MS HC12

Acknowledges Mississippi's poor rankings across multiple economic and social indicators, including worst in nation for poverty rate, per capita income, unemployment, patent issuance, and obesity rates.

Notes Mississippi ranks 50th nationally in numerous categories including per capita personal income, gross state product per capita, government employee salaries, high school diploma attainment, ACT and AFQT scores, public library spending, and computer/internet access.

Identifies critical deficiencies in education (48th in K-12 spending per pupil, 49th in 8th grade math proficiency) and child welfare (50th in Condition of Children Index, 1st in child poverty and unwed births).

Declares that reducing poverty is the most important priority for improving the state's economic and social rankings.

Calls on all state agencies and public and private entities to coordinate collaborative efforts to eradicate poverty in Mississippi and directs copies of the resolution be sent to state agency heads and media.