Recent editorials from Mississippi newspapers:
___
April 15
The Dispatch on some stimulus checks arriving this week:
For those who filed their 2019 taxes with direct deposit, the Congress-authorized stimulus funds are beginning to show up in bank accounts this week.
As part of the $2.2 trillion package, an additional $600 is distributed for each child in the household.
Those whose personal income is above $75,000 will see smaller checks as well as families whose income exceeds $150,000.
In Mississippi, which has among the lowest per-capita incomes in the nation, the vast majority of citizens will receive the maximum amount.
For some, the money could not arrive soon enough - especially for those who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 virus. For others, the money will create a little “breathing room” in the household budget.
There are still others for whom those funds may not be needed now, but could be in the future. There are likely those employed now who may find themselves unemployed at some point as we continue to make our ways through this crisis.
The money will be well-received, but it’s likely to be sufficient. There are already efforts in Congress to distribute another round of stimulus payments.
In the meantime, we urge caution.
Undoubtedly, the arrival of what many Mississippians may consider a windfall, may lead to binge-spending, which is a reckless approach and not what the stimulus was designed to address.
Under normal circumstances, putting the money directly back into the economy - especially into locally-owned business - is a good outcome. While that still applies, it is remains prudent to spend wisely in these uncertain times. We all need to be thinking as long-term as our circumstances permit.
We do not know what the future holds. But we do know that there may be a time coming - if it hasn’t already arrived - when every dollar will matter. When you do need to spend, we strongly encourage you to spend with locally owned businesses. Doing so has a more positive impact on our neighbors.
One thing is almost certain - COVID-19 will usher in a new era of austerity and will continue until we are able to resume normal activities.
Let’s make sure we use these funds wisely.
Online: https://www.cdispatch.com
___
April 14
The Vicksburg Post on carefully determining when to reopen certain parts of the economy:
For everyone who has sheltered in place, for every worker who has seen their employer closed and for every child who has longed for a return to their classroom and beloved teacher, Mayor George Flaggs Jr.’s press release on April 13 was a shot in the arm, a glimmer of hope and spec of light in a dark tunnel.
In a release, Flaggs announced plans to hold a press conference on April 17 where he is set to announce a “plan to begin reopening city government, some businesses.”
But while there was a sugar-rush by man clamoring to return to any sense of normalcy, there is a somber reality that must be addressed.
Nowhere in the media advisory did the mayor detail his plans, unveil his timeline or itemize businesses who might find their restrictions lied. He simply said he would discuss his “plan;” no more.
It is our hope that the mayor gives key details that many have longed for, but that he does so with a very strong caveat.
We hope the press conference is a moment where Flaggs discusses how he plans to reopen the city for business, but says he will only do so after heeding the sage advice of federal and state leaders and the counsel of local and state health experts.
Warren County has undoubtedly been blessed with only - yes only - 14 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. We have been told by health and emergency officials who are in the know that it could have been far worse.
While we have been and are blessed, we are where we are today because of the strong, unified and proactive leadership shown by city and county leaders who took actions long before they had to, long before they were told to and in some cases set the example others have followed.
We as much as anyone long to have our community reopen, our children to return to school, businesses to thrive and our neighbors to return to work. But, we do not want any of those things if it means even one more case, or even someone’s life is lost, in return.
Now is not the time to let up; Flaggs has told us that. If we are to start reopening businesses and returning to some sort of normal, make sure we are doing so only after weighing the best advice and counsel of those who know best.
Online: http://www.vicksburgpost.com
___
April 12
The Daily Journal on Mississippi State Department of Health coronavirus data:
Throughout this pandemic, there has been a lot of misinformation spread about COVID-19 and its effect on our community. Last week, members of the Daily Journal had an exclusive interview with North Mississippi Health Services leadership, which is detailed in a feature by Caleb Bedillion.
We had a chance to see the work being done on one of the COVID-19 floors as well as participate in a candid conversation about how one of the nation’s largest rural hospital systems is battling this virus and the financial problems associated with the suspension of elective procedures.
… Last week the Mississippi State Department of Health began reporting the racial breakdown of patients as well as the underlying health conditions of those who have died. As of April 10, African Americans make up 67 percent of the deaths in the state, with cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity as the main underlying conditions.
It is essential to have this information available, especially as forecasts predict that Mississippi’s peak number of COVID-19 patients may occur in the next week. From our conversation with NMHS, they are confident that they are prepared, and it is important that the community continues to practice social distancing and the other guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thank you is not enough for what we’ve seen from health care workers and the Mississippi State Department of Health. We’re continuing to fight this battle and think of all of those on the front lines working to keep us safe and heal those who are sick.
Online: https://www.djournal.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.