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Articles by Delbert Hosemann
Opinion | Mississippi Must Ban All Kratom Products
Recent student deaths at the University of Mississippi have saddened all of us. These young people will not see the next football game, the next wedding or the birth of their future children. Their families and friends are left to live with a loss that cannot be undone. We must do more to prevent tragedies like these. While the causes of these tragedies remain under investigation, the circumstances have brought renewed attention to kratom and kratom-like products being sold in Mississippi.
Delbert Hosemann says it is time to ban all kratom in Mississippi
Delbert Hosemann says it is time to ban all kratom in Mississippi Delbert Hosemann Special to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger Oct. 13, 2026, 4:02 a.m. CT Recent student deaths at Ole Miss have saddened all of us. These young people will not see the next football game, the next wedding or the birth of their future children. Their families and friends are left to live with a loss that cannot be undone. We must do more to prevent tragedies like these.
Hosemann: It is time for Mississippi to ban all kratom products
“When we know a substance carries serious risks, we have a responsibility to act,” writes Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann. Recent student deaths at Ole Miss have saddened all of us. These young people will not see the next football game, the next wedding, or the birth of their future children. Their families and friends are left to live with a loss that cannot be undone. We must do more to prevent tragedies like these.
Hosemann: It’s time for Mississippi to ban kratom products
Recent student deaths at Ole Miss have saddened all of us. These young people will not see the next football game, the next wedding, or the birth of their future children. Their families and friends are left to live with a loss that cannot be undone. We must do more to prevent tragedies like these. While the causes of these tragedies remain under investigation, the circumstances have brought renewed attention to kratom and kratom-like products being sold in Mississippi.
Mississippi Senator Cochran was right on Canadian timber
Mississippi Senator Cochran was right on Canadian timber By Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi’s Lieutenant Governor The Magnolia Reporter September 9, 2026 Category: Business & Politics There has been significant recent conversation about Canadian tariffs on many products, more specifically timber. This matters to Mississippi because timber is one of our state’s most important agricultural and economic commodities. Over 80% of the timber in Mississippi is privately owned.
Senator Cochran was right on timber
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says Mississippi needs to support a final resolution by President Trump which provides the state a fair ability to compete with this valuable Mississippi commodity. There has been significant recent conversation about Canadian tariffs on many products, more specifically timber. This matters to Mississippi because timber is one of our state’s most important agricultural and economic commodities. Over 80% of the timber in Mississippi is privately owned.
The distraction in our pockets. Learning stops when a cellphone rings Original
Delbert Hosemann Special to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger Aug. 18, 2026, 4:13 a.m. CT A Mississippi bill to ban cell phone use in schools during the day failed to pass the House but is expected to be reintroduced. The author argues that phones distract from learning and contribute to youth mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Many school districts and 42 states already have some form of cell phone restrictions in place.
Opinion | Cell Phones Are the Distraction in Student Pockets
Every teacher knows the challenge. A lesson begins, a phone buzzes, and within seconds a classroom full of students is distracted. Learning stops while attention shifts to a screen. In the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 2151 sought to address this growing problem by prohibiting cell phone use during the school day, with reasonable exceptions for medical needs and Individualized Education Programs. While the bill passed the Senate, it failed to pass the House. It was a good idea.
The distraction in our pocket
Lt. Governor Hosemann says cell phones are valuable tools, but they have a time and a place. The classroom should be reserved for learning. Every teacher knows the challenge. A lesson begins, a phone buzzes, and within seconds a classroom full of students is distracted. Learning stops while attention shifts to a screen.
Every Mississippi child matters. Every day counts
Delbert Hosemann Special to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger Aug. 4, 2026, 4:33 a.m. CT As teachers prepare their classrooms and parents have taken advantage of Mississippi's tax-free back-to-school shopping weekend, we can easily forget the most important part of the school year: making sure the child actually attends school. Chronic absenteeism has skyrocketed since COVID. Last year, more than 27% of Mississippi students, approximately 100,000 students, missed more than 10% of the school year.
Hosemann: Every child matters. Every day counts
As teachers prepare their classrooms and parents have taken advantage of Mississippi’s tax-free back-to-school shopping weekend, we can easily forget the most important part of the school year: making sure the child actually attends school. Chronic absenteeism has skyrocketed since COVID. Last year, more than 27% of Mississippi students, approximately 100,000 students, missed more than 10% of the school year.
Every Mississippi child matters. Every day counts
Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s future. It is also one of the strongest predictors of Mississippi’s future. As teachers prepare their classrooms and parents have taken advantage of Mississippi’s tax-free back-to-school shopping weekend, we can easily forget the most important part of the school year: making sure the child actually attends school. Chronic absenteeism has skyrocketed since COVID.
