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# Empower Mississippi

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://empowerms.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://empowerms.org/updates/)
- [More Than a Backpack](https://empowerms.org/more-than-a-backpack/) - What Mississippi Families Carry into a New School Year Across Mississippi, July and August carry its own rhythm. School parking lots fill before sunrise as teachers unlock classrooms for another year. Parents weave through crowded store aisles searching for the perfect backpack, the last box of crayons or the right sized notebook. Children lay out
- [Dayton Duncan: The Story Behind America's National Parks](https://empowerms.org/dayton-duncan-the-story-behind-americas-national-parks/) - Dayton Duncan: The Story Behind America's National Parks In this episode, Grant sits down with award-winning writer and filmmaker Dayton Duncan, longtime collaborator of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and co-creator of The National Parks: America's Best Idea. Drawing on decades of research and storytelling, Dayton explains how America became the first nation to preserve
- [From a Mother’s Struggle to a Thriving Academy: The Story of Knox Academy](https://empowerms.org/from-a-mothers-struggle-to-a-thriving-academy-the-story-of-knox-academy/) - 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 Julie refused to
- [Kyle Jackson: A Father’s Footsteps](https://empowerms.org/kyle-jackson-a-fathers-footsteps/) - Like most young boys Kyle Jackson grew up wanting to be just like his father. Kyle grew up in the Booneville, Mississippi area and, at the age of eight, his parents divorced in part because of his father’s life of drugs and crime. “My dad was my hero,” Kyle said, “and when my mom divorced
- [Unlimited Dreams Gives Laurel Students Another Education Option, Hope](https://empowerms.org/unlimited-dreams-gives-laurel-students-another-education-option-hope/) - Dr. Amanda Cooley set out on a mission to meet the education needs of the children in her hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. What she didn’t know was just how large that mission was going to be. Amanda had run a daycare in her town for years and discovered that some of the local youth, siblings
- [Kayla Hulett: Finding Freedom After Addiction](https://empowerms.org/kayla-hulett-finding-freedom-after-addiction/) - “Looking back, it feels like a dream. All the statistics were against me, and I should have died.” That’s how Kayla Hulett describes most of her life growing up in Tupelo before she got sober in 2012. One of her earliest memories as a child was of her mother giving her narcotics to help her
- [Rocket Learning Launches New Education Option in Southwest Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/rocket-learning-launches-new-options-in-southwest-mississippi/) - Deep in the heart of Southwest Mississippi, in the sleepy community of Silver Creek, lies an innovative thriving new school founded by a veteran teacher who was looking for freedom in her own classroom. In the early spring of this year, Vicki Cox found herself frustrated as she sat in her public school classroom. She
- [Tyler Wilson's Battle For Hope](https://empowerms.org/tyler-wilsons-battle-for-hope/) - Tyler Wilson of Iuka has spent most of his 29 years on this earth in and out of prison. He was broken, addicted, and searching – searching for fulfillment in his life. But that fulfillment never came – at least not in a healthy way. “I had a good, God-fearing mom,” he said, “and my
- [Finding hope in the hopelessness of prison](https://empowerms.org/finding-hope-in-the-hopelessness-of-prison/) - Eleven times Deborah Mosby had been before the state parole board – and eleven times she had been denied. “I knew on that eleventh time going into the hearing that I wasn’t going to be paroled,” Deborah said. And she was right. Feeling hopeless, she sat on her 3’x6’ rack knowing she had to do
- [State removes regulation. Entrepreneur follows her dreams.](https://empowerms.org/state-removes-regulation-entrepreneur-follows-her-dreams/) - “I never dreamed I would be here.” That’s how Karrece Stewart describes the feeling of owning her own makeup studio, Get Glam Beauty in Fulton. Little did she know when she set out with this new venture that she would face barriers making it nearly impossible. Karrece placed her dreams on hold because the State
- [Serving their local communities](https://empowerms.org/serving-their-local-communities/) - In the small town of Louisville at a table in the local restaurant, Cameron Whitehead knew nearly everyone who walked through the doors at lunchtime. She’s the town’s nurse practitioner and treats a number of its residents. Cameron began working as a nurse in Jackson 20 years ago, and over the years realized she was
- [A new conviction](https://empowerms.org/a-new-conviction/) - “If it allows me to change one person, it would make it all worth it.” That’s how Ben Little describes his life’s story which includes struggles with addiction, a suicide attempt, and prison time followed by a new life found in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Today, Ben uses his own life experiences to help
- ["Second chances are crucial"](https://empowerms.org/second-chances-are-crucial/) - Never in a million years did Wesley Jackson think that he could move from being a drug addict to running a men's recovery center in the same community he once harmed. Wesley's story began in Tennessee with a good family and a normal childhood. He found himself falling in with the wrong crowd and struggling
- [Offering hope to those who need it most](https://empowerms.org/offering-hope-to-those-who-need-it-most/) - A piece of chocolate and a word of encouragement. That’s how the Buried Treasures Home began. Nikki Benz’s obedience to the Lord led her to the cold walls of the Hinds County jail in downtown Jackson. The jail, at that time nearly two decades ago, was located around the corner from First Baptist Church where
- ["The system did not allow me to do my job"](https://empowerms.org/the-system-did-not-allow-me-to-do-my-job/) - Veteran teacher Joseph Herrington walked out of his classroom after 27 years – not because he didn’t want to continue teaching but because the burden placed on his shoulders had become too heavy to bare. A U.S. history teacher, Joseph engaged his students and enjoyed a career in the classroom, but as time moved on
- ["As a parent, you want the best for your child"](https://empowerms.org/as-a-parent-you-want-the-best-for-your-child/) - Starting school is often an exciting, anticipated right of passage for a child, but for some parents – parents like Josh and Elizabeth Saucier – it’s an upcoming milestone for their son that comes with a deep sense of anxiety. “Nolan stopped talking at 18 months,” said Elizabeth. “Before that, he was saying four to
- [Overcoming addiction and providing second chances](https://empowerms.org/overcoming-addiction-and-providing-second-chances/) - Recovery. So many things are factored into that word for someone who is coming out of addiction – recovering from trauma, recovering emotionally, recovering physically. Ryan Nicholas was addicted to opioids at age 20. He would spend the next five years battling his addiction. Ryan got the help he needed to get back on track.
- [“There’s so much more to our students than just a test”](https://empowerms.org/theres-so-much-more-to-our-students-than-just-a-test/) - Khrysten Glass always knew she wanted to return to her hometown of Canton to give back to her community. Today, she walks the halls of her school worried. She’s worried about her students, not about their test scores, but worried about their safety, worried about their future, worried about their home life, worried about
- [When the love and joy of learning is sucked out of the classroom](https://empowerms.org/when-the-love-and-joy-of-learning-is-sucked-out-of-the-classroom/) - Education is Mississippi has become prescribed. That’s how Donna Akers a 30-year veteran teacher describes the public education system. Donna “accidentally” found herself in education as she was faced with the decision of declaring a major at Ole Miss. “I had to pick something, and I chose education because I thought it would be the
- ["Teaching was always what I loved to do"](https://empowerms.org/teaching-was-always-what-i-loved-to-do/) - The passion to teach runs through the veins of Keeba Smith of Laurel. “I come from a family of educators,” she said, “my mom taught for 27 years. My aunt was a teacher and so are my two sisters. It runs in the family.” But Keeba ran from a career in education early on, she
- [“As teachers, we were teaching to the test”](https://empowerms.org/as-teachers-we-were-teaching-to-the-test/) - “To walk away is the most difficult decision a teacher can ever make,” Crystal McKinnis said quietly of her decision to leave the profession – a profession that continues to hold her heart – after 11 years in the classroom. Crystal, a Jackson native, started as a “reluctant teacher” she described. “There was a lady
- [Home-based business provides new career for entrepreneur](https://empowerms.org/home-based-business-provides-new-career-for-entrepreneur/) - Freedom in her career is what led Jolie Freeman to her house in Magee where she works as a home-based travel agent for her company Southern Baggage Travel. Jolie is an independent contractor and works with a number of companies planning trips for her clients. “I love being able to help people plan their vacations,”
- [Ivy Green Academy: A learner-driven school](https://empowerms.org/ivy-green-academy-a-learner-driven-school/) - “There’s no drill and kill here.” That’s how Dr. Donna Akers, Head of School at Ivy Green Academy in Pontotoc describes the freedom that her students have in the classroom. The students are receiving an education free from standardized testing and the traditional ways of doing school all while thriving and growing. Donna founded the
- [Empower Mississippi launches Embark](https://empowerms.org/empower-mississippi-launches-embark/) - A new initiative will help educational entrepreneurs start new schools in Mississippi. Today, Empower Mississippi launched Embark, which will assist school founders in starting charter and private schools. “Our charter sector desperately needs a jump-start,” said Grant Callen, CEO of Empower. “It’s been eight years since the legislature passed enabling legislation and Mississippi only has seven
- [No, we don’t need to license dog groomers](https://empowerms.org/no-we-dont-need-to-license-dog-groomers/) - The pet grooming business is big business. Within a five-mile radius of Empower’s home office, a quick Google search will show a dozen or so businesses for you to choose from. But with those stores, would you be shocked to learn that they are not regulated by the government? I hope you wouldn’t, but that
- [The success sequence matters. So does good policy.](https://empowerms.org/the-success-sequence-matters-so-does-good-policy/) - There was a small dustup on Twitter when State Auditor Shad White recently Tweeted about the Success Sequence saying, “The Left never wants to talk about the solution, for some reason: if you at least finish high school, get a full-time job, and wait until age 21 before getting married and having children, it’s almost
- [Jackson’s JRTOC program prepares young leaders for life](https://empowerms.org/jacksons-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
- [The business of grace](https://empowerms.org/the-business-of-grace/) - Heath Ferguson is in the business of offering grace. Why? Because grace is what helped him change his life. Ferguson serves as the Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care and Faith Relations at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. To look at Ferguson one might not see the former drug addict who found himself crossing the border
- [Delta Streets Academy: Changing lives. Shaping lives.](https://empowerms.org/delta-streets-academy-changing-lives-shaping-lives/) - Six years ago this fall, Delta Streets Academy opened its doors for the first time to 14 young men in the 7th and 8th grades. The school is housed at First Baptist Church in Greenwood. Its mission? To provide a well-rounded, high quality education to families in and around the city. A city whose district
- [A look inside the new funding formula](https://empowerms.org/look-inside-new-funding-formula/) - A new formula that would update the way Mississippi funds education has been introduced by Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton). Key Takeaways: The base student cost is set at $4,800 with additional weights based on specific learning needs. Funding for districts is based on “Average Daily Membership” rather than “Average Daily Attendance.” The “27 percent rule,”
- [My kids are in public school. I support school choice.](https://empowerms.org/kids-public-school-support-school-choice/) - Amanda Felder has always wanted the best for her son Max. When he was younger, that meant paying for private school tuition at Magnolia Speech School. It also meant a yearlong transition in a smaller private school. And today, it means attending his local district school. We visited with Amanda two years ago. At the
- [Homeschooling Is My School Choice](https://empowerms.org/homeschooling-school-choice/) - “We were not going be those people” was how Tracy Craig summed up her thoughts on homeschooling when her oldest child first entered school. The Craigs weren’t sure what school or schools their children would attend, they just knew homeschooling was off the table. But as it often does, life has a way of interfering
- [Finding The Right Pace For Her Son](https://empowerms.org/finding-right-pace-son/) - As you leave Cleveland and head toward the Mississippi River, you will go through the town of Pace. The expression, “Blink and you’ll miss it,” often gets overused when talking about small towns but it will certainly suffice when talking about this town in Bolivar County. Pace is small in size, less than a quarter
- [“We Knew We Had To Do Something”](https://empowerms.org/we-knew-we-had-to-do-something/) - As you approach Bolivar County, driving past the fields that produce cotton, soybeans, rice, corn, and catfish, you enter the city of Cleveland, a college town that doesn’t really feel like a college town. Cleveland is in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, a region that introduced America to blues music and served as a
- [New Report: What Do Private Schools In Mississippi Think About School Choice?](https://empowerms.org/new-report-private-schools-mississippi-think-school-choice/) - When the Mississippi legislature expands school choice options, will existing private schools have room for new students? And do they want to serve additional students? Earlier this year, Empower Mississippi conducted a survey called Exploring Mississippi’s Private Education Sector to answer those questions and more. What Do Private Schools Think About School Choice? Before passage of the
- [Supreme Court’s Trinity Lutheran Decision A Win For School Choice](https://empowerms.org/supreme-courts-trinity-lutheran-decision-win-school-choice/) - Today the United States Supreme Court delivered a victory for school choice in ruling that the government cannot deny a neutral benefit to an organization simply because they are religious. Missouri provides funding for nonprofits to resurface playgrounds, which Trinity Lutheran qualified for. However, the state rejected their participation in the program on the grounds
- [Callen: School choice is quickly becoming mainstream](https://empowerms.org/callen-school-choice-quickly-becoming-mainstream/) - Across the country, from the nation’s capitol to state capitols, school choice policies are on the move. And for good reason: parents want more high quality choices for the education of their children. Today, 43 states and the District of Columbia permit charter schools and more than 60 private school choice programs are in place.
