Here is the issue – lawmakers from majority white districts are proposing legislation that would significantly impact the majority Black population of Jackson, without consulting their representatives. This is a direct threat to the freedom of the Capital City and a parallel to Jim Crow era political schemes.
What does HB 1020 do?
House Bill 1020 is a plan that increases policing, strips voting and political power away from the majority Black citizens of Jackson, and diverts tax dollars away from communities in need.
- The Legislature would use the boundary lines created under the Capitol Comlpex Improvement District (CCID) to establish a new court system. The legislation empowers Judges appointed by the Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court and prosecutors appointed by the State Attorney General to oversee cases in Jackson.
- These judges and prosecutors will be unelected and unaccountable to the citizens of Jackson.
- HB 1020 would create a new scheme to take millions in sales tax dollars away from the City of Jackson and to give to the CCID.
How can I help?
- Call Lieutenant Governor's office Delbert Hosemann and tell him to oppose HB 1020.
Call the Lieutenant Governor's office at (601) 359-3200 and say you want to leave a message for the Lieutenant Governor.
Sample Message:
Hi, my name is _______. I live at ________. I'm calling to ask Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann to oppose House Bill 1020. House Bill 1020 strips voting and political power away from the majority Black citizens of Jackson, and diverts tax dollars away from communities in need. House Bill 1020 creates a city within a city, and that is not crime prevention. Please stop House Bill 1020.
