Secretary Michael Watson Update

Michael Watson - Secretary of State


October 6, 2021


Tidelands Trust Funds Check Presentation

DMR

Having grown up on the Coast, the opportunity to present the Tidelands Trust Funds check to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is always a proud moment. I have a unique perspective of our Tidelands and the significance of returning these funds to help preserve such a beautiful and important resource, improve public access and spur economic development when possible.

This year, the $11,226,497 transferred is the second-highest transfer since 1997. Revenue for the Tidelands Trust Funds is generated by leases on lands owned by the State in trust for the people of Mississippi and assessments for onshore gaming operations. As of today, the Secretary of State's Office has transferred a total of $177,175,419 to the Mississippi Gulf Coast through the Tidelands Trust Funds program. This program not only benefits coastal residents but all Mississippi citizens who spend time on the Gulf Coast.


ASU

Celebrating Alcorn State 

I was humbled when asked to speak at the launch ceremony for Hiram Rhodes Revels Institute for Ethical Leadership at Alcorn State University. I relish any opportunity to reflect on our state's historical and influential leaders, especially Sen. Revels, the first president of ASU and former MS Secretary of State. To preserve his legacy, ASU established an innovative program that will provide reflection, research, and recommendations for bringing spirituality, ethics, and leadership together.

Following the ceremony, I had the opportunity to tour the campus and meet with ASU President Dr. Felecia M. Nave. We are truly grateful for the hospitality and welcome we received from the Alcorn State family.

Click here to learn more about of the
Hiram Rhodes Revels Institute for Ethical Leadership.


NVRD3

National Voter
Registration Day

Tuesday, September 28, we celebrated National Voter Registration Day with Jackson-metro colleges and universities. In collaboration with Millsaps College, Belhaven University, Tougaloo College, Mississippi College and Jackson State University, we hosted on-campus voter registration drives to recruit new voters and answer questions about the elections process. It was a great day visiting with our next generation of voters, and we appreciate the partnerships with college and university administrators. #YallVote

Click here to download a voter registration application


coins

Securing Your Future

As mentioned in my previous update, even in the face of Covid-19, each division within our office reported impressive numbers for fiscal year 2021. To continue our commitment to transparency and accountability, this edition highlights our outstanding efforts and the significant progress in our Securities Division & Charities Division:

Number of Charity/Fundraiser Registrations and Renewals Processed:

26% increase
Number of Charity Exams/Investigations/Complaints Completed: 

20% increase
Number of Security Exams/Investigations/Complaints Completed:

46% increase
Number of Securities Legal Actions:

36% increase

Number of Security Registration  & Renewals (firms/agents):

10% increase

   

Recent News


gallo

SuperTalk: National Voter Registration Month


"MS Secretary of State Michael Watson joins Gallo to talk on September being National Voter Registration Month. The Secretary says that last year they registered over 113,000 new voters in Mississippi."

Click here to
watch the interview. 

MDMR

WLOX: Sec. of State Watson Presents $11.2 Million Tidelands Trust Fund Check to MDMR

"As Mississippi’s first Secretary of State who grew up on the Coast, Michael Watson is very familiar with the public good that comes from the Tidelands Trust Fund. It made Tuesday’s $11.2 million check presentation to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) a bit more special."

Click here to
watch the news story.


Staff Spotlight

Laura Ann Edwards

LA2

Hometown:
Madison, MS

Laura Ann serves the agency as the Capitol Office Coordinator/Internal Support. Her primary responsibility is running the Capitol Office during the Legislative session, but when not in session, she provides administrative assistance in Human Resources. She has recently jumped in to assist Notaries, Tidelands, Regulation and Enforcement, and Elections.

Laura Ann is the kind of leader you want on your team--she can play any position asked of her! She has a wonderful attitude and a willingness to serve in whatever capacity needed, while exhibiting a friendly and welcoming spirit no matter what’s going on around her.