MS HC14

Acknowledges Mississippi's significant poverty crisis, ranking first nationally in percentage of population in poverty, unemployment rate, and child poverty.

Identifies the state's 20 poorest counties as having unemployment rates between 27.7% and 46.4%, with direct impacts on education levels, teen pregnancy, health issues, and high school dropout rates.

Calls for coordinated, collaborative efforts among state agencies and public/private entities to improve economic and social rankings through increased awareness and creation of opportunity.

Emphasizes the interconnection between all 82 counties in addressing poverty and that reducing poverty is critical to improving Mississippi's overall economic and social status.

Directs distribution of the resolution to all state agency heads, public and private entities, boards of supervisors in the 20 poorest counties, and the Capitol Press Corps.