- [EdBuild Announces Recommendations For Funding Formula](https://empowerms.org/edbuild-announces-recommendations-funding-formula/) - Yesterday at the State Capitol, EdBuild, the national firm who was hired to study the state’s education funding formula, presented their much-anticipated recommendations on how to update and modernize the formula. We have said from the beginning of this process that we would like to see a formula that is more student-centered, equitable, and transparent.
- [Sen. Jeremy England: Neighbors Before Opponents](https://empowerms.org/sen-jeremy-england-neighbors-before-opponents/) - Sen. Jeremy England: Neighbors Before Opponents Politics works best when we remember we're neighbors before we're opponents. But in an age of polarization, is that still possible? In this episode, Grant sits down with State Senator Jeremy England to discuss the experiences and convictions that have shaped his approach to public service. From growing up
- [Amanda Delverdank is building something special in the Mississippi Delta](https://empowerms.org/amanda-delverdank-is-building-something-special-in-the-mississippi-delta/) - Originally from Utah, Amanda came to Mississippi through Teach for America and began her journey in education as an art teacher in Greenville. Over time, her passion for children, community, and meaningful learning experiences continued to grow. While working in schools, she began noticing something powerful: children often learned best when they were allowed to
- [Stewarding the American Dream](https://empowerms.org/stewarding-the-american-dream/) - As America approaches its 250th anniversary, I have found myself thinking less about politics and more about stewardship. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described America as “a story of perpetual improvement,” a nation where each generation leaves the next freer, safer, and more prosperous than the one before. That’s the essence of stewardship. The
- [Andy Taggart: The Ideas That Made America](https://empowerms.org/andy-taggart-the-ideas-that-made-america/) - Andy Taggart: The Ideas That Made America As America approaches its 250th anniversary, what exactly are we celebrating? In this episode, Grant sits down with attorney, writer, and student of history Andy Taggart to explore the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and why they remain relevant nearly two and a half centuries later. They
- [Waitlisted, Again](https://empowerms.org/waitlisted-again/) - Many children with special needs in Mississippi are stuck in educational settings that aren’t working, and their parents are spending sleepless nights trying to figure out what they’re going to do about it. Often, their only choices are paying for private school or uprooting their lives and moving to another school district. Many can
- [The Nusbaums: How do we live this life?](https://empowerms.org/the-nusbaums/) - “Why are you doing this to me?” That’s a question no parent should ever have to hear from a child, but Kelly Nusbaum found herself struggling for an answer as her daughter Sadie asked that very question with tears welling in her eyes. Kelly and Mark Nusbaum spent much of their early married life with
- [Lauren Washington: A Hopeless Fight for an ESA](https://empowerms.org/lauren-washington-a-hopeless-fight-for-an-esa/) - “If we could get an ESA, it would change our lives. It would mean that we were seen and understood.” Like many other Mississippi children with special needs, Anequa Robinson’s daughter Lauren had been waiting for an Education Scholarship Account (ESA). An ESA allows families to use a portion of their state tax dollars to
- [The Robinsons: When is it MJ’s turn?](https://empowerms.org/the-robinsons/) - Markeese Robinson Jr., or “MJ”, has been waiting for a special needs Education Scholarship Account (ESA) for nearly two years. MJ was diagnosed with autism in third grade. When his assigned public school failed to meet his learning needs, MJ’s parents, Kimberly and Markeese Sr., chose to send their son to Canopy School. And while
- [Dakota Bland: Kicked Off the Waitlist](https://empowerms.org/dakota-bland-kicked-off-the-waitlist/) - “There goes our spot,” Cheyenne Rutland of Terry thought as she tossed the letter from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to the side of her desk. Like many families, Rutland’s son, Dakota Bland, has been waiting for an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) for over two years. Unfortunately, Dakota was kicked off the ESA waitlist
- [Charter Schools Outperform Districts on 3rd Grade Reading Test Initial Results](https://empowerms.org/charter-schools-outperform-districts-on-3rd-grade-reading-test-initial-results/) - The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has released results of the initial administration of the 2026 third-grade reading assessment, and five of the six Mississippi charter schools with third-grade students outperformed their local school district. This assessment process is often referred to as the “Third Grade Gate” and is required under the state’s Literacy-Based Promotion
- [Dr. Branden Henry: How People Change](https://empowerms.org/dr-branden-henry-how-people-change/) - Dr. Branden Henry: How People Change For years, Empower Mississippi has focused on removing external barriers to opportunity. But what if some of the barriers holding people back aren't external at all? In this episode, Grant sits down with licensed professional counselor Dr. Brandon Henry to explore the internal obstacles that often prevent people from
- [Rep. Otis Anthony: Can the Delta Rise Again?](https://empowerms.org/jrep-otis-anthony-can-the-delta-rise-again/) - Rep. Otis Anthony: Can the Delta Rise Again? On this episode of the Empower Podcast, State Rep. Otis Anthony joins Grant for a wide-ranging conversation about poverty, work, education, economic development, and the future of the Mississippi Delta. Anthony shares how growing up in Indianola shaped his view of public service, why he believes the Delta's
- [Josh McManus: Jackson’s Comeback Story](https://empowerms.org/josh-mcmanus-jacksons-comeback-story/) - Josh McManus: Jackson’s Comeback Story What does it take for a struggling city to turn the corner? In this episode of The Empower Podcast, Grant Callen sits down with urban strategist and entrepreneur Josh McManus to discuss the rise, decline, and revitalization of American cities, and why he believes Jackson still has enormous potential. Drawing
- [Michael Watson: Faith, Family, and Public Service](https://empowerms.org/michael-watson-faith-family-and-public-service/) - Michael Watson: Faith, Family, and Public Service Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson returns to the Empower Podcast as he launches his campaign for Lt. Governor. In this conversation, Grant sits down with Watson for a more personal look at the experiences and convictions that have shaped his leadership. From growing up on the Gulf
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Sine Die](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-sine-die/) - Capitol Chat: Sine Die Lawmakers returned to Jackson expecting veto overrides, but what followed was one of the more unusual endings to a legislative session in recent memory. We unpack the final day’s twists, the political fallout, and close the book on the 2026 session.
- [U.S. Senator Roger Wicker: Strength Abroad, Opportunity at Home](https://empowerms.org/u-s-senator-roger-wicker-strength-abroad-opportunity-at-home/) - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker: Strength Abroad, Opportunity at Home In a time of growing global instability, the role of American strength is back at the center of the conversation. In this episode, Grant sits down with Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Mississippi’s senior senator. From rebuilding America’s military strength to
- [2026 Legislative Session Wrap Up: Progress, Setbacks, and What’s Next](https://empowerms.org/2026-legislative-session-wrap-up-progress-setbacks-and-whats-next/) - The 2026 legislative session has concluded. Lawmakers could return to address final items, such as veto overrides, but the session is effectively over. As we reflect on the last few months, one word comes to mind to describe this legislative session: disappointing. We will likely remember this session more for what didn’t get done than
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 13](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-13/) - Capitol Chat: Week 13 The 2026 legislative session is over… or is it? We break down the budget, education legislation, and a host of other bills that made it across the finish line during a busy week at the Capitol.
- [Dr. Jennifer Doleac: What Actually Deters Crime?](https://empowerms.org/dr-jennifer-doleac-what-actually-deters-crime/) - Dr. Jennifer Doleac: What Actually Deters Crime? Public safety is foundational to strong communities, but too often, the policies we rely on to reduce crime are driven more by intuition than evidence. As Mississippi and states across the country look for ways to build safer neighborhoods, it’s worth asking a simple question: what actually works?
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 12](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-12/) - Capitol Chat: Week 12 In this Conference Weekend Edition of Capitol Chat, we break down key dates and legislative processes for the remaining 9 days of the 2026 Session. We also dive into the latest on teacher pay raises, PBM reform, a controversial veto, and banning lab-grown milk.
- [From Incarceration to Impact: How Karl Hampton Found Freedom Through Opportunity](https://empowerms.org/from-incarceration-to-impact-how-karl-hampton-found-freedom-through-opportunity/) - For Karl Hampton, incarceration was not the beginning of his story. It was the moment his story began to change. Before prison, Karl’s life was shaped by a constant search for affirmation. Growing up without a father figure, he—like many young men—looked to his community to define what manhood meant. Street culture provided validation, reputation,
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 11](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-11/) -  Capitol Chat: Week 11 With only a few weeks remaining in the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers are narrowing their focus. This week, we take a look at three issues dominating discussions at the Capitol and what’s on the horizon as the 2026 session winds down.
- [Rep. Sam Creekmore: Chasing Lions in Healthcare](https://empowerms.org/rep-sam-creekmore-chasing-lions-in-healthcare/) - Rep. Sam Creekmore: Chasing Lions in Healthcare In this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with State Representative Sam Creekmore, chairman of the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, for a wide-ranging conversation about the major healthcare issues facing Mississippi. From certificate of need reform and rural hospital access to
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 10](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-10/) - Capitol Chat: Week 10 At the Mississippi Capitol, nothing is truly dead until it’s dead, dead, dead. This week's episode features the resurrection of teacher pay raises, movement on pharmacy benefit manager reform, and the latest on a controversial NIL tax proposal.
