Empower Commentary - Empower Mississippi

Empower Mississippi Commentary

Welcome to Empower Mississippi's Commentary page, where we provide in-depth analysis and thought-provoking perspectives on the key issues impacting our state. Stay informed with expert opinions, policy breakdowns, and the latest updates to understand the driving forces behind Mississippi's growth and challenges. Please note that the views expressed in guest columns are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Empower Mississippi.

From a Mother’s Struggle to a Thriving Academy: The Story of Knox Academy

By Ashley Green | January 31, 2026

Written by Ashley Green When Julie Gilliland first sat in doctors’ offices years ago, hearing predictions about her son John Knox, the words felt heavy and discouraging. Again and again, she was told that his autism was severe and that traditional paths might not offer him the support he would need to thrive in school or everyday settings. But…

House Bills 1736 & 1735 Senate Bill 2041

HB 1736, HB 1735, SB 2041: MDOC Dyslexia Study

By Empower Mississippi | January 30, 2026

Written by Empower Mississippi House Bill 1736, authored by Representative Roberson, House Bill 1735, authored by Rep. Larry Byrd, and Senate Bill 2041, authored by Senator Rod Hickman, direct the Mississippi Department of Corrections to study the prevalence of dyslexia among incarcerated individuals. The bill’s requirement for a comprehensive, evidence-based study will provide valuable insight into how undiagnosed dyslexia may relate to education outcomes, crime, and recidivism.…

SB 2512: Teaching the “Success Sequence”

By Empower Mississippi | January 30, 2026

Written by Empower Mississippi Senate Bill 2512, authored by Senator Jeff Tate, requires the Mississippi Department of Education to incorporate the “success sequence” and character education into the required curriculum for students in K-12 public schools. The “success sequence” refers to a set of widely studied life milestones that research has consistently shown are associated with avoiding poverty in…