HOSEMANN: Happy New Year, Mississippi
As we observe the birth of Jesus, all of us look forward to a prosperous New Year. One thing none of us looks forward to, however, is the credit card bill that arrives after the holidays. As a state, Mississippi has a brighter future because we have been paying down our own “credit card,” the state’s debt. In 2019, Mississippi’s General Obligation debt stood at $4.49 billion. Since 2020, we have not increased the total of these bonds.
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann says 'Not a miracle – just Mississippi'
Mississippi's education system has seen significant improvement due to legislative changes since 2011. The state's rise in national education rankings is attributed to hard work and policy, not a "miracle." Future plans include another teacher pay raise, expanding reading initiatives and addressing chronic absenteeism. The author, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, advocates for more resources for special needs students and retired teachers.
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann says 'Not a miracle – just Mississippi'
Mississippi's education system has seen significant improvement due to legislative changes since 2011. The state's rise in national education rankings is attributed to hard work and policy, not a "miracle." Future plans include another teacher pay raise, expanding reading initiatives and addressing chronic absenteeism. The author, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, advocates for more resources for special needs students and retired teachers.
Not A Miracle - Just Mississippi
"Mississippi stereotypes are outdated, and every day we are proving the country wrong about what they think of Mississippi. Education is a good example of this." Mississippi stereotypes are outdated, and every day we are proving the country wrong about what they think of Mississippi. Education is a good example of this.
Addressing Mississippi’s agriculture crisis: A call to action for our state
As a state whose roots run deep in the soil, Mississippi’s agriculture isn’t just an industry here — it is the foundation of our state’s economy, producing over $7 billion annually and accounting for 18.6% of our state’s economy. Our farmers are facing challenges which threaten their livelihoods, revenue and our economy. As a state, we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis.
MS Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann calls for action to address agriculture crisis
Show Caption Hide Caption Subscribe to Clarion Ledger: Local journalists covering local stories Clarion Ledger journalists cover the important moments in Mississippi. Support local journalism by subscribing. As a state whose roots run deep in the soil, Mississippi’s agriculture isn’t just an industry here — it is the foundation of our state’s economy, producing over $7 billion annually and accounting for 18.6% of our state’s economy.
Addressing Mississippi’s agriculture crisis: A call to action for our state
As a state whose roots run deep in the soil, Mississippi’s agriculture isn’t just an industry here – it is the foundation of our state’s economy, producing over $7 billion annually and accounting for 18.6% of our state’s economy. Our farmers are facing challenges which threaten their livelihoods, revenue and our economy. As a state, we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis.
Major education legislation advanced during the 2024 session, says Lt. Gov. Hosemann Original
Our students and schools are excelling in Mississippi. We are one of only five states in the nation to meet all quality benchmarks for early education — and we have increased capacity in legislatively funded programs by 6,160 seats since 2020. More students are passing the third-grade reading test on the first administration. At a whopping 89.4%, our graduation rate is the highest it has ever been, exceeding the national rate by almost 3 points.
Major education legislation advanced during the 2024 session - The Oxford Eagle
Published 10:41 am Friday, June 14, 2024 By Delbert Hosemann MS Lieutenant Governor Our students and schools are excelling in Mississippi. We are one of only five states in the nation to meet all quality benchmarks for early education—and we have increased capacity in legislatively-funded programs by 6,160 seats since 2020. More students are passing the Third-Grade reading test on the first administration.
Major education legislation advanced during the 2024 session
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann highlights education-related bills passed this year “to keep the Mississippi miracles coming.” Our students and schools are excelling in Mississippi. We are one of only five states in the nation to meet all quality benchmarks for early education—and we have increased capacity in legislatively-funded programs by 6,160 seats since 2020. More students are passing the Third-Grade reading test on the first administration.
Hosemann: Lessons from voter ID law can drive healthcare reform legislation
In 2011, as your Secretary of State, when I proposed a new policy to protect your vote — and the integrity of our elections — I was told repeatedly that Mississippi’s newly enacted Voter ID law would not pass constitutional muster. The U.S. Department of Justice will single out Mississippi, they said, and they will sue in federal court to stop our Voter ID law. These gloom and doom predictions never happened.
Lessons from Voter ID law can drive healthcare reform legislation
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says crafting commonsense healthcare legislation, which he believes must include a work requirement, will make Mississippi a model for other states to follow. In 2011, as your Secretary of State, when I proposed a new policy to protect your vote — and the integrity of our elections — I was told repeatedly that Mississippi’s newly enacted Voter ID law would not pass constitutional muster.
Hosemann: Lessons from Voter ID law can drive Healthcare Reform legislation
Note: The following op-ed column is provided by Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann. Any opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily that of this publication. by Delbert Hosemann In 2011, as your Secretary of State, when I proposed a new policy to protect your vote — and the integrity of our elections — I was told repeatedly that Mississippi’s newly enacted Voter ID law would not pass constitutional muster.
