MS HC13

Acknowledges Mississippi's rankings as first in the nation for percentage of population in poverty, unemployment rate, and child poverty, while ranking last (50th) in per capita personal income and gross state product per capita

Identifies the state's 20 poorest counties, which have unemployment rates ranging from 27.7% to 46.4%, as having significant adverse impact on statewide economic and social rankings

Recognizes poverty's correlation with low educational attainment, high teen pregnancy rates, health issues, high school dropout rates, and reduced economic potential in affected counties

Calls for coordinated, collaborative efforts among state agencies and public/private entities to reduce poverty, improve housing, expand quality child-care, and increase work and educational opportunities

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to all state agency heads, major public and private entities, boards of supervisors of the 20 poorest counties, and the Capitol Press Corps