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 9](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-9/) - Capitol Chat: Week 9 With only 30 days remaining in the 2026 legislative session, we cover some of the hottest topics at the Capitol: NIL, teacher pay, and school choice.
- [Dr. Clay Routledge: Meaning, Purpose, and Flourishing](https://empowerms.org/dr-clay-routledge-meaning-purpose-and-flourishing/) - Dr. Clay Routledge: Meaning, Purpose, and Flourishing In this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with Dr. Clay Routledge, Executive Vice President of the Archbridge Institute and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab, to explore what really makes life meaningful and why that matters for public policy in Mississippi and beyond.
- [Empower MS Releases 2025 Impact Report](https://empowerms.org/empower-ms-releases-2025-impact-report/) - As we look back on 2025, we are reminded how much can change when Mississippians come together around a simple conviction: every person, no matter their ZIP code, income, or background, deserves the opportunity to rise. Last year brought meaningful progress across education, work, and justice. Mississippi continued to earn national attention for its academic
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 8](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-8/) - Capitol Chat: Week 8 As another committee deadline approaches, some bills are gaining steam while others quietly stall. In this week’s episode, we unpack a significant school choice–adjacent tax credit bill, a proposed workforce initiative, and a handful of other bills that could either advance or die in the coming days.
- [HB 1072 — Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1072-voluntary-portable-benefit-plan-act/) - House Bill 1072, authored by Representatives Lee Yancey and Rodney Hall, creates a voluntary “portable benefits” framework for independent contractors and freelancers in Mississippi. The bill allows businesses or hiring parties to contribute money into benefit accounts that are owned by the independent worker, not the company. Those funds can be used for things like health
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 7](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-7/) - Capitol Chat: Week 7 It was a budget-heavy week under the Dome, with more than 100 appropriations bills clearing a critical hurdle. We unpack the latest on education funding, the lingering school choice conversation, and what to watch as the session heads toward its next deadline.
- [Aaron Rice: Defending the Constitution in Uniform and in Court](https://empowerms.org/aaron-rice-defending-the-constitution-in-uniform-and-in-court/) - Aaron Rice: Defending the Constitution in Uniform and in Court What does it look like to defend the Constitution with your life, and then keep defending it with your career? In this episode, Grant sits down with Aaron Rice, a Mississippi Marine and Purple Heart recipient who was wounded in Iraq and later became a
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 6](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-6/) - Capitol Chat: Week 6 From floor votes to a few “spirited” House measures, Week 6 had a little bit of everything. We break down the education bills still moving, the buzz around a recent voice vote, and what’s brewing as lawmakers eye the next big deadline.
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 5](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-5/) - Capitol Chat: Week 5 Week 5 at the Capitol featured some of the most consequential policy and political moves yet. In this episode, we walk through some of the biggest developments, including shifts in the education debate, major House action, an update on the ballot initiative, and another big deadline on the horizon.
- [Education Is Economic Development: Why Business Leaders Should Support House Bill](https://empowerms.org/education-is-economic-development-why-business-leaders-should-support-house-bill/) - This article was originally published in the February 2026 edition of the Mississippi Business Journal. Mississippi’s business community understands a basic but often overlooked reality: economic development does not begin with tax incentives or site selectors. It begins with people. If we want our state to grow, we must be able to attract, retain, and
- [Dr. John Dixon: Charter Schools, Choice, and Accountability](https://empowerms.org/dr-john-dixon-charter-schools-choice-and-accountability/) - Dr. John Dixon: Charter Schools, Choice, and Accountability As the 2026 legislative session moves forward, the conversation around school choice continues to intensify. While much of the focus has been on ESAs and public school transfers, one form of public school choice has quietly served thousands of Mississippi families for years: public charter schools. In
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 4](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-4/) - Capitol Chat: Week 4 A shortened week at the Capitol didn’t significantly stall progress ahead of a critical deadline next week. In this episode, we dive into the latest on House Bill 2 and highlight some intriguing bills that are already making their way through the legislative process.
- [Midtown Public Charter: A Flagship of Hope and Possibility for Mississippi’s Future](https://empowerms.org/midtown-public-charter-a-flagship-of-hope-and-possibility-for-mississippis-future/) - When Tony Yarber, Director of Schools for Midtown Public Charter, talks about the future, he does not just talk about students passing tests or earning diplomas. He talks about a twenty-five-year investment in people. He talks about children who discover what winning feels like in third grade, young adults who graduate high school with confidence, and alumni
- [HB 1736, HB 1735, SB 2041: MDOC Dyslexia Study](https://empowerms.org/hb-1736-hb-1735-sb-2041-mdoc-dyslexia-study/) - 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. Better data on
- [SB 2512: Teaching the “Success Sequence” ](https://empowerms.org/sb-2512-teaching-the-success-sequence/) - 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 adulthood: completing high
- [SB 2035: MDOC Data Transparency and Improvement](https://empowerms.org/sb-2035-mdoc-data-transparency-and-improvement/) - Senate Bill 2035, authored by Senator Juan Barnett, strengthens public safety by improving transparency, accountability, and decision-making within Mississippi’s corrections system. By requiring more complete and consistent data collection and public reporting, the bill equips policymakers and oversight bodies with better information about prison populations, supervision outcomes, staffing levels, and recidivism. Clear, reliable data is essential
- [SB 2792: Expungement for those who weren’t convicted](https://empowerms.org/sb-2792-expungement-for-those-who-werent-convicted/) - Senate Bill 2792, authored by Senator Joey Fillingane, strengthens fairness and opportunity by ensuring that arrest records tied to cases that did not result in convictions are expunged. The bill requires judges to clear records when the case is dismissed, the charges are dropped or resolved without disposition, or result in a not-guilty finding in court. This will help Mississippians who were never convicted avoid ongoing stigma and
- [SB 2300: Special Purpose Schools](https://empowerms.org/sb-2300-special-purpose-schools/) - Senate Bill 2300, authored by Senator Joey Fillingane, updates and expands Mississippi’s charter school law to increase flexibility, transparency, and opportunity within the public education system with a specific emphasis on charter schools that meet a defined special purpose. The bill removes the cap on new charter schools, clarifies authorizer roles, and creates special purpose charter schools that can serve
- [SB 2796 & 2797: Mississippi Violent Crime Task Force](https://empowerms.org/sb-2796-2797-mississippi-violent-crime-task-force/) - Senate Bill 2796, authored by Senator Juan Barnett, and Senate Bill 2797, authored by Senator Joey Fillingane, establish the Mississippi Violent Crime Task Force to study violent crime-solving rates (known as clearance rates) and recommend strategies to improve public safety outcomes. The task force’s work will help policymakers and law enforcement better understand why violent crimes are not being solved as often
- [SB 2771: Expanding Fresh Start](https://empowerms.org/sb-2771-expanding-fresh-start/) - Senate Bill 2771, authored by Senator Daniel Sparks, updates the Fresh Start Act to clarify how criminal history is used in occupational licensing decisions. The bill ensures that people are not automatically disqualified from pursuing or holding a professional license solely because of past convictions unless those convictions are directly relevant to the responsibilities of the profession.
- [SB 2487: Expanding the Literacy Based Promotion Act](https://empowerms.org/sb-2487-expanding-the-literacy-based-promotion-act/) - Senate Bill 2487, authored by Senator Dennis DeBar, strengthens student outcomes by expanding proven literacy policies into middle school grades. The bill is built on the foundation of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which focused on Kindergarten through Grade 3 and has widely been credited with jumpstarting the “Mississippi Miracle.” By requiring individualized reading plans, timely parent notification, and evidence-based instructional supports, the bill ensures
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 3](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-3/) - Capitol Chat: Week 3 With an ice storm looming and the bill introduction deadline behind them, lawmakers shifted gears during week three of the legislative session. We highlight a few bills drawing early attention and break down this week’s action, including a couple of celebrity appearances and the latest on House Bill 2.
