Archive for May 2021
Mississippi fails at public defense
A new report from Empower Mississippi gives Mississippi a failing grade for its policies related to public defense. Grading Justice gives Mississippi a grade of “F” for its policies related to public defense. The right to an adequate defense has been recognized as a constitutional guarantee by the United States Supreme Court, and while states…
Read MoreMandatory minimum sentences a problem in Mississippi
A new report from Empower Mississippi gives Mississippi a low grade for its sentencing laws. Grading Justice gives Mississippi a grade of “D” for its policies related to mandatory minimum sentences that prevent judges from exercising discretion and considering the facts of the case. These sentences tie the hands of judges and apply sentences that…
Read MoreWe need to ease barriers to work for those leaving prison
Finding a job is one of the top priorities for those leaving prison. But it can be one of the most difficult tasks on the list for beginning a new life outside the prison walls, and Mississippi does little to help those looking to make a fresh start. Criminal convictions can have numerous negative impacts…
Read MoreJackson’s JRTOC program prepares young leaders for life
Our work at Empower has us laser-focused on how to ensure children receive an education that prepares them for life and have opportunities for meaningful work once their formal education ends. We know that every student is unique and there’s no such thing as one perfect system for all kids. We also know that while…
Read MoreFrom cottage food operation to commercial bakery
A baker who was selling products made at home under the state’s cottage food laws a few years ago will soon be opening a new Keto-friendly bakery in Tupelo after opening a bakery in Starkville last year. “Billing itself as a celiac-, diabetic- and keto-friendly gourmet bake shop, The Power of the Almond is the…
Read MoreFamily excited for chance at early reconnection after new law
The Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act was signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves this spring. Senate Bill 2795 provides the opportunity for people like Richard Michael Moore to stand before the parole board and plead his case for a second chance. Moore had not been eligible for parole and is 19 years into his 20-year sentence. Moore grew…
Read MoreMandatory minimum laws lead to sentences that don’t match the crime
Life in prison for seven boxes of Sudafed? It just doesn’t make sense. Mississippi’s habitual enhancement, which applies harsh mandatory minimum sentences to those with previous criminal records, even for relatively minor offenses creates unfair outcomes. James Vardaman and his family are all too familiar with those outcomes. Vardaman’s third conviction because of his drug…
Read MoreFreedom to drive protected in Mississippi
A new report gives Mississippi an “A” grade for its driver’s license reforms. Grading Justice, a project of Empower Mississippi, scores criminal justice reforms in the Magnolia state by examining 15 policies across the justice system, from pretrial, to sentencing and reentry. Grading Justice gives Mississippi a top score for Freedom to Drive, finding that…
Read MoreGov. Reeves is right to phase out enhanced unemployment benefits
The American economy is showing signs of life, but the recovery could be jeopardized by the continuation of policies that were designed only to provide temporary relief. Gov. Tate Reeves is right to implement the phase out of one of those policies, enhanced unemployment benefits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are over…
Read MoreNew report grades Mississippi justice reforms
After passing parole reform in 2021, Mississippi continues to make improvements to the state’s criminal justice system, but a new report shows more change is needed. Empower Mississippi’s ‘Grading Justice’ evaluates the Magnolia State on its criminal justice system across 15 different policy areas, assigning the state a letter grade based on how well its…
Read MoreMississippi provides hope, and care, for pregnant women in prison
A very important piece of legislation flew under the radar this session and was signed into law just as quietly. House Bill 196, better known as the “Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act,” sponsored by Rep. Nick Bain, was created to ensure a basic level of care for pregnant women who are incarcerated. The legislation passed…
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