Southern Growth Policies Agreement; repeal statutes regarding State of Mississippi's adherence to.
The proposed repeal indicates a shift in policy direction for Mississippi, reflecting a potential move away from structured regional collaboration on economic development. By exiting this agreement, the state may lose out on certain benefits associated with the policy, such as shared resources and strategies that can foster growth and competitiveness. The change could result in Mississippi developing its own independent economic strategies that may not align with the cooperative goals previously represented by the Southern Growth Policies Agreement.
Senate Bill 2119 seeks to repeal specific sections of the Mississippi Code that mandate the state's adherence to the Southern Growth Policies Agreement. This agreement historically served as a framework for economic development strategies among southern states. By repealing Sections 57-33-1 and 57-33-3, the bill effectively removes the requirements and guidelines that dictated how Mississippi interacted with this multistate agreement, which has implications for state economic policy and collaborative efforts with neighboring states.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB2119 include concerns from individuals and organizations that view the removal from the agreement as a step backward in terms of economic collaboration in the South. Critics may argue that such a move undermines regional unity and the collective economic advancement efforts that are typically pursued through agreements like the Southern Growth Policies. Conversely, supporters may advocate for a more localized approach to economic development, emphasizing state autonomy over collaboration.
The repeal is set to take effect on July 1, 2022, signaling an immediate shift in the state's legislative framework regarding regional economic cooperation. Proponents of the bill may argue for the necessity of state legislation to reflect local priorities and strategies rather than imposing obligations to a broader, possibly outdated, multistate agreement.