Lessons from Voter ID Law can drive healthcare reform legislation
In 2011, as your Secretary of State, when I proposed a new policy to protect your vote – and the integrity of our elections – I was told repeatedly that Mississippi’s newly enacted Voter ID law would not pass constitutional muster. The U.S. Department of Justice will single out Mississippi, they said, and they will sue in federal court to stop our Voter ID law. These gloom and doom predictions never happened. kAmx?DE625[ G@E6CD @G6CH96=>:?8=J DFAA@CE65 E96 '@E6C xs >62DFC6 @?
Lessons from voter ID law can drive healthcare reform legislation, lt. governor says: Opinion
In 2011, as your Secretary of State, when I proposed a new policy to protect your vote - and the integrity of our elections - I was told repeatedly that Mississippi's newly enacted Voter ID law would not pass constitutional muster. The U.S. Department of Justice will single out Mississippi, they said, and they will sue in federal court to stop our Voter ID law. These gloom and doom predictions never happened.
Lessons from voter ID law can drive healthcare reform legislation, lt. governor says: Opinion
In 2011, as your Secretary of State, when I proposed a new policy to protect your vote — and the integrity of our elections — I was told repeatedly that Mississippi’s newly enacted Voter ID law would not pass constitutional muster. The U.S. Department of Justice will single out Mississippi, they said, and they will sue in federal court to stop our Voter ID law. These gloom and doom predictions never happened.
The Mississippi Braves will leave hole in Pearl
In 2003, after a twenty year stretch in Greenville, South Carolina, the Braves Double-A affiliate announced it was packing up shop and heading to Pearl, Mississippi. On Tuesday, the Mississippi Braves announced that this – their twentieth season in Pearl – will be the last before heading to Columbus, Georgia. It’s a predictable, albeit sad, pattern. The Braves arrived in town with much fanfare.
Raising our labor force participation rate should be our No. 1 priority Original
Several years ago, in preparation to work for you as Lt. Governor, we visited with a Mississippi university economist to discuss the economic challenges and opportunities facing our State. Since then, our unemployment rate has dropped to 3.3%. Every person who wants a job can find one in Mississippi.
Presumptive Eligibility for Medicaid Poses a Serious Threat to Program Integrity
Last year, just as the crisp, freshness of the spring air transformed into the thick haze that signals summer’s approach, I finally did something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time—I bought my first truck. Excitement cannot adequately describe my emotions as I pulled onto the lot and saw the truck waiting for me. I took it for a test drive and decided I wanted it.
Hosemann, career coaches talk workforce development during MEC Capital Day
Mississippi’s business community heard about the importance of increasing the number of educated workers in an effort to build a strong and willing workforce in the Magnolia State during Mississippi Economic Council’s annual Capital Day, held at the Mississippi Trade Mart on Thursday. While the second leg of Capital Day was planned to take place at the State Capitol, a bomb threat that morning closed the building for a short time, prompting Lt. Gov.
Delbert Hosemann
By DELBERT HOSEMANN Fri,10/09/26-11:22AM , 34 Reads 551 Statewide Below is an opinion column by Delbert Hosemann: “When we know a substance carries serious risks, we have a responsibility to act,” writes Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann.
Seven Mississippi statewide officials sworn in for new 4-year term
On Thursday, seven of the eight Mississippi statewide elected officials were sworn in during a joint session of the state House and Senate. All officials were Republican incumbents reelected for a new four-year term.
Raising state labor force participation rate should be No. 1 priority
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Hosemann: Raising labor force participation rate should be our No. 1 priority
Several years ago, in preparation to work for you as Lt. Governor, we visited with a Mississippi university economist to discuss the economic challenges and opportunities facing our State. Since then, our unemployment rate has dropped to 3.3 percent. Every person who wants a job can find one in Mississippi.
GUEST COLUMN: Honor Our Soldiers by Voting - The Vicksburg Post
Published 4:00 am Saturday, November 4, 2023 By Delbert Hosemann | Guest Columnist In 2008, shortly after being elected Secretary of State, I traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait to visit with thousands of men and women deployed overseas in the Mississippi National Guard. The topic of conversation was the importance of voting. For years, our UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) ballot numbers had been down.
Hosemann: Honor our soldiers by voting
delbert hosemann, election day, mississippi, soldiers, voting by Delbert Hosemann In 2008, shortly after being elected Secretary of State, I traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait to visit with thousands of men and women deployed overseas in the Mississippi National Guard. The topic of conversation was the importance of voting. For years, our UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) ballot numbers had been down.
