Mississippi First Responders Criticize Lt. Gov. Over Retirement Concerns

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A Mississippi law enforcement leader says changes to the state's public employee retirement system have put first responders at a disadvantage and are worsening recruitment and retention challenges across the state. Andy 'Ski' Matuszewski, Mississippi division president of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, said a task force of first responder representatives formed in July 2025 to advocate for reforms to the Tier 5 retirement structure that places them in a 35-year plan with less benefits.

Why it matters

The retirement debate has become a major issue during the current legislative session, with first responders warning that failing to address future retirement benefits could push experienced workers to leave for neighboring states offering better compensation and incentives. The pushback also follows controversial comments from Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann about first responders' health and longevity.

The details

The task force, made up largely of presidents and representatives of public safety organizations, began meeting to develop a response to the legislation and advocate for Tier 5 reforms. They argue public safety careers should be treated differently than other state jobs due to the physical and mental demands of the work, including higher cancer rates, heart disease, and more suicides among first responders. The group met with lawmakers and officials several times, including a February meeting with Hosemann where they say he dismissed their concerns, suggesting the first responders 'won't understand' the technical details of proposed legislation.

• The task force formed in July 2025 following the passage of House Bill 1 during that year's legislative session.
• The group met with lawmakers and officials several times over the past year, including a January meeting with staff from PERS and meetings with legislators supporting proposals to modify the system.
• In a February meeting at the Capitol, the task force met with Hosemann, his staff, Sen. Daniel Sparks, and PERS Executive Director Ray Higgins.

What they’re saying

What’s next

On March 6, House Speaker Jason White announced that the House had amended Senate Bill 2103 by replacing its language with provisions addressing some concerns raised by first responder groups. The retirement debate will continue as the bill moves to the Senate for consideration.