Addiction. Incarceration. Redemption.

Julie Crutcher was an addict for seven or eight years. She spent 11 months in prison. Her sister was raising her children. After she left prison, she went right back to using drugs. But that’s not the end of her story. Through rehabilitation at Crossroads Ministries and work with Musee Bath, Julie has turned her…

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Empower Testifies on Income Tax Elimination

Mississippi needs a spark. Our economy has been stagnant for a decade and we are losing population—primarily working-age population. Our workforce participation rate shows the effect with the second-lowest percentage of workers in the country. Fewer and fewer people are pulling a heavier and heavier wagon. While some who are doing well resist change, our…

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Good policy changes lives

Every year the legislature passes and the governor signs hundreds of bills. These cover a variety of needs and basic tasks of government, but it’s not every day we see new laws literally change lives. One person at a time. This year, Gov. Tate Reeves signed the Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act, which made thousands…

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The income tax repeal discussion continues

“If it can be done well, the elimination of the income tax is a bold move that puts Mississippi in a more competitive place.” Last year the legislature debated and the House passed legislation to repeal the income tax in Mississippi. Lawmakers will continue that discussion with two days of hearings this week when they…

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The economies of income tax free states

The nine income tax free states have a tax burden that is roughly half that of Mississippi’s. The nine-income tax free states average a tax burden of 4.26% of their overall economies. Mississippi’s is over 8%. How is it possible that states with an average tax burden that is nearly half that of Mississippi have…

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Freedom after 19 years in prison

“It’s like coming back to life.” That’s how Michael Moore describes his release after serving 19 years in prison. Michael became eligible for parole under the Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act which was signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves earlier this year. Until this law took effect, Moore had not been parole-eligible and was…

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What should we do with new education funds?

The state of Mississippi spends about $2.5 billion on K-12 education (before local and federal funding). As part of various COVID-related funds, the state is set to receive an additional $2.63 billion in federal funds for education. Now that we have the funds, the question turns to what we should do to reach students who…

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Welcome to The Front Porch

This week, Empower officially launched our new video and podcast series, The Front Porch, where the team will discuss the biggest issues of the day, while having a little fun. You can check out our first episode Welcome to The Front Porch here. One of the ideas about this series is we want to have honest discussions. Our…

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Covid was the opening act of what will be a tumultuous decade

In rich countries, this generation of adults is not doing well by its children. They will have to pay off huge public-sector debts. They will be expected to foot colossal bills for their parents’ pension and health costs. They will compete for jobs with people from emerging countries, many of whom have better education systems…

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