Hosemann pushes health care, jobs in Neshoba Fair speech
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann spoke of the availability of work statewide for those seeking employment. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
An attendee holds a fan with the photograph of Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann under her arm at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann yearly hands out fans to attendees as a means to cool down during hot spells. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann spoke of the availability of work statewide for those seeking employment. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Simmons spoke about area highways and roads being repaired and upgraded. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Simmons spoke about area highways and roads being repaired and upgraded. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The morning political speeches drew a small number of attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The fair, which had been canceled last year due to covid, still attracted a large crowd to what is billed as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fairgoers to the Neshoba County Fair have an opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations while attending the 10-day long festival in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The gathering, also known as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, is an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Members of the Meridian Naval Air Station Honor Guard carry out the American flag after its presentation at the start of the Meridian Day Program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Samuel Shipley I kneels with his sons, Luke, 2, in the carrier, Noah, 4, right, and Samuel II seated at their feet, during the invocation at the start of the Meridian Day program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fair attendees swamped the booths of the presenting sponsors of the Meridian Day program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
A young fan poses with his family and the NCAA Division 1 college baseball championship trophy won by Mississippi State at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Matt Meyer with the Mississippi State Athletic Department, right, takes a cell phone photograph of Amy Eldridge, Jessa Eldridge and Sparky Bryan as they pose for a photo with the NCAA Division 1 college baseball championship trophy at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fairgoers are welcomed by a life-size poster of former President Donald Trump, posted on this second story balcony of a cabin near the main entrance of the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The gathering, also known as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, is an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Emmaly Watson, 16, watches the direction of the Neshoba Central High School band’s director Daniel Wade as they play at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Gracey Dertinger, 14, keeps her eyes on the sheet music as she plays along with the Neshoba Central High School band at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Sadie Ramirez, 7, center, has a reluctant smile as she sits through an hour-long concert by members of the Neshoba Central High School band including her flute playing sister Jessica Ramirez, 17, left, and classmate Bianca Tanksley, 17, right, at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Kerry Schmidt, 14, and Jorja Ray, 17, members of the Neshoba Central High School band play at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann spoke of the availability of work statewide for those seeking employment. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann spoke of the availability of work statewide for those seeking employment. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
An attendee holds a fan with the photograph of Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann under her arm at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann yearly hands out fans to attendees as a means to cool down during hot spells. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
An attendee holds a fan with the photograph of Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann under her arm at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann yearly hands out fans to attendees as a means to cool down during hot spells. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann spoke of the availability of work statewide for those seeking employment. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Hosemann spoke of the availability of work statewide for those seeking employment. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Simmons spoke about area highways and roads being repaired and upgraded. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Simmons spoke about area highways and roads being repaired and upgraded. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Simmons spoke about area highways and roads being repaired and upgraded. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons addresses attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Simmons spoke about area highways and roads being repaired and upgraded. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The morning political speeches drew a small number of attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The fair, which had been canceled last year due to covid, still attracted a large crowd to what is billed as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The morning political speeches drew a small number of attendees at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The fair, which had been canceled last year due to covid, still attracted a large crowd to what is billed as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fairgoers to the Neshoba County Fair have an opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations while attending the 10-day long festival in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The gathering, also known as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, is an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fairgoers to the Neshoba County Fair have an opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations while attending the 10-day long festival in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The gathering, also known as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, is an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Members of the Meridian Naval Air Station Honor Guard carry out the American flag after its presentation at the start of the Meridian Day Program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Members of the Meridian Naval Air Station Honor Guard carry out the American flag after its presentation at the start of the Meridian Day Program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Samuel Shipley I kneels with his sons, Luke, 2, in the carrier, Noah, 4, right, and Samuel II seated at their feet, during the invocation at the start of the Meridian Day program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Samuel Shipley I kneels with his sons, Luke, 2, in the carrier, Noah, 4, right, and Samuel II seated at their feet, during the invocation at the start of the Meridian Day program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fair attendees swamped the booths of the presenting sponsors of the Meridian Day program at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
