Candidate Comparison —
Where Perry Van Bailey and Colby Bollinger stand on the issues that matter most to House District 23 voters.
This page gives a side-by-side comparison based on public statements, interviews, campaign platforms, and direct responses (if available). It will be updated as more information becomes available.
| Issue | Perry Van Bailey | Colby Bollinger |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion | No public position yet | Opposes |
| Certificate of Need Reform | No public position yet | Supports changes |
| School Choice | No public position yet | Supports |
| Reducing Admin Waste in Education | No public position yet | Supports (has prioritized) |
🏥 Medicaid Expansion
What it is:
Medicaid expansion would allow more low-income adults in Mississippi to qualify for health coverage by increasing the income limit. Supporters argue it would bring billions in federal dollars to Mississippi and improve access to care. Opponents are concerned about long-term costs and the size of government programs.
Perry Van Bailey
❓ No Public Position Available
Perry has not made a public statement or provided a direct response on Medicaid expansion as of this writing. His campaign has been contacted.
Colby Bollinger
❌ Opposes Medicaid Expansion
“We’ve got to work toward efficiency, not more government dependency. Medicaid expansion would be a costly mistake for Mississippi.”
— Colby Bollinger interview, March 2025
Colby has expressed concerns about the financial impact of expanding Medicaid, arguing that the focus should be on improving efficiency and reducing waste within existing programs.
🏥 Certificate of Need (CON) Laws
What it is:
CON laws require health care providers to get state approval before opening or expanding certain facilities. Supporters say they control costs and avoid duplication of services. Critics argue they limit competition and prevent new providers from entering the market.
Perry Van Bailey
❓ No Public Position Available
There is currently no public statement or campaign response from Perry regarding Certificate of Need laws.
Colby Bollinger
✅ Supports Reforming CON Laws
“The government shouldn’t be picking winners and losers in health care. It’s time to reduce red tape and let providers serve our communities.”
— Colby Bollinger interview, March 2025
Colby supports scaling back or eliminating Mississippi’s CON requirements, especially in rural areas where he believes increased competition could improve access and reduce costs.
🎓 School Choice
What it is:
School choice policies allow parents to use public education funds to enroll their children in private schools, charter schools, or homeschooling. Supporters say it empowers families to choose the best fit. Opponents worry it diverts funding away from public schools.
Perry Van Bailey
❓ No Public Position Available
As of now, Perry has not made a public statement on school choice. His campaign has been contacted.
Colby Bollinger
✅ Supports School Choice
“I believe parents—not the government—should decide what school is best for their children. We need more options, not one-size-fits-all.”
— Colby Bollinger interview, March 2025
Colby supports expanding educational options through school vouchers and other school choice programs, saying competition can improve overall education outcomes.