Mississippi sets aside money for Alcorn State’s agricultural programs

The law sets aside general fund money and allows spending from the Education Enhancement Fund for Alcorn State University’s agricultural programs. The money supports Alcorn State University’s agricultural research, public outreach, and land-grant programs. The $436,640 must come from available Education Enhancement Fund money: $271,640 for operations and $165,000 for the Poultry Sciences Academic Research Center. The general fund amount includes $300,000 for that center and $715,000 for agricultural research and extension. General fund money cannot replace withdrawn federal or other special funds that paid salaries. The law takes effect July 1, 2026. Its spending authority covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The law sets aside up to $101,640 for faculty salary increases equivalent to $2,000 each. The provision covers all professors and adjunct professors in Alcorn State University’s agricultural research, extension, and land-grant programs. The university’s executive officer decides whether to provide the increases. This money comes from the Education Enhancement Fund amount already included in the program’s budget. The salary funding applies to July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Legislature states that Alcorn State’s agricultural programs should give purchasing preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind. The preference concerns purchases of goods or equipment by the programs funded in this law. For purchases with two or more bids, the preference applies when price, quality, and service are equal. The Legislature also calls for a similar preference when purchases occur without competitive bids.