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Preparing for 2018 Legislative Session
So far, this has been a productive summer!!! One of the reasons I am happy to be the Representative for House District 29 is because I get a chance to help solve problems and unify our Mississippi. This summer, I have listened to constituents talk to me about real issues that challenge the Mississippi Delta and all of Mississippi. After actively listening, my goal is to help discover plausible solutions. Mississippi our best days are ahead.
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Below are a few photos to show you what I have been doing since the conclusion of the 2017 Special Session.
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In December of 2017, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is opening in Jackson, Mississippi. I hope this ushers in a new chapter for my beloved Mississippi that will allow us to respectfully discuss tough issues, patiently considers others perspectives, and unapologetically rewrite the narrative for Mississippi. Racism, Poverty, and the State flag are among a few of the conversations I am hopeful we can bring everyone to the table to discuss. Then, we can begin to put the past behind us and move into a progressive future in Mississippi.
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Shout out to FLY Zone (
www.foreverliftingyouth.org) for hosting the LIFE Summit at United Family Life Center on this Saturday. The acronym stands for "Love Is For Everyone." FREE school supplies will be given away at the event. Also, there will be a college fair where Tougaloo College, Mississippi Valley State University, Coahoma Community College, and Alcorn State University will all be represented. Thanks to Kierre Rimmer, FLY Zone Executive Director, for putting this event together for the youth of Bolivar County.
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I am thankful to the Action Together Mississippi-Delta Chapter for inviting me to attend two forums over the past few weeks in Bolivar County. One focused on education (K-12) and the other focused on Healthcare (Medicaid).
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Mrs. Montresia Cain is the principal at I.T. Montgomery Elementary in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Each time I visit, she seems so excited about educationally preparing our youth. While some people talk about negative attributes of the Mississippi Delta, it is great to hear a refreshing voice of OPTIMISM.
She and I agree that the Mississippi Delta is a great place to live, work, and play. Thanks for giving us all hope!!!
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Last weekend, I was the guest speaker at Mt. Bethel AME church in Mound Bayou, MS. The theme was Becoming the Master's Mighty Men. Thanks to Pastor McKay for offering me the opportunity to share. While there, I thought a lot about my grandmother, Celia Hudson, who was part of the African Methodist Episcopal family.
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Corrections is one of the 7 committees I serve on in the Mississippi Legislature. A few weeks ago, I went on a two and half hour tour of Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. Though I had heard a lot about this facility, I had never visited the entire campus. When I first got elected, I found out that there are roughly 400 people that work there and I have somewhere between 100 and 125 folks that live in my district. I asked to visit so I could investigate and understand some of their concerns. Thanks to Sonja Stanciel, Kevin Jackson, Felisha Brown, and others with Mississippi Department of Corrections who gave me a thorough first visit to show me parts of the 18,000 acre facility.
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Considering all the recent news about potential changes to Medicaid, I am glad the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (https://medicaid.ms.gov) offered a one day training about their agency. Nita Durrell works with Medicaid and helped to organize event.
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A few weeks ago, I went to Yalobusha Brewing Company in Water Valley, Mississippi for the first time. They were celebrating the legislation that recently passed which allows them to retail their products. From one small community to another, I wish them the best. I think small towns have a place in Mississippi's economy. Below I am pictured with owner Andy O'Bryan and Representative Steve Holland.
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Delta Force 3 Radio Station is based in Helena, Arkansas, but they cover Arkansas, Tennessee, and a large part of the Mississippi Delta. Here, I am pictured with radio personality Jarvis Smith who has asked me to come on the show several times to discuss topics that range from politics to music to tourism.
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The Mississippi Department of Mental Health provides several services many people probably never consider. Because of the recent cuts to their budget, I wanted to stop by the office of Executive Director, Diana Mikula, and Deputy Executive Director, Steven Allen, to better understand how it will impact human resources and day to day operation.
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Chuck and Jenn Westmoreland are both civically engaged in the Bolivar County area. Though they are not originally from the Mississippi Delta, you can tell by their actions they are committed to improving the area.
Recently, I saw them at an event where Healthcare and Medicaid were discussed. I appreciated their participation at the event.
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Delta Arts Alliance in downtown Cleveland, Mississippi provides several activities to youth throughout the year. I thought them thanking the Mississippi Arts Commission for their financial support on their sign was a nice touch.
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Ms. Lee, Cleveland, Mississippi resident, is a 73 years old retired educator that I met while at the 5th annual Murphy Street Children's Jamboree. If you look behind us in the photograph, you can see the house she has lived in for the past 70 years.
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Stay in Touch With Social Media
You can stay in touch with Abe by using social media. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Please click the links below and be a part of what's going on in the Mississippi Delta.
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Representative Abe M. Hudson, Jr. |
662-522-1400|
www.abemhudsonjr.com
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