as well as discussions on the accountability of the funds allocated to private organizations like the United Way.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.