NATCHEZ — The 2015 legislative session came to a close this week, and state politicians have mixed feelings on its outcome.

While lawmakers succeeded in achieving funds for state bridges and roadways, along with capturing more than $110 million for public schools, some issues were left unresolved.

Rep. Robert Johnson (D-Natchez) said his biggest disappointment for this session was the inability to secure funding for the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center.

“We’ve been knocking at that door for three years now,” Johnson said.

While a bill allocating funds for the center passed through the house, it was ultimately shot down in the senate.

However, Johnson was quick to add that large strides were made in addressing state bridges, which are in dire need of repair, he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing that money be used for renovation and construction throughout the state,” Johnson said.

During this session, more than $180 million was approved for funding state bridges.

Another piece of legislation with high local interest included House Bill 787, a measure that will transfer 80 acres of Adams County land from state to city ownership.

The land area — more commonly known as the bean field — sits near the Natchez Trace Parkway and St. Catherine Creek.

“This was a very important piece of legislation that will be a big economic boost for tourism in the city and county,” Johnson said.

Rep. Sam Mims (R-McComb) echoed Johnson’s praise for the bean field legislation.

“This is a great piece of legislation that will ultimately benefit the citizens of Mississippi,” Mims said.

However, to further enhance state tourism, Mims said more legislation should be passed in the future.

“There are still some issues I wish we would have gotten more money for,” Mims said. “But overall, I think the session was productive and we were able to pass some great policies.”

For Sen. Melanie Sojourner (R-Natchez), several key issues were left unfinished at the close of this session.

Namely, Sojourner said she would have liked to seen legislation passed regarding rights for carrying concealed weapons along with more funding for alleviating infrastructure issues and a total repeal of Common Core standards in Mississippi.

“House Bill 2162, which passed, is supposed to help us move toward adopting new state standards for education — but that can’t be further from the truth,” Sojourner said. “The bill is essentially deceptive, and doesn’t do anything to remove Common Core.”

Ultimately, Sojourner said efforts to gain back more of Mississippi’s state rights were unsuccessful during the 2015 session.

“If we go into a special session, I’m hoping some of those issues will be addressed,” said Sojourner, adding that if a special session were to be held, she expects it to take place within the next few weeks.

And while most legislators are looking ahead to next year’s goals, others — like Sen. Kelvin Butler (D-Magnolia) — are reflecting on past accomplishments.

“This was my last year (serving on the legislature), and it’s been a great ride,” said Butler, who has served as a senator for 12 years.

Like Johnson, Butler said securing funds for Margaret Martin should be at the top of next year’s legislative agenda. Also, creating a better standard for Medicaid is an issue Butler said Mississippi lawmakers need to address.

“I feel like I’ve been a good voice for Southwest Mississippi,” Butler said. “When you have 5 counties and 11 municipalities like I do, your cup is full.”

Butler plans to run for Pike County chancellor clerk.