Mississippi House Bill HB1528

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/22
• Refer: 2/1/22
• Failed: 2/23/22

Caption

Bonds; authorize issuance to assist Alcorn County with funding an incentive program for remote workers to relocate to the county.

Impact

The bill establishes a special fund, the '2022 Alcorn County Remote Worker Incentive Fund,' managed separately from Mississippi's General Fund, ensuring that remaining funds at the end of each fiscal year do not lapse. The Department of Finance and Administration will have discretion over the disbursement of these funds to cover costs associated with the incentive program, aiming to stimulate the local economy through increased residency and home purchases.

Summary

House Bill 1528 authorizes the issuance of state general obligation bonds to fund a remote worker incentive program for Alcorn County, Mississippi. The program aims to attract workers from outside the county to relocate by providing financial benefits, contingent upon the workers buying homes and maintaining their primary residences in Alcorn County for at least one year. This initiative is an effort to bolster economic development by inviting remote workers to contribute to the local economy through their residency.

Contention

A notable point of contention around the bill could arise from the implications of using state funds to incentivize relocation. Critics may argue about prioritizing incentives for remote workers over other pressing local needs or funding initiatives. Additionally, the bill’s cap on bond issuance at $100,000 could be a point of debate regarding whether this amount is sufficient to effectively launch and sustain the incentive program.