On Jan. 29, state Senate Corrections Committee Chairman Sen. Juan Barnett, reintroduced Senate Bill 2047, aimed at phasing out Parchman’s inmate population and staff, relocating them to other facilities while retaining death row, the hospital and other services at the site.
Sen. Sarita Simmons of Cleveland, whose District 13 includes Parchman and part of Tallahatchie County, is a member of that committee and on Tuesday released a statement saying, “I want to remind my constituents that the Delta is often targeted by individuals who do not live in the area. It is essential that we stay vigilant and take action to safeguard the Delta’s interests.”
Barnett presented the bill for discussion, but Simmons’ motion to table it passed.
“I am pleased to have gathered the support of my colleagues to successfully defeat the bill,” said Simmons. “Had this bill been passed and signed into law, it would have posed significant harm to Sunflower County and the Mississippi Delta.”
