C.J. Skelton

JACKSON, Miss. – Governor Tate Reeves released the following statement providing an update on the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating tornado that hit the state on Friday, March 24, 2023:

Governor Tate Reeves’ request for Individual and Public Assistance (FEMA-4697 DR-MS) for counties affected by the March 24, 2023 tornadoes and severe weather was approved by the White House.

Governor Tate Reeves has requested an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by the deadly tornadoes and severe weather that swept through the state on March 24, 2023.

Governor Tate Reeves today issued a State of Emergency in all counties affected by the severe storms which occurred across Mississippi on March 24, 2023. The State of Emergency comes less than 24 hours after severe weather, which included tornadoes, tragically took the lives of at least 23 Mississippians and left dozens more injured, and caused extensive damage to communities across Mississippi.

Governor Tate Reeves today announced that he signed House Bill 1716 which directs an additional $41 million to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) for additional water infrastructure grant funding for municipalities and counties across the state.

Governor Tate Reeves today signed Senate Bill 2358, which bans ballot harvesting in Mississippi. The legislation stops political operatives from collecting and handling mass amounts of absentee ballots. The legislation further bolsters election integrity in Mississippi.

Governor Reeves today signed House Bill 1027 which designates the blueberry as the official state fruit of Mississippi.

Governor Tate Reeves today signed Senate Bill 2649, Senate Bill 2700, and House Bill 49. The three bills improve quality of life and reduce regulatory and financial burdens for military service members and their families.