Empower name inaugural Rise Award recipients

Empower Mississippi has awarded Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Speaker Philip Gunn, and several members of the legislature with their inaugural Rise Awards in recognition of their work on the most important issues facing Mississippians.

“It is vitally important that we recognize that boldness is needed to move Mississippi forward,” Empower President Russ Latino said. “The Rise Awards recognize those who are willing to champion transformative ideas and who are doing big things to move Mississippi forward. They can be Republicans, they can be Democrats, it doesn’t matter.

“They might not agree with us on everything, and that’s okay. These are individuals who build bridges and influence to get things done. It’s easy to be ideological but we need people who see the big picture and strive for the big thing.”

2021 Rise Awards were presented to:

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann for his work in ensuring criminal justice reform measures like the Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act cleared the Senate with a large majority.

Speaker Philip Gunn for his work in advancing criminal justice reform, occupational licensing reform, expanding access to healthcare, and starting an important conversation on repealing the state’s income tax.

Rep. Nick Bain for his work in championing numerous criminal justice measures, including the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act.

Sen. Juan Barnett for authoring and championing the Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act this past session.

Sen. Kevin Blackwell for his work in sponsoring and promoting legislation to reform occupational licensing and provide nurse practitioners with full practice authority.

Rep. Becky Currie for her work in sponsoring legislation to recognize occupational licenses obtained in another state.

Rep. Kevin Horan for helping craft and champion numerous criminal justice reform measures.

Rep. Jansen Owen for his work in reforming occupational licensing and championing criminal justice reform measures.

Sen. Daniel Sparks for his work in championing numerous criminal justice reform measures.

Rep. Jason White for his work in reforming occupational licensing, expanding access to healthcare, and starting an important conversation on repealing the state’s income tax.

Sen. Brice Wiggins for spending many years championing numerous criminal justice reform measures.

Rep. Shanda Yates for her willingness to work across party lines work on key issues to support small business and repeal the income tax.

Empower has just completed a round of mail in recognition of award recipients intricately involved in justice reforms this past session.