Below is a press release from Mississippi Representative Robert L. Johnson:
Attached is a statement from Minority Leader Rep. Robert L. Johnson, III in response to the uptick in COVID-19 cases and deaths and the current healthcare crisis.
"Mississippi’s healthcare infrastructure is near the breaking point and we must react with urgency. There are actions we can take right now to protect Mississippians and relieve the strain:
First, leaders must speak with a clear voice about the need for every Mississippian 12 years and older to get vaccinated. Doctors have given us the medicine, we know it works, and we need to take it.
Second, we need to allocate all available resources to address this crisis. The State of Mississippi is sitting on more than $1.8 billion in federal funds that can be used to address deficiencies in our infrastructure caused by the pandemic. These funds can provide powerful assistance right now. It is unconscionable that this money should sit in an account gathering dust while our hospitals and healthcare providers petition the federal government for help.
The Governor should call a special session and instruct the legislature to get to work on appropriating the necessary resources and creating the appropriate measures that will bolster and help our healthcare system take care of those people who are suffering, and help our school systems provide a safe and effective environment for our teachers and our children.
House Democrats stand ready to get to work."
