{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Mississippi Happenings","title":"Policy and Progress: A Conversation with Senator David Blount","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/3578c72f\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1592,"description":"In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Senator David Blount to discuss critical issues facing Mississippi, particularly focusing on the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and its funding challenges. Senator Blount explains the current state of PERS, the implications of recent legislative decisions, and the potential impact on public employees and education funding. The conversation highlights the need for a sustainable financial strategy for PERS and the importance of education in the state budget.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast01:27 Understanding PERS: The Employee Retirement Fund10:24 Challenges Facing the Retirement System18:36 Education: The Top Priority for the Upcoming Session","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/JyYwgsAXSQvmp3x4YW6KfM70QioGfzoPswz7aIENsfE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84N2Jm/MjZjNjk3YjQzMDky/ZmJkZWU4MGM5OGNj/ZGE4MC5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}