By Andy Gipson Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce

As we look to the future of Mississippi, there is a huge challenge ahead that must be prioritized and tackled – sooner rather than later. The State of Mississippi’s commitment to our State employees and retirees in the PERS system is unquestionable; it is a covenant the State has made with its employees, and this is an issue that cannot be ignored or kicked down the road any longer. Tens of thousands of State employees ranging from teachers in the classroom to law enforcement patrolling the streets have devoted decades of their lives in public service – for lower wages – and they have rightfully relied and counted on the long-term PERS retirement benefits for their later years in life.

But let me be crystal clear: the State PERS ret

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