Candidate Q&A: Senate District 29
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:
David Blount (Incumbent) • Michael Carson
David Blount (Incumbent)
1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?
Jackson Public Schools (JPS) parent for 13 years. Former Vice President Parents for 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. See my work to fully fund MAEP in the 2023 session.
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?
Fund education before cutting taxes.
4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?
Yes. I oppose vouchers.
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. See above.
7. Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high quality early childhood education statewide?
Yes. My children benefitted greatly from early childhood education in JPS.
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?
Expand Pre-K.
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. I worked to pass this pay raise and will do so again.
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?
Yes. I have and will continue to rely on The Parents’ Campaign for sound advice.
I vote for what I believe is right and in the best interest of the district I represent and the State of Mississippi.
Michael Carson
NO RESPONSE
Dwayne Pickett (defeated in primary)
NO RESPONSE
