Mississippi House Bill HB1496

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/23
• Refer: 2/3/23
• Failed: 2/22/23

Caption

Appropriation; MDA for Mississippi Main Street Association to increase training opportunities and statewide marketing.

Impact

This appropriation is geared towards fostering community development across Mississippi, particularly in smaller or emerging communities that may lack the resources to effectively market themselves or to provide adequate training for local leaders. By focusing on capacity-building and marketing, the bill seeks to empower these communities, promoting local economic development and sustainability. The funds are drawn from the State General Fund and will be disbursed by the State Treasurer as per the specified legal procedures.

Summary

House Bill 1496 is an appropriation bill that aims to allocate funds to the Mississippi Development Authority specifically to support the Mississippi Main Street Association. The purpose of this funding is to increase training opportunities, enhance statewide marketing efforts, assist new and emerging designated communities, and to enhance the staff capacity necessary to implement a grant program for these designated communities. The overall allocated amount for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $750,000.

Contention

While the bill's intent to develop the state's communities is generally seen as positive, there may be concerns regarding the effective allocation and use of the funds provided. Discussions may revolve around the transparency and accountability measures in place to ensure that the Mississippi Main Street Association utilizes the funds appropriately. Additionally, some stakeholders may argue about the equitable distribution of these funds across different communities, ensuring that resources reach those in the most need.