Candidate Q&A: House District 91
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, General – November 7, 2023
General Election Candidates:
Robert E. “Bob” Evans (Incumbent) • Steve Moreman
Robert E. "Bob" Evans (Incumbent)
1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?
All my children attended and graduated from 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.
Agree. Will continue to lobby the House to make good on its obligation to FULLY FUND MAEP every year.
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?
Will continue to vote against inane ideas like doing away with MS income tax and reducing the number of state employees. Aging, inadequate and even dangerous infrastructure such as roads, highways and bridges must be repaired/replaced before any talk about any revenue reduction. And continuance of essential services require that state agencies be fully-staffed.
4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?
I oppose vouchers. Two reasons are that using public money to finance private schools is not only unconstitutional and, thus, illegal but also very detrimental to the ability of public schools to exist.
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. If non-public schools accept state funds, they must be held accountable to state education and achievement standards. Acceptance and accountability are inseparable.
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.
I certainly will continue to support full-funding of special ed services in public schools by continuing to be a vocal advocate in the House.
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?
One huge and consequential step would be to fully-fund Medicaid expansion to assist the vast number of “working poor” in Mississippi.
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?
Absolutely.
10. Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature?
Absolutely. Doing otherwise directly penalizes retired educators and intentionally keeps their voices out of the MS Legislature.
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?
I will continue to do so. Such assistance is vital to any legislator who REALLY cares enough to know what a bill does before voting on it.
I will simply CONTINUE to vote for what I believe is THE RIGHT THING TO DO. Input from others is certainly welcomed but the final decision will be mine based on various factors including constituent will and effect on our communities.
Steve Moreman
NO RESPONSE