Thoughts from the Lt. Governor’s Office
By Delbert Hosemann Some politicos say the agenda during an election year is always pared down to bare necessities. Not this year. From transportation to education, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office is preparing a full slate of conservative legislation. Here are our top priorities: Tax Rebate. This year, the largest tax cut in Mississippi history begins to phase in. Moving to a four percent flat income tax will make our State’s rate one of the nation’s lowest.
Here are bills that either died or survived the major Jan. 31 deadline at the Capitol
Mississippi legislators whittled down a massive list of bills lawmakers filed earlier this month to only a a limited number of issues they will consider during the two remaining months Log In You are logged in Switch accounts
2023 will not be a typical election year in the Mississippi Lt. Governor’s Office
Delbert Hosemann Special to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger Some politicos say the agenda during an election year is always pared down to bare necessities. Not this year. From transportation to education, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office is preparing a full slate of conservative legislation. Here are our top priorities: Tax Rebate. This year, the largest tax cut in Mississippi history begins to phase in. Moving to a 4 percent flat income tax will make our state’s rate one of the nation’s lowest.
2023 will not be a typical election year in the lt. governor’s office
Some politicos say the agenda during an election year is always pared down to bare necessities. Not this year. From transportation to education, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office is preparing a full slate of conservative legislation. Here are our top priorities: Tax Rebate. This year, the largest tax cut in Mississippi history begins to phase in. Moving to a 4 percent flat income tax will make our State’s rate one of the nation’s lowest.
Hosemann: Communities and constituents are counting on ARPA
Let me be very clear: failing to appropriate the one-time $1.8 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for infrastructure and recovery projects is not a rational option for our state. Yet, last week members of the state House of Representatives made public comments hinging the allocation of these one-time dollars on the passage of unrelated legislation.
Hosemann: Communities and constituents are counting on ARPA
Let me be very clear: failing to appropriate the one-time $1.8 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for infrastructure and recovery projects is not a rational option for our state. Yet, last week members of the state House of Representatives made public comments hinging the allocation of these one-time dollars on the passage of unrelated legislation.
Mississippi Legislature 2021: Investing in Mississippi’s greatest asset, our residents
Last year, the Legislature provided computers to every Mississippi student, increased connectivity to unserved areas, provided additional ICU bed capacity, and contributed to the cost of personal protective equipment for health care workers, cities and counties, and much more. The new year is a time for setting new resolutions and paving a path to accomplishing them. Our 2021 goals in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office center around investing in Mississippi’s greatest asset: our people.
Schools, businesses, health care: Mississippi lawmakers pass legislation to address needs
At the end of every session, our office takes an inventory of the legislative changes for which we successfully advocated and the items we need to put back on the to-do list. COVID-19 disrupted some of our plans this year and provided the Legislature with additional appropriation and other responsibilities. Even amidst the pandemic, a number of positive pieces of legislation were passed.
Lt. Gov. Hosemann: Legislature poised to appropriate funds quickly, transparently
OPINION Delbert Hosemann, Guest columnist Published 10:44 a.m. CT May 3, 2020 Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Last SlideNext Slide Since COVID-19 forced a temporary recess in the Legislative session, I have been video conferencing with Mississippi’s K-12 students. In one recent AP government class, a student asked: how many constitutional rights do we have to give up during a pandemic? That’s a poignant question for any state leader.
Lt. Gov. Hosemann: Legislature poised to appropriate funds quickly, transparently
Delbert Hosemann, Guest columnist Published 10:44 a.m. CT May 3, 2020 | Updated 12:35 p.m. CT May 3, 2020 Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Last SlideNext Slide Since COVID-19 forced a temporary recess in the Legislative session, I have been video conferencing with Mississippi’s K-12 students. In one recent AP government class, a student asked: how many constitutional rights do we have to give up during a pandemic? That’s a poignant question for any state leader.
Delbert Hosemann: Focusing on our common goal to reach Mississippi’s full potential
OPINION Delbert Hosemann, Guest Columnist Published 4:00 a.m. CT Dec. 2, 2019 We were humbled the night of November 5 to receive more than 60 percent of the vote for Lieutenant Governor — an instruction from Mississippians to move forward with our plans to grow our economy, provide every child with quality public educational opportunities, make healthcare more accessible, and shore up our roads and bridges. On the morning of November 6, the hard work began to put these plans into action.
Filing 16th Section lawsuit necessary for our schools | Biloxi Sun Herald
This week, Mississippi filed suit against the federal government seeking at least $25 million for damage to 8,000 acres of 16th Section land belonging to three school districts in southwest Mississippi. It was not an easy decision to make, but it was the right one for our children. The background is important: The Secretary of State serves as co-trustee of the 640,000 acres of 16th Section land held in trust for 101 school districts.
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