- [Governor Tate Reeves: Momentum and Good Policy](https://empowerms.org/governor-tate-reeves-momentum-and-good-policy/) - Governor Tate Reeves: Momentum and Good Policy In this episode of the Empower Podcast, Grant Callen sits down with Governor Tate Reeves for a wide-ranging conversation about the state’s growing momentum and what comes next. Recorded from the Governor’s office overlooking the State Capitol, the discussion explores why Mississippi is climbing national rankings for wage
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 2](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-2/) - Capitol Chat: Week 2 A sweeping education bill, hours of debate, and a narrow House vote put school choice at the center of Week 2 action. In this edition of Capitol Chat, we unpack what happened with House Bill 2, take a quick look at early budget hearings, and highlight a few things to look
- [Under The Dome: House Passes the Education Freedom Act](https://empowerms.org/house-passes-the-education-freedom-act/) - Yesterday, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 2, the Mississippi Education Freedom Act, one of the most comprehensive education reform bills our state has considered in years. Authored by House Speaker Jason White and Representative Jansen Owen, this bill puts families first by expanding school choice, increasing transparency, and giving parents and local communities more control over how
- [HB 2: Mississippi Education Freedom Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-2-mississippi-education-freedom-act/) - House Bill 2, authored by House Speaker Jason White and Representative Jansen Owen, is a comprehensive education reform bill that expands opportunity by ensuring parents have access to a wider range of high-quality education options for their children, while also strengthening public schools through transparency, innovation, and local control. Specifically, this bill: Creates Magnolia Student Accounts, which allow eligible families to use a portion of
- [2026 Capitol Chat: Week 1](https://empowerms.org/2026-capitol-chat-week-1/) - Capitol Chat: Week 1 Capitol Chat is back for the 2026 legislative session, which is off to a quick start after only one week! Host Wil Ervin highlights early Senate action on teacher pay and public school choice, a sweeping House education bill, and a major Senate proposal to shore up PERS, setting the tone for a
- [Under The Dome: Senate Education Committee Advances School Choice Bill](https://empowerms.org/senate-education-committee-advances-school-choice-bill/) - Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 2002, a small but important step toward expanding educational opportunity for families across our state. For years, Mississippi law has allowed a student’s assigned public school district to effectively veto a family’s attempt to transfer to another district, even when the receiving district is willing to accept
- [Introducing EPIC: A New Investment in Solution Development](https://empowerms.org/introducing-epic-a-new-investment-in-solution-development/) - For more than a decade, Empower Mississippi has worked to advance opportunity-focused policy at the State Capitol. Many of you have been partners in that work — meeting with lawmakers, investing financially, and championing reforms that help Mississippians live free, work meaningfully, and learn effectively. From the beginning, our advocacy has been grounded in research
- [Commissioner Andy Gipson: Family, Food Security, and Mississippi’s Future](https://empowerms.org/commissioner-andy-gipson-family-food-security-and-mississippis-future/) - Commissioner Andy Gipson: Family, Food Security, and Mississippi’s Future On this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with Commissioner Andy Gipson—Mississippi’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, former state legislator, Baptist minister, cattleman, and announced candidate for governor. Gipson shares how his journey into public service began with a desire to secure
- [The Hidden Gem: Why Education Freedom is the New Economic Development](https://empowerms.org/the-hidden-gem-why-education-freedom-is-the-new-economic-development/) - Forget industrial parks. The driver for economic growth in rural Mississippi is education freedom, which is the most powerful yet often overlooked tool in our economic development chest. I’ve dedicated my academic research to the topic, stemming from a comment I heard years ago at Starkville City Hall: “Education is the biggest driver of community-economic
- [Sen. Rod Hickman: Rural revitalization, public safety, and education opportunity](https://empowerms.org/sen-rod-hickman-rural-revitalization-public-safety-and-education-opportunity/) - Sen. Rod Hickman: Rural revitalization, public safety, and education opportunity On this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with Mississippi State Senator Rod Hickman, a lawyer, educator, and public servant representing a stretch of communities across East Mississippi from Macon to Louisville to Meridian. Sen. Hickman shares how growing up in
- [Dr. Brad Wilcox: Get Married](https://empowerms.org/dr-brad-wilcox-get-married/) - Dr. Brad Wilcox: Get Married On this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen talks with Dr. Brad Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia and author of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization. Dr. Wilcox shares striking research on how
- [Mayor John Horhn: Jackson Rising](https://empowerms.org/mayor-john-horhn-jackson-rising/) - Mayor John Horhn: Jackson Rising What does it take to turn around a city? In this special episode recorded at Jackson City Hall, host Grant Callen talks with Mayor John Horhn about his love for Jackson, the lessons from his childhood and career in public service, and his mission to restore trust, safety, and opportunity
- [If Lawmakers Are Trying to Defund Public Education, They Aren’t Very Good at It](https://empowerms.org/if-lawmakers-are-trying-to-defund-public-education-they-arent-very-good-at-it/) - You’ve probably heard the claim that Mississippi’s Republican leaders are “defunding” public education, and that school choice is just another way to siphon dollars away from public schools. But if that’s true, they’re doing a remarkably bad job of it. Over the past decade, Mississippi has dramatically increased its investment in public education. According to
- [Accountability and Action: The Path to Safer Communities](https://empowerms.org/accountability-and-action-the-path-to-safer-communities/) - This past weekend, our state was rocked by a wave of violent crime. Over the course of twenty-four hours, five shootings claimed the lives of at least nine Mississippians. While these horrific acts do not appear to be connected, they are alarming nevertheless. Words like horrific, tragic, and avoidable all come to mind. First and
- [Dr. Steven Skultety: Freedom, Rights, and Civil Disagreement](https://empowerms.org/dr-steven-skultety-freedom-rights-and-civil-disagreement/) - Dr. Steven Skultety: Freedom, Rights, and Civil Disagreement On this episode of the Empower Podcast, Grant Callen sits down with Dr. Steven Skultety, Director of the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom at the University of Mississippi. They explore the foundations of American democracy, the origins of rights, and why civil disagreement
- [Jere Nash: Reconstruction in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/jere-nash-reconstruction-in-mississippi/) - Jere Nash: Reconstruction in Mississippi On this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with historian Jere Nash, a Greenville native, retired political consultant, and co-author of award-winning books. Jere’s latest work, Reconstruction in Mississippi, 1862-1877, offers a definitive look at a pivotal era. We discuss why Jere chose to explore Reconstruction, debunk common myths, and examine
- [The Silent Decline of Hillcrest Christian School: When Private Doesn’t Mean Privileged](https://empowerms.org/the-silent-decline-of-hillcrest-christian-school-when-private-doesnt-mean-privileged/) - In the heart of Mississippi sits Hillcrest Christian School, a beacon of faith-based education serving predominantly African-American students in south Jackson. Once bustling with 1,200 students, today the halls echo with just over 200 enrolled children. This steep decline is more than just numbers—it’s a story of a community at risk of losing a vital
- [Rebekah Staples: Work Work Work](https://empowerms.org/rebekah-staples-work-work-work/) - Rebekah Staples: Work Work Work More than just a paycheck, work is the foundation of prosperity and the pathway to earned success. This week, host Grant Callen sits down with Rebekah Staples President & Founder of Free State Strategies and a Contributing Fellow at Empower Mississippi. Hailing from The Free State of Jones (County), Rebekah
- [How Much Does Private School Really Cost in Mississippi?](https://empowerms.org/how-much-does-private-school-really-cost-in-mississippi/) - For many Mississippi families, private school feels financially out of reach. However new research shows that private education may be more affordable than most people think—and that smart policy could make it accessible to thousands more students. Research conducted by Empower Mississippi reveals that the average tuition for private schools varies from approximately $6,710 for
- [School Choice Improves Public School Performance](https://empowerms.org/school-choice-improves-public-school-performance/) - There's an argument going around that deserves a response: The Parents’ Campaign has repeatedly claimed that Mississippi is gaining academically while the "top choice states" plummeted. This is naive, lacking any academic rigor, and a dishonest interpretation of the data. First, the phrase "top choice states" is misleading. Half the states in their top 10
- [Attorney General Lynn Fitch: Breaking Barriers & Defending Life ](https://empowerms.org/attorney-general-lynn-fitch-breaking-barriers-defending-life/) - Attorney General Lynn Fitch: Breaking Barriers & Defending Life On this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Mississippi’s 40th Attorney General Lynn Fitch. A Holly Springs native, General Fitch has 35 years in public and private legal service, made history as the state’s first female Attorney General, and earned national recognition for her leadership.
- [I am Grateful for Hurricane Katrina](https://empowerms.org/i-am-grateful-for-hurricane-katrina/) - Twenty years later, I am grateful for Hurricane Katrina. I can hear my dad now, God rest his soul, saying, “Son, why would anyone be grateful for Katrina?” The truth is, August 29, 2005, was a terrible day. I remember waking up at a quarter past 6:00 AM and hearing my mother crying on the
- [Mike Hurst: School Choice Showdown](https://empowerms.org/mike-hurst-school-choice-showdown/) - Mike Hurst: School Choice Showdown With Speaker Jason White and Governor Tate Reeves signaling school choice as the top priority for the 2026 legislative session, momentum is building—but so is the opposition. On this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with the Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party for a deep dive into the heated
- [Welcome Our New Director of Outreach](https://empowerms.org/welcome-our-new-director-of-outreach/) - We’re excited to welcome Ashley Geen to the Empower Mississippi team as our new Outreach Director. In this role, Ashley will lead our efforts to connect with individuals most impacted by public policy in education, work, and criminal justice. Her work will focus on elevating community voices and ensuring those directly affected have a platform
- [Meet Our New Director of Research](https://empowerms.org/meet-our-new-director-of-research/) - We’re excited to welcome Dr. Kristin Vance Richards as the new Director of Research at Empower Mississippi. In this role, she will lead our research efforts and help shape data-driven strategies that advance our work in education, work, and criminal justice. Kristin brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to using research to drive meaningful
- [Speaker Jason White: Education Freedom and Mississippi's Future](https://empowerms.org/speaker-jason-white-education-freedom-and-mississippis-future/) - Speaker Jason White: Education Freedom and Mississippi's Future Fresh off his speech at the Neshoba County Fair, Mississippi's 62nd Speaker of the House, Jason White joins host Grant Callen for this episode of the Empower Podcast. We recap his fair speech and talk about the experience of walking out on that storied stage at Neshoba.
- [Former Speaker Philip Gunn: Faith, Resilience, and Leadership](https://empowerms.org/former-speaker-philip-gunn-faith-resilience-and-leadership/) -  Former Speaker Philip Gunn: Faith, Resilience, and Leadership In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with former Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn to trace his journey from Clinton’s small-town roots to state leadership. Gunn shares how a personal tragedy at Ole Miss Law upended his life, yet God’s faithfulness sustained him, strengthened his faith,
- [Dr. Keri Ingraham: Industry-Specific High Schools](https://empowerms.org/dr-keri-ingraham-industry-specific-high-schools/) - Dr. Keri Ingraham: Industry-Specific High Schools Join us on the Empower Podcast as we dive into the transformative world of industry-specific high schools with Dr. Keri Ingraham, whose recent policy brief at the American Enterprise Institute, “The Case for Industry-Specific High Schools,” is sparking conversation. In this episode, Dr. Ingraham explains why these specialized schools
- [What the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Means for School Choice in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/what-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-means-for-school-choice-in-mississippi/) - There are two aspects to the school choice provisions in the OBBB: a tax credit for contributions to organizations that provide scholarships to students in public or private schools, and rules those organizations have to follow in granting scholarships (including eligibility of scholarship students). Tax Credit for Contributions Starting in 2027, an individual taxpayer (not
- [Rep. Lee Yancey: Kratom, Underground Markets, and the Demon Chipmunk](https://empowerms.org/rep-lee-yancey-kratom-underground-markets-and-the-demon-chipmunk/) -  Rep. Lee Yancey: Kratom, Underground Markets, and the Demon Chipmunk In this episode, host, Grant Callen sits down with State Representative Lee Yancey, a seasoned lawmaker with 11 years of service in the Mississippi Legislature. A one-time Senator, Rep. Yancey now chairs the House Business and Commerce Committee and serves on eight other committees
- [Rep. Jansen Owen: Special Session Report and 2026 Preview](https://empowerms.org/rep-jansen-owen-special-session-report-and-2026-preview/) -  Rep. Jansen Owen: Special Session Report and 2026 Preview Representative Jansen Owen is a key leader in the Mississippi House of Representatives. In his six-year legislative career, he has already seen several of his bills signed into law. In this episode of the Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen speaks with Rep. Owen about the
- [Capitol Chat: Special Session](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-special-session/) - Capitol Chat: Special Session Lawmakers were called into Special Session to adopt a $7.135 billion budget for State Fiscal Year 2026 after failing to adopt a budget during the 2025 regular session. Although it lasted only two days, the Special Session was not without drama and excitement. We break down all the action in a
- [WAITLIST FUNDED: Lawmakers Increase Funding for Special Needs ESA](https://empowerms.org/waitlist-funded-lawmakers-increase-funding-for-special-needs-esa/) - Today, lawmakers voted to increase funding for Mississippi’s Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program. House Bill 42 increases funding for the ESA from $3 million to $5 million, ensuring that more students can participate in the program. Mississippi’s ESA offers parents of students with special needs the opportunity to choose the educational setting and services that
- [Senator Brice Wiggins: Justice, Education, and Mississippi’s Future](https://empowerms.org/senator-brice-wiggins-justice-education-and-mississippis-future/) - Senator Brice Wiggins: Justice, Education, and Mississippi’s Future State Senator Brice Wiggins (R-Pascagoula), Chairman of the Judiciary-A Committee, joins Grant Callen to discuss his journey from prosecutor to legislative leader. Representing Jackson County since 2011, Senator Wiggins shares insights into his proudest legislative achievements, including 2014’s House Bill 585 that reshaped Mississippi’s criminal justice system,
- [Russ Latino: A Political Potpourri: From Trump’s First 100 Days to Mississippi’s Momentum](https://empowerms.org/russ-latino-a-political-potpourri-from-trumps-first-100-days-to-mississippis-momentum/) -  Russ Latino: A Political Potpourri: From Trump’s First 100 Days to Mississippi’s Momentum In this jam-packed episode, host Grant Callen serves up a buffet of political topics with Russ Latino, Founder & CEO of Magnolia Tribune. From the highs and lows of President Trump’s first 100 days—covering tariffs, taxes, and the “Big Beautiful Bill”—to
- [Now Hiring: Director of Outreach](https://empowerms.org/now-hiring-director-of-outreach/) - At Empower, we have a big vision for Mississippi, and we believe in the dignity, value, and potential of every Mississippian. We work on behalf of people who face barriers in their pursuit of a meaningful life here in the Magnolia State. Our unique approach is to identify specific problems, find solutions, and work with
- [Bill Cork: Mississippi’s Economic Momentum](https://empowerms.org/bill-cork-mississippis-economic-momentum/) - Bill Cork: Mississippi’s Economic Momentum Mississippi’s economy is on fire! In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, to discuss Mississippi’s economic surge. With the state ranking No. 2 in the nation for GDP growth in 2024, record-breaking employment numbers, and over $32 billion in
- [DeArchie Scott: Charter Schools and Educational Excellence](https://empowerms.org/dearchie-scott-charter-schools-and-educational-excellence/) - DeArchie Scott: Charter Schools and Educational Excellence This week, host Grant Callen dives into the world of charter schools with DeArchie Scott, Founder of Ambition Prep, Mississippi’s top-performing public charter school located in west Jackson. Ambition Prep is a B-rated school (and climbing) and is the most academically successful open-enrollment public elementary school in Jackson.
