Reeves provides broad outlines for using CARES Act federal funding in Mississippi

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves spoke Tuesday on how he intends that federal funds from the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) will be distributed in Mississippi.

The state is hiring a third-party firm to provide oversight for the $1.25 billion, ensuring that the state doesn’t go “outside the lines” of allowable ways to use the funds.

“We have to be transparent,” Reeves said. “We have to be careful.”

Strict compliance will be adhered to, the governor said.

One of the areas Reeves to use the funds is to improve the state’s ability to provide distance learning and up-to-date technology to students.

“We know there are families without access to the tools necessary for distance learning,” he said. “Not every kid has an iPad or a laptop to learn with. Too many families are sharing one outdated computer or, maybe, don’t have one at all. They may not have internet access to connect to class.”

Reeves also plans to use the funds to support small businesses that have lost weeks of revenue because of COVID-19 restrictions. His plan includes payments for unbudgeted spikes in unemployment insurance due to layoffs not within those businesses’ control.

“I hope to use some of these funds to help them stay on their feet, keep their workers on their roles, and weather this storm”

The governor mentioned that he hopes to increase skills training for Mississippians, whose median earnings of $44,717 are near the bottom of earnings in the nation.

“We want every Mississippian to earn more money,” Reeves said. “I want to help those workers who have carried the financial burden of the coronavirus response. The best way to do that is to help you get more tools to earn a higher wage.”

Other ways the governor wants to distribute the funds is to help hospitals and first responders.

“We are going to come through this working together,” Reeves said.