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HB 429

Appropriation; MDA for making grants under the Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Grant Program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Randy Rushing

Mississippi allocates funds to the Department of Agriculture to grant money to small towns and rural counties, addressing funding gaps in underfunded local governments.

Referred To Appropriations E;Appropriations A
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Bill Summary · HB 429

Legislative bill overview

HB 429 appropriates funds to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture (MDA) to distribute grants through the Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Grant Program. This legislation enables financial support specifically directed toward smaller local governments and rural areas with limited tax bases.

Why is this important

Rural municipalities and sparsely populated counties often struggle to fund infrastructure, services, and economic development projects due to limited local tax revenue. By directing state appropriations through the MDA's grant program, the bill aims to address regional economic disparities and support underserved communities that might otherwise lack resources for critical investments.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding amount unspecified: The bill text doesn't indicate how much money is being appropriated, making it difficult to assess the program's actual scope and effectiveness
  • Grant criteria unclear: Without visibility into how grants will be distributed, awarded, or what projects qualify, there's potential concern about equitable allocation across regions
  • MDA administrative role: Questions may arise about whether the Department of Agriculture is the most appropriate agency to administer municipal and county grants, or if it should be directed through other departments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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