- [Lt. Gov. Hosemann Let Us Down](https://empowerms.org/lt-gov-hosemann-let-us-down/) - Last week the Legislative Session came to a close and lawmakers went home without passing a budget, virtually guaranteeing that Governor Reeves will have to call lawmakers back for a Special Session to adopt a budget before the end of the fiscal year. Families across Mississippi came into this session cautiously optimistic that for the
- [Capitol Chat: Week 13](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-13/) -  Capitol Chat: Week 13 In the Sine Die episode of Capitol Chat, we’re wrapping up the 2025 legislative session, which finished a bit ahead of schedule. However, lawmakers did not agree on a budget before adjourning, which means a special session is on the horizon. We break down the key details, potential impact, and
- [SB 2290: Improve Mississippi’s labor force participation rate](https://empowerms.org/sb-2290-improve-mississippis-labor-force-participation-rate/) - Senate Bill 2290, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Sparks, would create a “Task Force to Study Work Force and Social Service Reform and Implementation of a One Door Policy.” Under the proposed legislation, the task force would develop recommendations relative to increasing the labor force participation rate in Mississippi, as well as raising the earning capacity
- [Mississippi Legislature Passes Historic Legislation To Phase Out Mississippi's Income Tax](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-passes-historic-legislation-to-phase-out-mississippis-income-tax/) - Today, the legislature took the bold, historic step to eliminate our state’s income tax. With the passage of House Bill 1, the end of Mississippi’s tax on work is finally in sight! One of Empower’s top priorities is promoting a culture of work and opportunity in the Magnolia State. In fact, we highlighted in a
- [Capitol Chat: Week 12](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-12/) -  Capitol Chat: Week 12 The countdown is on! Only 9 days remain in the legislative session. This week, the Governor signed House Bill 1 into law, and this weekend is crunch time on appropriations and revenue bills. All that, and more, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.
- [Richard Cross: Quarterbacking Mississippi’s Political Discourse](https://empowerms.org/richard-cross-quarterbacking-mississippis-political-discourse/) - Richard Cross: Quarterbacking Mississippi’s Political Discourse Following in the footsteps of the legendary radio host Paul Gallo, Richard Cross has quickly become a significant player in every public policy debate because he interviews the policymakers. Every morning Richard welcomes heavyweights like the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, U.S. Senators, and lawmakers from across the state, asking
- [Capitol Chat: Week 11](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-11/) -  Capitol Chat: Week 11 A little luck of the Irish helped push an income tax elimination bill over the finish line this week. We’ll dive into House Bill 1 and what it means for you, as well as what’s next in the legislative session, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.
- [Capitol Chat: Week 10](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-10/) -  Capitol Chat: Week 10 Week 10 was filled with excitement and acronyms! On this week’s episode we cover DEI, PBMs, and THC, as well as everything else you need to know from this week at your state Capitol.
- [What Survived Deadline Day?](https://empowerms.org/what-survived-deadline-day/) - Another legislative deadline occurred on Wednesday, with each chamber having to pass general bills the other chamber had previously passed. Among the many bills we are tracking: Still alive are the House and Senate tax bills, which face a different deadline. Next Tuesday is the deadline for each house to pass the other’s appropriation and
- [Dallis Ketchum: Building a Better Jackson](https://empowerms.org/dallis-ketchum-building-a-better-jackson/) -  Dallis Ketchum: Building a Better Jackson In this episode host Grant Callen sits down with Dallis Ketchum, a real estate broker, co-founder of NeighborHouse, and a dedicated community leader in Jackson. Dallis recounts how entrepreneurship became his defining path, from an unforeseen shift into real estate following his paramedic career to launching a business
- [Capitol Chat: Week 9](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-9/) - Capitol Chat: Week 9 Dead or alive? That’s the key question this week as another big deadline has come and gone. With yet another key deadline on the horizon, we’ll highlight some of the bills that are still moving forward this session – at least for now.
- [Bills Survive Second Committee Deadline](https://empowerms.org/bill-survive-second-committee-deadline/) - Yesterday was the deadline for House committees to pass bills that had already passed the Senate and for Senate committees to pass bills that had already passed the House. If a bill wasn’t brought up for a vote, it died in committee. In total, 247 bills met this fate—126 House-passed bills in Senate committees and
- [Key school choice bills die in Senate](https://empowerms.org/key-school-choice-bills-die-in-senate/) - Tuesday, March 4 was the deadline for committees to advance legislation that originated in the opposite chamber, and a handful of key school choose bills did not survive the deadline. By the end of the day Tuesday, the Senate failed to advance House Bills 1078, 1432, and 1435, which would have expanded education options
- [Capitol Chat: Week 8](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-8/) -  Capitol Chat: Week 8 Taxes, taxes, taxes. That and other news from the Capitol this week, including a new entry on “how a bill really becomes law – or doesn’t.”
- [Capitol Chat: Week 7](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-7/) - Capitol Chat: Week 7 Halfway through the legislative session, we’re covering tax cuts, direct wine shipment, critical deadlines, and a scary situation in the Senate. Tune in to learn more on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.
- [2024 Impact Report: Celebrating 10 Years Of Service In Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/2024-impact-report-celebrating-10-years-of-service-in-mississippi/) - In 2024, Empower Mississippi celebrated its 10-year anniversary helping all Mississippians rise. Through our focus in Education, Work, and Justice, we have made tremendous progress over the past ten years to achieve our vision of a Mississippi where every child has access to a quality education, every adult has the opportunity to engage in meaningful
- [HB 940: Restore voting rights of former non-violent offenders](https://empowerms.org/hb-940-restore-voting-rights-of-former-non-violent-offenders/) - House Bill 940, sponsored by Rep. Price Wallace, would automatically restore the voting rights of those who have served time for certain non-violent convictions. Under the proposal, Mississippi’s long list of disenfranchising crimes would be narrowed and those who have been found guilty of non-violent offenses and completed their sentence will have their voting rights
- [SB 2631: Restore voting rights of former non-violent offenders](https://empowerms.org/sb-2631-restore-voting-rights-of-former-non-violent-offenders/) - Senate Bill 2631, sponsored by Sen. Juan Barnett, would automatically restore the voting rights of those who have served time for certain non-violent convictions. Under the proposal, Mississippi’s long list of disenfranchising crimes would be narrowed and those who have been found guilty of non-violent offenses and completed their sentence will have their voting rights
- [SB 2536: Implement ‘Success Sequence’ in public school curriculum ](https://empowerms.org/sb-2536-implement-success-sequence-in-public-school-curriculum/) - Senate Bill 2536, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Tate, would require school districts across Mississippi to teach the success sequence. For many years, the success sequence – graduate from high school, work full time, and don’t have kids until you’re married – has been identified as the tool to escape poverty and live a life free
- [HB 857: Expand Literacy-Based Promotion Act to Grades 4–8](https://empowerms.org/hb-857-expand-literacy-based-promotion-act-to-grades-4-8/) - House Bill 857, sponsored by Rep. John Faulkner, would expand the state’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act from kindergarten through 3rd grade to students in grades 4 through 8. Based on the positive outcomes the state has seen through 3rd grade, this proposes to improve literacy outcomes among middle-grade students through evidence-based interventions, professional support for educators,
- [SB 2240: Require MDOC to report information to the public](https://empowerms.org/sb-2240-require-mdoc-to-report-information-to-the-public/) - Senate Bill 2240, sponsored by Sen. Juan Barnett, would require the Department of Corrections to make information easily available to the public and to legislators regarding people who are incarcerated, the crimes they committed, the length of time they serve, and the effectiveness of the education and job training programs provided in prisons, among other
- [HB 1433: Expand educational options for Mississippi students](https://empowerms.org/hb-1433-expand-educational-options-for-mississippi-students/) - House Bill 1433, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would provide new education options for students in failing schools in Mississippi. Under the proposed legislation, known as the Quality Desert Education Enrollment and Transfer Scholarship Act (QDESA), a student who has been enrolled in a school or district rated D or F within the past five
- [SB 2602: School District Reporting For Student Transfers](https://empowerms.org/sb-2602-school-district-reporting-for-student-transfers/) - Senate Bill 2602, sponsored by Sen. Dennis DeBar, would require each school district to report information concerning student transfers to the State Department of Education. Mississippi’s current law allows student transfers with the mutual consent of both the student's home district and the district they are attempting to transfer into. Under this proposal, school districts
- [HB 1163: Allow students with dyslexia to receive an ESA](https://empowerms.org/hb-1163-allow-students-with-dyslexia-to-receive-an-esa/) - House Bill 1163, sponsored by Rep. Larry Byrd, would allow students with a dyslexia diagnosis to be eligible for the education scholarship account (ESA) program. The current ESA program is designed to help students with special needs, but it is limited only to students with an Individualized Education Program. This would allow students with dyslexia,
- [HB 781: Authorize mobile barbershops](https://empowerms.org/hb-781-authorize-mobile-barbershops/) - House Bill 781, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Rosebud, would authorize licensed barbers to operate mobile barbershops in the state. Barber regulations in Mississippi, among other things, prevent barbers from operating a mobile barbershop. Mobile barbershops are not a new idea. Over the past decade, entrepreneurial barbers around the country have come up with an idea
- [SB 2179: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/sb-2179-the-tim-tebow-act/) - Senate Bill 2179, sponsored by Sen. Dennis DeBar, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities, including sports. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [HB 729: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-729-the-tim-tebow-act/) - House Bill 729, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Lancaster, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities, including sports. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [HB 98: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/hb-98-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - House Bill 98, authored by Rep. Donnie Scoggin, would provide full practice authority to nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This bill would exempt nurse practitioners from that requirement after 3,600 hours of practice. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) would be exempted
- [Capitol Chat: Week 6](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-6/) - Capitol Chat: Week 6 Roses are red, violets are blue, lawmakers are busy, and we break it down for you on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat! Tune in to hear about the latest happenings from week 6 of the 2025 legislative session.
