Candidate Q&A: House District 2
Election 2023
Our public education questionnaire is offered to candidates in statewide and legislative elections. Search for candidates’ questionnaire responses below.
Election dates: Primary – August 8, 2023; Primary Runoff – August 29, 2023; General – November 7, 2023
General Election Candidate:
Brad Mattox
Nick Bain (Incumbent - defeated in primary runoff)
1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?
I am a product of public schools and my wife is a public school teacher. All three of my children are enrolled in public schools.
2. Do you agree that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) should be fully funded every year? If yes, what actions will you take to ensure full funding? If no, explain why.
Yes, I will continue to vote to fund education at historic levels and if a bill comes to fully fund education I will vote for it.
3. What will you do to ensure state revenue that is sufficient to provide all of the services Mississippi’s citizens need to lead productive lives?
Cut where we can and create an environment that is conducive to economic prosperity. I believe that begins with strong public schools.
4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Do you agree that all K-12 schools that receive taxpayer dollars, including private voucher schools, should be accountable to taxpayers for the quality of education they provide, using the same accountability measures as public schools?
Yes.
6. Public schools serve the vast majority of Mississippi students with disabilities. Do you agree that special education services in public schools should be fully funded every year? (Special education has been underfunded by the state every year since 2008.) If yes, how will you accomplish full funding? If no, explain why.
Yes.
7. Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high quality early childhood education statewide?
Absolutely.
8. The nation’s top teachers say that the greatest barriers to school success for K-12 students are family stress, poverty, and learning and psychological problems. What steps do you believe legislators should take to alleviate these obstacles for Mississippi children?
I think some of that can be cured with early childhood education. Also we need to change the stigma regarding mental health and properly fund and treat this epidemic in our state.
9. In the 2022 Legislative Session, a significant teacher pay raise was passed. Do you support continued pay increases to ensure that Mississippi’s teacher salaries keep pace with inflation and salaries in our neighboring states?
Yes, proud to have helped pass that bill.
10. Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature?
Yes.
11. Legislators have little or no staff to help them understand the many bills they must consider. Before introducing or supporting a bill that could affect public education, will you commit to seeking input from teachers, principals, superintendents, and parents of public school students in your district? Who will be advising you on education policies?
Teachers, administrators and parents need to have a seat at the table. I have heavily relied on theses groups during my 12 years in the legislature.
I have always voted in the best interests of my district!
Brad Mattox (winner of primary runoff)
NO RESPONSE
Chris Wilson (defeated in primary)
NO RESPONSE
