When I took office in January 2020, the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition’s (MPACT) Legacy Plan had a 72 percent funding ratio. What this means in practical terms is that taxpayers were about to be on the hook for over $125 million. I am a fiscal conservative to my core, so asking for a taxpayer bailout wasn’t in the cards … Read More
Legislative Updates for Mississippi College and Career Savings
Americans owe about $1.6 trillion in student loan debt, according to Pew Research. Now, I want to be clear: That’s a hefty sum that is difficult for many families to manage, but I don’t believe it’s right to ask taxpayers to take on the costs others have incurred. Just think how unconscionable it would be if the government forced you … Read More
Why We “Dig” College Savings
This month, your College and Career Savings team attended the MHSAA Volleyball State Championship Games in Clinton. While we had a lot of fun cheering on the teams, we had a bigger purpose: We had some cash to give away! I’ll admit: It wasn’t exactly cash. Instead, it was $5,000 worth of scholarships, delivered in the form of a Mississippi … Read More
School is Back; So is MPACT
School is back in session and so is the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) program! Now through May 31, families can enroll in MPACT to lock in today’s tuition rates and pre-pay a child’s university or community college tuition (in part or in full). Over the last twenty years, the average cost of college tuition and fees has increased … Read More
Budget Wins
I’m a born and raised Mississippian. Mississippi is where I met my wife and where we decided to raise our three wonderful children. I’m proud to share roots with people who are dedicated workers, people who uphold their family values, and people who are true patriots. Over the past four and half years, my team and I have worked hard … Read More
Finding the Right Career
We started this summer with a series that aimed to educate young people (and their families) about good money management. Today, I wanted to bring you one final piece for the series – a piece that is at the center of our spending, budgeting, and saving discussions: Finding the right career. As State Treasurer, I spend a lot of time … Read More
Summer Money Series: Investing in Your Future
Starting out as a young person today isn’t what it was when many of us were young. Straight out of college, you’re paying $300 per month for health insurance, $80 per month for your cell phone, almost three bucks for a gallon of gas – all of this being stacked atop increasingly expensive rental rates, utility bills, car payments, and … Read More
Summer Money Series: What NOT to Spend Student Loan Funds On
More than one in 10 Americans hold student loan debt – that’s 43 million people! And it’s no small amount of debt either. Total it together and the bill comes to just over $1.6 trillion. That’s an awfully big hole to dig out of. Programs offered through the State Treasury give Mississippians a way to reduce or eliminate their student … Read More
MPACT Enrollment Closing May 31
Tis the season for spring concerts and science fairs, end-of-year projects and graduation party prep. Yes, summer break is looming for many (and our kids can’t wait!) With the end of each school year, however, comes the end of the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) open enrollment period. On May 31, MPACT enrollment will conclude for the season. And … Read More
McRae Announces 2024 Art Contest Winners, $7,000+ in Scholarships
JACKSON, Miss. – David McRae this week announced the 2024 College Savings Mississippi Art Contest winners with a reception at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Twelve students and one teacher took home more than $7,000 worth of scholarships during the event. “I love getting to see students’ imaginations and dreams run wild in their artwork,” said Treasurer McRae. “I hope that … Read More