- [Bills Survive Deadline Day](https://empowerms.org/bills-survive-deadline-day/) - It’s Deadline Day at the state capitol and below is a list of bills in each of Empower Mississippi’s three pillars that have survived. Education: HB 1435, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, would allow students to transfer to public schools outside of their residentially assigned school district without having to get approval from the student’s home
- [HB 1001: the MS Inmate Labor Accountability and Rehabilitation Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1001-the-ms-inmate-labor-accountability-and-rehabilitation-act/) - House Bill 1001, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, would allow inmates in state prisons to sell crafts to the public through MS Prison Industries Corporation, known as MagCor. This would include crafts, artwork, photography, or other items suitable for sale in a physical or online store, or through other means. From the proceeds of the
- [HB 1476: Work Release Program for State Prison in Greenwood](https://empowerms.org/hb-1476-work-release-program-for-state-prison-in-greenwood/) - House Bill 1476, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, would allow inmates at the Delta Correctional Facility (DCF), a women’s prison in Greenwood operated by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, to participate in a work release program similar to an existing program at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. Under this program, up to 100 women at
- [HB 1434: Specialized academic programs for Mississippi students](https://empowerms.org/hb-1434-specialized-academic-programs-for-mississippi-students/) - House Bill 1434, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would establish specialized academic programs for high school students in grades 9-12, focusing on high-demand fields such as aeronautics, geospatial studies, engineering, nursing, and technical skills for high-demand jobs that require certification or other credentials. This program will focus on improving workforce readiness and postsecondary educational outcomes
- [SB 2248: Expand The Fresh Start Act](https://empowerms.org/sb-2248-expand-the-fresh-start-act/) - Senate Bill 2248, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Sparks, expands the Fresh Start Act to make it possible for someone with a criminal record to be approved for an occupational license when the past crime doesn’t directly relate to the license for which the person is applying, or if the crime occurred long ago. The Fresh
- [SB 2233: Conduct study on prevalence of dyslexia among inmates](https://empowerms.org/sb-2233-conduct-study-on-prevalence-of-dyslexia-among-inmates/) - Senate Bill 2233, sponsored by Sen. Rod Hickman, would authorize the Mississippi Department of Corrections to conduct a study on the prevalence of dyslexia among those in prison and provide a report to the legislature. A study in Louisiana found nearly half of the prisoners had dyslexia. Other research indicates that dyslexia is disproportionately common
- [HB 1439: The Mississippi School Accountability Dashboard Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1439-the-mississippi-school-accountability-dashboard-act/) - House Bill 1439, sponsored by Rep. Zachary Grady, will require school districts to create a user-friendly dashboard that provides key data about schools in their district and about the district as a whole. The Mississippi School Accountability Dashboard Act will require districts to provide the following data points for their district and each of their
- [HB 1078: Remove Wait List Requirement For Special Needs ESA](https://empowerms.org/hb-1078-remove-wait-list-requirement-for-special-needs-esa/) - House Bill 1078, sponsored by Speaker Jason White, removes from the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program the mandate that families be accepted into a private school before they can qualify for the program. The ESA program is officially known as the “Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs” program. This mandate, which was placed on
- [HB 1617: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1617-the-tim-tebow-act/) - House Bill 1617, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities, including sports. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [HB 1435: Make it easier for students to move between public schools](https://empowerms.org/hb-1435-make-it-easier-for-students-to-move-between-public-schools/) - House Bill 1435, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, would allow students to transfer to public schools outside of their residentially assigned school district without having to get approval from the student’s home district. Approval would still have to be granted by the district to which the student wants to move (the receiving district). State law
- [HB 1432: Expand opportunity for establishment of charter schools](https://empowerms.org/hb-1432-expand-opportunity-for-establishment-of-charter-schools/) - House Bill 1432, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would make several changes to Mississippi’s charter school law designed to expand the establishment of charters in the state. Background Charter schools are public schools. Like other public schools, they don’t charge tuition. They must accept all students who apply, limited only by grades served, space available,
- [Governor Haley Barbour: Leadership and Legacy](https://empowerms.org/governor-haley-barbour-leadership-and-legacy/) - Governor Haley Barbour: Leadership and Legacy When Mississippians think about consequential leaders who have significantly impacted the Magnolia State over the last half century, it’s hard to name anyone who looms larger than Mississippi’s 63rd governor, The Honorable Haley Barbour. In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Governor Barbour to hear his perspective
- [Mississippi School Choice – The Latest](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-school-choice-the-latest/) - America is in the middle of a school choice revolution. As of February 2025, 29 states and the District of Columbia have at least one private school choice program, 13 of which have a program that is universally available to all K-12 students in the state. With the passage of Tennessee’s universal Education Savings Account
- [HB 1433: What You Need to Know](https://empowerms.org/hb-1433-what-you-need-to-know/) - Bill Summary and Why Do We Need It? Currently, many students are trapped in public schools that fail to meet the student’s unique needs. Some families move to a different public school district or enroll their child in private school, but only if they can afford to do so. This bill would allow students who
- [Capitol Chat: Week 5](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-5/) - Capitol Chat: Week 5 With a big deadline on Tuesday, floor action on DEI and school choice, and the death of a high-profile bill to limit the power of the State Auditor, Week 5 of the 2025 session was action-packed! Tune in to this week’s episode of Capitol Chat to hear about all this and
- [School Choice Bills Survive First Deadline](https://empowerms.org/school-choice-bills-survive-first-deadline/) - We’re one step closer to giving children in Mississippi more education options! Several school choice bills survived the first committee deadline and will continue moving forward through the legislative process: House Bill 1432, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would make several changes to Mississippi’s charter school law to expand the landscape where charters can be created in the
- [Capitol Chat: Week 4](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-4/) - Capitol Chat: Week 4 What do a critical deadline, State of the State address, and Presidential Executive Order all have in common? They’re all a part of this week’s episode of Capitol Chat! Be sure to tune in for the latest on all this and more from Week 4 of the legislative session.
- [Doug Deason: First Step Act and Second Chances](https://empowerms.org/doug-deason-first-step-act-and-second-chances/) - Doug Deason: First Step Act and Second Chances Conservative activist, businessman, and Texas donor Doug Deason was our guest this week for an in-depth conversation about Doug’s work on criminal justice reform. Host Grant Callen asked him about his relationship with President Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, and how that relationship resulted in the passage
- [Governor Proclaims 'Mississippi School Choice Week' as Annual Celebration of Education Expands Nationwide](https://empowerms.org/governor-proclaims-mississippi-school-choice-week-as-annual-celebration-of-education-expands-nationwide/) - Governor Tate Reeves has declared January 26 through February 1, 2025, as Mississippi School Choice Week! This proclamation demonstrates a commitment to ensuring every Mississippi student has access to an array of diverse educational opportunities, and we are grateful for the Governor's leadership on this important issue. Mississippi School Choice Week highlights the many educational
- [Capitol Chat: Week 3](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-3/) - Capitol Chat: Week 3 Things got crazy in a subcommittee hearing, some new and interesting bills were introduced, and the House passed PBM reform. Hear about all this and more as host Wil Ervin breaks down what happened in Week 3 of the legislative session.
- [Capitol Chat: Week 2](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-2/) - Capitol Chat: Week 2 Empower Senior Vice President Wil Ervin highlights what happened at the Capitol during week 2 of the legislative session, including the latest on tax reform, key legislative deadlines, and Empower’s new labor force participation report. Don’t miss it!
- [New Empower Mississippi Report Highlights Growth in Labor Force Participation Rate, Outlines Recommendations for Continued Improvement](https://empowerms.org/new-empower-mississippi-report-highlights-growth-in-labor-force-participation-rate-outlines-recommendations-for-continued-improvement/) - Nonprofit organization Empower Mississippi today released its second report on state labor force trends. In this publication, entitled “Moving the Needle: Select Recommendations for Improving Mississippi’s Labor Force Participation Rate,” Empower highlights solid growth in the labor force participation rate and includes select recommendations for continued improvement. Those recommendations include: Eliminating the state’s tax on
- [State Rep. Trey Lamar: The Build Up Mississippi Act](https://empowerms.org/state-rep-trey-lamar-the-build-up-mississippi-act/) - State Rep. Trey Lamar: The Build Up Mississippi Act This week, host Grant Callen went to the Mississippi State Capitol to sit down with Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, State Representative Trey Lamar. Chairman Lamar is the lead author of newly introduced House Bill 1, the “Build Up Mississippi Act”, which
- [Capitol Chat: Week 1](https://empowerms.org/capitol-chat-week-1/) - Capitol Chat: Week 1 Capitol Chat returns as the 2025 session is underway! Check out what happened at the Mississippi state Capitol during the first week of the legislative session. Empower Mississippi's 2025 Legislative Session Guide: https://empowerms.org/session-guide/
- [Wil Ervin: A look at 2025](https://empowerms.org/wil-ervin-a-look-at-2025/) - Wil Ervin: A look at 2025 Happy New Year! The start of the 2025 Legislative Session is only six days away, so host Grant Callen sat down with Wil Ervin, Empower’s own Tim Russert, to break down what we can expect from the coming session. Tax reform, Medicaid expansion, ballot initiative, and school choice are
- [Mississippi's Momentum: Building on a Decade of Progress in 2025](https://empowerms.org/mississippis-momentum-building-on-a-decade-of-progress-in-2025/) - The holiday season is a time to meditate on our many blessings. During the course of any given day, it is easy to get caught up in our immediate problems and take for granted the good things around us. Often, I find myself thinking about the challenges of daily life and the things I need
- [Speaker Jason White: 2025 Legislative Priorities + BONUS Clip](https://empowerms.org/speaker-jason-white/) - Speaker Jason White: 2025 Legislative Priorities + BONUS Clip On Mississippi’s 207th birthday, Empower Mississippi hosted its 4th annual Solution Summit at the Sheraton Hotel in Flowood. At the Summit, host Grant Callen sat down with Mississippi’s 62nd Speaker of the House, Jason White, to discuss his vision for policy change and his 2025 legislative priorities. They talked
- [Mississippi Leaders Unite for Bold Progress at the 2024 Empower Solutions Summit](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-leaders-unite-for-bold-progress-at-the-2024-empower-solutions-summit/) - With one of our most power-packed lineups of speakers ever and an eye towards building an opportunity rich future for the Magnolia State, this week we hosted our 4th Annual Empower Solutions Summit on Tuesday, December 10th. The event featured Mississippi leaders like Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Jason White, as well
- [Spencer Ritchie: Indictments and Hope for The City with Soul](https://empowerms.org/spencer-ritchie-indictments-and-hope-for-the-city-with-soul/) - Spencer Ritchie: Indictments and Hope for The City with Soul On November 6, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and Jackson Councilman Aaron Banks were indicted on federal bribery charges. A few months earlier, Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee resigned from office and pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.
