Legislative Session 2023: State Senator Rita Potts Parks
State Senator Rita Potts Parks joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk transportation legislation, break down a nurse retention bill, explain the origins of the famous Slugburger and more.
- Show intro, introducing State Senator Rita Potts Parks - 00:30
- Why Senator Potts Parks decided to run for public office - 01:21
- Senator Potts Parks' business background - 02:18
- Comments on the current status of the 2023 legislative session - 03:34
- Transportation infrastructure legislation progress - 05:05
- Explanation of Hospital Nurses Retention Loan Repayment Program - 07:52
- Updates on redesign of HELP Grant and MTAG programs - 9:00
- Transportation projects in Alcorn and Tippah counties Senator Potts Parks is watching - 10:58
- Favorite place to eat - 11:59
- About the Slugburger - 12:22
- Contact information - 14:18
- Show outro - 14:40
Creators and Guests
Host
Paul Katool
Paul Katool joined the Mississippi Department of Transportation Public Affairs Division in 2016 as the agency’s first Social Media Strategist. In 2019, he was promoted to Digital Media Manager, where he led the creation of MDOT’s nationally award-winning Extra Mile Podcast. In 2022, Paul assumed the role of Deputy Director of Public Affairs, which includes helping to run the day-to-day operations of the division.
Producer
Drew Hall
Drew Hall is a media producer with experience in video production and journalism. He currently works in the Public Affairs Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where he shoots and edits a range of content, including producing the award-winning podcast The Extra Mile. Drew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University and has received industry recognition, including an AASHTO Best Audio Production Award. Previously, Drew worked as a photojournalist for News Channel 12 and Fox 40 News, developing his skills in visual storytelling and news production. Drew is married to Courtney Ann Hall, of Corinth, MS, and has one son, Jackson.