A young fan poses with his family and the NCAA Division 1 college baseball championship trophy won by Mississippi State at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
A young fan poses with his family and the NCAA Division 1 college baseball championship trophy won by Mississippi State at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Matt Meyer with the Mississippi State Athletic Department, right, takes a cell phone photograph of Amy Eldridge, Jessa Eldridge and Sparky Bryan as they pose for a photo with the NCAA Division 1 college baseball championship trophy at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Matt Meyer with the Mississippi State Athletic Department, right, takes a cell phone photograph of Amy Eldridge, Jessa Eldridge and Sparky Bryan as they pose for a photo with the NCAA Division 1 college baseball championship trophy at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fairgoers are welcomed by a life-size poster of former President Donald Trump, posted on this second story balcony of a cabin near the main entrance of the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The gathering, also known as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, is an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Fairgoers are welcomed by a life-size poster of former President Donald Trump, posted on this second story balcony of a cabin near the main entrance of the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The gathering, also known as Mississippi’s Giant House Party, is an annual event of agricultural, political, and social entertainment at what might be the country’s largest campground fair. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Emmaly Watson, 16, watches the direction of the Neshoba Central High School band’s director Daniel Wade as they play at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Emmaly Watson, 16, watches the direction of the Neshoba Central High School band’s director Daniel Wade as they play at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Gracey Dertinger, 14, keeps her eyes on the sheet music as she plays along with the Neshoba Central High School band at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Gracey Dertinger, 14, keeps her eyes on the sheet music as she plays along with the Neshoba Central High School band at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Sadie Ramirez, 7, center, has a reluctant smile as she sits through an hour-long concert by members of the Neshoba Central High School band including her flute playing sister Jessica Ramirez, 17, left, and classmate Bianca Tanksley, 17, right, at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Sadie Ramirez, 7, center, has a reluctant smile as she sits through an hour-long concert by members of the Neshoba Central High School band including her flute playing sister Jessica Ramirez, 17, left, and classmate Bianca Tanksley, 17, right, at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Kerry Schmidt, 14, and Jorja Ray, 17, members of the Neshoba Central High School band play at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Kerry Schmidt, 14, and Jorja Ray, 17, members of the Neshoba Central High School band play at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The band’s morning performances have been a tradition at the Fair for several years. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi senators will hold hearings this fall to examine how to make health care more accessible and affordable, and all options could be considered, Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said Wednesday.
“The time for simply saying ‘no’ to our options for working Mississippians has passed,” Hosemann said in a speech prepared for delivery at the Neshoba County Fair. “When a cancer diagnosis can bankrupt a family, we have a responsibility to help. Further, no Mississippian should be further than 30 minutes from an emergency room.”
Speaking of the Senate hearings, Hosemann said: “From managed care, to scope of practice issues, to insurance options, everything is on the table.”
Mississippi is among a dozen states that have resisted expanding Medicaid to the working poor. The program is paid by state and federal money, and expansion is an option under the health care overhaul signed into law in 2010 by then-President Barack Obama.
Gov. Tate Reeves and other Republican leaders in the Mississippi Legislature have said repeatedly that they believe the state cannot afford Medicaid expansion, even with the federal government paying most of the cost. Hosemann has not taken a position for or against expansion.
Hosemann also said Wednesday that he wants to find ways to put more Mississippi residents to work with job training programs, according to his speech text. He pledged that the Senate will hold hearings on “comprehensive tax reform.”
Reeves is among the speakers scheduled for Thursday at the Neshoba County Fair, which bills itself as “Mississippi’s Giant Houseparty.”
The eight-day event attracts thousands of people to the red clay hills south of Philadelphia, where extended groups of families and friends stay in colorful cabins. For two days, politicians speak under a tin-roofed pavilion to spectators who sit on wooden benches or try to grab shady spots under trees nearby.
The fair was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but organizers decided months ago to go ahead with it this year. The delta variant of the virus has been spreading rapidly in Mississippi this month.
A sign at the fairgrounds’ entry said COVID-19 vaccinations were available at a first-aid station. Many people shunned masks Wednesday as they socialized outside.
During his speech, Hosemann said the Senate will continue to look at pay raises for teachers and will put more money into preschool programs.
“If the pandemic proved anything, it is our children want and need to be back in our classrooms in front of a dedicated teacher,” Hosemann said, according to the text. “Every school needs to open in-person this fall.”
Hosemann said legislators will enact a medical marijuana program and restore the state’s initiative process.
The state Supreme Court handed down a ruling in May that overturned a medical marijuana initiative that voters had approved in November. Justices found that Mississippi’s initiative process was no longer valid and the medical marijuana proposal was not properly on the ballot.
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Emily Wagster Pettus reported from Jackson, Mississippi.
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This story has been corrected to show the fair lasts eight days, not 10.