- [Alesha Judkins: Public Safety, Crime, and Second Chances](https://empowerms.org/alesha-judkins/) - Alesha Judkins: Public Safety, Crime, and Second Chances This week, host Grant Callen sat down with Alesha Judkins, Mississippi State Director at FWD.us to discuss Mississippi’s criminal justice system and our high imprisonment rate – the highest in the nation. Alesha has over 16 years of criminal justice advocacy in Mississippi and Alabama. Alesha and
- [The Founding of Empower Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/the-founding-of-empower-mississippi/) - This week we officially kicked off our celebration of Empower’s tenth anniversary, and wow, what a ride this has been! I’m so honored to lead this organization and work alongside the amazing Empower team, board, ambassadors, and donors. In the summer of 2013, a handful of conservative Mississippians began meeting regularly on the patio of
- [Grant Callen and Kayla Hulett Testify on Expungement and Rights Restoration](https://empowerms.org/grant-callen-and-kayla-hulett-testifyon-expungement-and-rights-restoration/) - On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Grant Callen, Founder & CEO of Empower Mississippi, and Empower Amassador Kayla Hulett testified before the Mississippi House Constitution Committee Chaired by Rep. Price Wallace on the topic of expanding expungement and restoration of voting and 2nd amendment rights to non-violent offenders. Below is the full transcript of Grant's testimony,
- [Lucien Smith: Prognostications and Punditry](https://empowerms.org/lucien-smith/) - Lucien Smith: Prognostications and Punditry This week, Empower’s Senior Vice President, Wil Ervin, took over the Empower Podcast and sat down with Lucien Smith to talk all things politics – from the 2024 national election to the Mississippi governor’s race and everything in between. Smith is certainly no stranger to Mississippi politics – he has
- [What’s Your Favorite Halloween Candy? ](https://empowerms.org/whats-your-favorite-halloween-candy/) - As a child, Halloween was one of my favorite times of the year. It was a time to get dressed up and act silly, to put out spooky decorations, and, best of all, to collect mounds of candy. I’ve always been partial to Kit Kats and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, but other types of candy,
- [Bill Crawford: Former GOP lawmaker, Syndicated Columnist, and Now Published Author](https://empowerms.org/bill-crawford/) - Bill Crawford: Former GOP lawmaker, Syndicated Columnist, and Now Published Author This week, host Grant Callen sat down with columnist Bill Crawford to discuss his recently published book “A Republican’s Lament: Mississippi Needs Good Government Conservatives.” Callen and Crawford talked about why Crawford got involved in Mississippi politics in the 1970s and the profound influence
- [Make it Make Sense](https://empowerms.org/make-it-make-sense/) - The Mississippi Department of Education has released its public school accountability scores for the 2023-2024 school year. The results appear to be astounding: nearly 94% of Mississippi’s public school districts, and 86% of Mississippi public schools, were awarded a grade of “C” or higher. Only 3 districts in the state were rated “D” or “F”,
- [Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann: Whistle While You Work](https://empowerms.org/lt-governor-delbert-hosemann-whistle-while-you-work/) - Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann: Whistle While You Work This week, we took the podcast on the road, recording in the beautiful Mississippi State Capitol. Host Grant Callen sat down with Mississippi’s 33rd Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann to discuss all things related to work and the Magnolia State’s economy. Historic low employment, record private capital investment,
- [David Bahnsen: Author of “Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life”](https://empowerms.org/david-bahnsen-author-of-full-time-work-and-the-meaning-of-life/) - David Bahnsen: Author of “Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life” The topic of “work” has been in the news a lot lately since Mississippi has record low unemployment and the lowest labor force participation rate in the nation. So, this week host, Grant Callen sat down with author, David Bahnsen, to discuss his most
- [State Rep. Fred Shanks: Rankin Countian with Jackson Roots](https://empowerms.org/state-rep-fred-shanks-rankin-countian-with-jackson-roots/) - State Rep. Fred Shanks: Rankin Countian with Jackson Roots For this episode of the Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sat down with State Rep. Fred Shanks, Chairman of the Rules Committee, to discuss nearly a dozen legislative topics including: the ballot initiative, suffrage bills, the new education funding formula, police officer safety and training, the
- [Jamie Holder: Small Towns, Population Shifts, and School Choice](https://empowerms.org/jamie-holder-small-towns-population-shifts-and-school-choice/) - Jamie Holder: Small Towns, Population Shifts, and School Choice Bay Springs, Mississippi is like a lot of communities around the state, it has desirable schools and less desirable schools, but no meaningful avenue for parents to exercise school choice. According to Jamie Holder, President and CEO of Hol-Mac Corporation, that employs over 900 people mostly
- [Russ Latino: Veepstakes, Punditry, and Neshoba Dust-ups](https://empowerms.org/russ-latino-veepstakes-punditry-and-neshoba-dust-ups/) - Russ Latino: Veepstakes, Punditry, and Neshoba Dust-ups It’s been a crazy few weeks in politics: an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, Biden announced he is not running again, Trump picked his running mate, the RNC Convention occurred, and last week was Mississippi’s Giant House Party, the Neshoba County Fair, with all the accompanying political
- [Dr. Kymyona Burk: Mississippi’s Historic Literacy Gains](https://empowerms.org/dr-kymyona-burk-mississippis-historic-literacy-gains/) - Dr. Kymyona Burk: Mississippi’s Historic Literacy Gains This week, host Grant Callen sat down with Dr. Kymyona Burk, formerly the State Literacy Director at the Mississippi Department of Education, who oversaw implementation of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act of 2013, a bill championed by then Governor Phil Bryant. Often when great policy gets enacted, the implementation
- [Mike Hurst: Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party](https://empowerms.org/mike-hurst-chairman-of-the-mississippi-republican-party/) - Mike Hurst: Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party Part two of the series with the party chairmen, host Grant Callen sat down with the recently elected chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party, Mike Hurst. A Newton County native, Mike discussed growing up in rural Mississippi, raising a large family, and the momentum Mississippi has. Grant
- [State Rep. Cheikh Taylor: Chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party](https://empowerms.org/state-rep-cheikh-taylor-chairman-of-the-mississippi-democratic-party/) - State Rep. Cheikh Taylor: Chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party Part one of a two-part series with the party chairmen, host Grant Callen sat down with State Representative, Cheikh Taylor, newly reelected Chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party. The Starkville native, with his community in mind and the backing of his predecessor, Rep. Tyrone Ellis,
- [Andy Taggart: Forty Years In Mississippi Politics](https://empowerms.org/andy-taggart-forty-years-in-mississippi-politics/) - Andy Taggart: Forty Years In Mississippi Politics Taking the Empower Podcast on the road, host Grant Callen traveled to Ocean Springs to sit down with Andy Taggart to discuss his forty years in Mississippi politics. Andy’s political career started as Political Director at the Mississippi Republican Party, then Executive Director of the party during the
- [2024 Legislative Session Recap with Wil Ervin](https://empowerms.org/2024-legislative-session-recap-with-wil-ervin/) - 2024 Legislative Session Recap with Wil Ervin The 2024 Legislative Session has finally come to a close. As we look back at this 125+ day session, there were some really good bills passed, but there were also a lot of things left on the table. Generally, we saw a lot of progress made across our three pillars,
- [State Rep. Rodney Hall: Military Leader to the Mississippi Capitol](https://empowerms.org/state-rep-rodney-hall-military-leader-to-the-mississippi-capitol/) - State Rep. Rodney Hall: Military Leader to the Mississippi Capitol When he was sworn into office in January, Rodney Hall became the first black Republican to serve in the Mississippi House of Representatives since the Reconstruction Era. With nearly 20 years of military service and experience as Legislative Director for Congressman Trent Kelly, Hall ran
- [State Rep. Zakiya Summers: Jackson Roots Run Deep](https://empowerms.org/state-rep-zakiya-summers-jackson-roots-run-deep/) - State Rep. Zakiya Summers: Jackson Roots Run Deep Elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2019, Summers serves on the County Affairs, Drug Policy, Technology, Tourism, and Workforce Development Committees. Her Jackson roots run deep, as her grandfather, William Bill Summers, owned and operated The Summers Hotel, the city’s first black-owned hotel. In this
- [Bob Davidson and Forest Thigpen: How an Idea Becomes Law](https://empowerms.org/bob-davidson-and-forest-thigpen-how-an-idea-becomes-law/) - Bob Davidson and Forest Thigpen: How an Idea Becomes Law “That’s the last time I’m going to vote for a bill that I’m against!” shouted a 1970’s era Mississippi State Senator from the well of the Senate. In this episode, longtime bill drafter Bob Davidson shares this story and others. You may think that Schoolhouse
- [Gerard Gibert: Medicaid Expansion and PERS Reform](https://empowerms.org/gerard-gibert-medicaid-expansion-and-pers-reform/) - Gerard Gibert: Medicaid Expansion and PERS Reform Two of the top issues being debated this legislative session are Medicaid Expansion and ways to reform PERS, Mississippi’s Public Employees Retirement System. From his 33 years in business and now his seat behind the SuperTalk radio microphone, Gerard Gibert has covered these two issues extensively. On this
- [Henry Barbour, Republican National Committeeman from Yazoo City](https://empowerms.org/henry-barbour-republican-national-committeeman-from-yazoo-city/) - Henry Barbour, Republican National Committeeman from Yazoo City For the last 19 years, Henry Barbour has served as Committeeman from Mississippi on the Republican National Committee, a role that has given him a front row seat to the American political scene, and not just as an observer. He’s advised presidents and governors – most notably
- [State Senator Daniel Sparks, Chairman, Economic and Workforce Development Committee](https://empowerms.org/state-senator-daniel-sparks-chairman-economic-and-workforce-development-committee/) - State Senator Daniel Sparks, Chairman, Economic and Workforce Development Committee First elected to the State Senate in 2019, Senator Sparks has distinguished himself as one of the smartest and most hard-working lawmakers in the building. In this conversation, Senator Sparks discusses the intersection of policy and people, emphasizing the importance of human-centered governance. We explore
- [Dr. Matthew Ladner: What Can Arizona Teach Mississippi About Empowering Parents?](https://empowerms.org/dr-matthew-ladner-what-can-arizona-teach-mississippi-about-empowering-parents/) - Dr. Matthew Ladner: What Can Arizona Teach Mississippi about empowering parents? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Ladner, Senior Advisor at the Center for Education Policy at the Heritage Foundation, shares about Arizona’s journey with school choice. Arizona passed the first education savings account (ESA) program in the nation in 2011 for students with special needs,
- [State Auditor Shad White: Fatherlessness, Labor Woes, School Choice, and Public Safety](https://empowerms.org/state-auditor-shad-white-fatherlessness-labor-woes-school-choice-and-public-safety/) - State Auditor Shad White: Fatherlessness, Labor Woes, School Choice, and Public Safety In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Mississippi's 42nd State Auditor, Shad White. They discuss Mississippi’s incredible cultural and economic advantages and our challenges, like our low Labor Force Participation Rate and our high number of unwed mothers. White advocates for
- [Denisha Allen: Firsthand experience with the life-changing power of a great school](https://empowerms.org/denisha-allen-firsthand-experience-with-the-life-changing-power-of-a-great-school/) - Denisha Allen: Firsthand experience with the life-changing power of a great school Host Grant Callen welcomes Denisha Allen in this episode, unraveling her remarkable journey from childhood struggles in Jacksonville, Florida to her current role as a national advocate for school choice. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of school choice on Denisha's life and emphasizes
- [Elyse Marcellino: Microschools on the Move in the Magnolia State](https://empowerms.org/elyse-marcellino-microschools-on-the-move-in-the-magnolia-state/) - Elyse Marcellino: Microschools on the Move in the Magnolia State Join us as we explore the transformative world of education with Elyse Marcellino, the director of Embark: New Schools for Mississippi.. Listen in as Elyse shares her work guiding ambitious individuals through the process of opening charter schools and microschools in Mississippi. She reveals how
- [Secretary of State Michael Watson: Removing Barriers to Education and Work](https://empowerms.org/secretary-of-state-michael-watson-removing-barriers-to-education-and-work/) - Secretary of State Michael Watson: Removing Barriers to Education and Work This week host Grant Callen sat down with Mississippi’s 36th Secretary of State Michael Watson to talk about removing barriers to opportunity, especially those related to education and work. Sec. Watson has been a longtime advocate for school choice, so they discussed why he
- [Arkansas State Sen. Breanne Davis: Empowering Families through Education Reform](https://empowerms.org/arkansas-state-sen-breanne-davis-empowering-families-through-education-reform/) - Arkansas State Sen. Breanne Davis: Empowering Families through Education Reform This week, we're thrilled to have Arkansas State Senator Breanne Davis, the lead sponsor of the LEARNS Act, a transformative piece of legislation that has had a profound impact on the state's education system. Listen in as Senator Davis passionately discusses how the LEARNS Act
- [Christina Dent: A Curious Approach to the War on Drugs](https://empowerms.org/christina-dent-interview-a-curious-approach-to-the-war-on-drugs/) - Christina Dent Interview: A Curious Approach to the War on Drugs Christina Dent, founder of End it For Good, shares her transformative journey as a conservative, evangelical Christian to a powerful advocate for ending drug prohibition. Christina's unique perspective emerged from her experiences as a foster parent, particularly her encounter with Joanne, a mother struggling
- [Ian Rowe Interview: An Approach to Empower all Americans to Pursue Their Dreams](https://empowerms.org/ian-rowe-interview-an-approach-to-empower-all-americans-to-pursue-their-dreams/) - Ian Rowe Interview: An Approach to Empower all Americans to Pursue Their Dreams We are back with another powerful episode of the Empower Podcast, featuring a riveting conversation with Ian Rowe, the dynamic author, scholar, and founder of a thriving charter school network. Rowe's inspiring book, 'Agency,' serves as the foundation of our conversation, as
- [ABCs of School Choice: Point | Counterpoint](https://empowerms.org/abcs-of-school-choice-point-counterpoint/) - The Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) released a one-page document titled “The ABCs of School Choice,” which casts aspersions on school choice policies and attempts to persuade people to oppose such policies. We believe that document misrepresents the facts about school choice and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of how school choice policies work. In
- [Labor Day: A Call to Strengthen Mississippi’s Workforce](https://empowerms.org/labor-day-a-call-to-strengthen-mississippis-workforce/) - It’s Labor Day weekend, and I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how we can improve our state’s economy, particularly our declining labor force participation rate. Of one thing I am certain: We won’t understand the issue of work if we don’t understand its most important element – the human one. Humans are more than
- [Empower Mississippi Releases New Research to Help Determine Why More Mississippians Aren't in the Workforce](https://empowerms.org/empower-mississippi-releases-new-research-to-help-determine-why-more-mississippians-arent-in-the-workforce/) - Despite significant economic activity, state “labor force participation rate” lowest in U.S. Empower Mississippi, a local research and advocacy organization, released a new report today analyzing Mississippi’s labor force participation rate. Mississippi is consistently ranked as having one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the United States. This new report looks at several
- [Empower-backed Tax Reform Hailed as Model for the Nation](https://empowerms.org/empower-backed-tax-reform-hailed-as-model-for-the-nation/) - A tax reform championed by Empower Mississippi and signed into law in March will help address the state’s economic needs, writes Michael Lucci. Other states should take note. In a recent National Review article, Michael Lucci praised the work of Mississippi lawmakers to pass a law creating full expensing for capital investments in research, experimentation,
- [Record crowd attends Unleash Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/record-crowd-attends-unleash-mississippi/) - Unleash Mississippi, Empower Mississippi’s third annual policy summit was a huge success! This event brings together state leaders and policy experts for a solution-centered discussion on how to tackle our biggest challenges and help all Mississippians rise. In our education discussion we heard from EdChoice President & CEO Robert Enlow and Arkansas State Senator Breanne
- [What's Next? Capitalizing on Mississippi's Pro-Growth Momentum](https://empowerms.org/whats-next-capitalizing-on-mississippis-pro-growth-momentum/) - Empower Mississippi Board Chair Gerard Gibert sits down with Jon Caldara, President of Independence Institute; Russ Latino, CEO of Magnolia Tribune; and Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist and Executive VP of Policy at ALEC.
- [Empower releases 2023 impact report](https://empowerms.org/empower-releases-2023-impact-report/) - 2023 was a year to build for Empower Mississippi. We invested in all three of our focus areas – EDUCATION, WORK and JUSTICE – and secured significant wins for Mississippi this year, while building a foundation that will lead to greater opportunities for Mississippians to rise in 2024 and beyond. Here are just a few
- [School Choice in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-education-options-explained/) - Fall is right around the corner, which means it is time for children to head back to school! This is an exciting time filled with the promise and opportunity of a new year. Each year, parents choose where their child will attend school. Some Mississippians have several education options available to choose from. For others,
- [Republicans Support School Choice](https://empowerms.org/republicans-support-school-choice/) - Yesterday, delegates at the Republican National Convention formally adopted the 2024 Republican Party Platform, and it includes a ringing endorsement of universal school choice: “Republicans believe families should be empowered to choose the best Education for their children. We support Universal School Choice in every State in America.” Polling conducted in Mississippi last year appears
- [Is America Exceptional?](https://empowerms.org/is-america-exceptional/) - Originally published in the Laurel-Leader Call on July 2, 2021 Tomorrow is Independence Day, America’s favorite day for backyard barbeques, baseball, and fireworks. But it’s also a day for patriotism and celebrating all that makes America exceptional. A few years ago, President Obama got in hot water for saying that America is exceptional to Americans,
- [Prosecutorial Overreach: Not Just a Trump Problem](https://empowerms.org/prosecutorial-overreach/) - This piece was contributed by a guest columnist and therefore only represents the views of the author. Contributed columns do not necessarily reflect the views of Empower Mississippi. Donald Trump is a convicted felon. Whether one likes that fact or not, the former president now joins millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of
- [Almost Surrounded](https://empowerms.org/almost-surrounded/) - Last week, Louisiana passed a bill that will allow all students to qualify for an Education Savings Account (ESA). An ESA is a taxpayer-funded account that can be used for educational expenses as directed by a student’s parents. ESA funds can be used to pay for things like private school tuition, textbooks, tutoring, educational therapies
- [New Law Expands Prison Work Release Programs](https://empowerms.org/new-law-expands-prison-work-release-programs/) - Legislation passed this year will expand opportunities for offenders to work while incarcerated. During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers passed several bills that will meaningfully impact the state’s prison system. Among them is Senate Bill 2445, which expands opportunities for individuals to work outside of prison while they are still incarcerated. Mississippi currently has a
- [Empower Mississippi Celebrates 10th Anniversary](https://empowerms.org/empower-mississippi-celebrates-10th-anniversary/)
- [Transformational Education Bill Becomes Law](https://empowerms.org/transformational-education-bill-becomes-law/) - On Friday, April 26 the Mississippi House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Bill 4130, the “Mississippi Student Funding Formula”, that is based on individual student needs. The Senate quickly passed the bill the following day, and today Governor Tate Reeves signed it into law. This is a revolutionary bill for public education in Mississippi. The legislation repeals
- [Mississippi Supreme Court Rules on High Profile Case](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-supreme-court-rules-on-high-profile-case/) - Late last week, the Mississippi Supreme Court issued a ruling on a case that has captured the attention of lawmakers and media alike. The case involved $10 million in a legislative appropriation that was directed to the Independent Schools Infrastructure Grant Program, which was designed to provide financial relief to private schools for infrastructure improvements
- [Empower Mississippi Praises Passage of New Education Funding Formula](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-passes-education-funding-formula/) - Today the Mississippi Senate and yesterday the Mississippi House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HB 4130, the “Mississippi Student Funding Formula”, that is based on individual student needs. This legislation repeals the antiquated Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) and creates a new weighted student funding formula for distributing tax dollars to public school districts based on
- [Joanna Polk joins the team](https://empowerms.org/joanna-polk-joins-the-team/) - Joanna Polk has been named Executive Assistant and Development Manager on the Empower Team. In her role, Polk will support the CEO, keep projects and commitments on track, maintain the organization’s strategic fundraising plan, and help connect new donors to the organization. Polk previously worked at University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry and
- [Does Every Crime Deserve a Life Sentence?](https://empowerms.org/does-every-crime-deserve-a-life-sentence/) - Mississippi has a poverty problem. We are the poorest state in the union by a wide margin. We have the lowest gross domestic product, lowest per-capita income, and highest number of people living in poverty. The causes of our poverty are complex and generational. We didn’t arrive here quickly, and we won’t get out quickly,
- [Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves Proclaims April "Second Chance Month"](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-governor-tate-reeves-proclaims-april-second-chance-month/) - Governor Tate Reeves has declared April 2024 as Mississippi Second Chance Month! This proclamation demonstrates a commitment to providing opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation to all Mississippians, and we are grateful for the Governor’s leadership on this important issue. Second Chance Month is a celebration of the various pathways to redemption and reintegration available to
- [SB 2689: Replace end of course tests with national testing options](https://empowerms.org/sb-2689-replace-end-of-course-tests-with-national-testing-options/) - Senate Bill 2689, sponsored by Sen. Dennis DeBar, would remove the public school graduation requirement that students must pass certain standardized end-of-course tests created by the state Department of Education. Instead, they would be required to pass a nationally recognized exam, such as the ACT. The bill would call upon the Mississippi Department of Education
- [HB 1609: Restore voting rights of former non-violent offenders](https://empowerms.org/17832-2/) - House Bill 1609, sponsored by Rep. Kabir Karriem, would automatically restore the voting rights of those who have served time for certain non-violent convictions. Under the proposal, Mississippi’s long list of disenfranchising crimes would be narrowed and those who have been found guilty of non-violent offenses and completed their sentence will have their voting rights
- [Empower Mississippi Announces New Chairman of the Board](https://empowerms.org/empower-mississippi-announces-new-chairman-of-the-board/) - Ridgeland, MS – March 20, 2024 – Empower Mississippi announces the election of Abb Payne as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Payne will succeed Gerard Gibert, who has served with distinction in the role for the last ten years. Gibert announced his decision to step down as Chairman at the March 18,
- [HB 1599: Require MDOC to develop data collection and reporting system](https://empowerms.org/hb-1599-require-mdoc-to-develop-data-collection-and-reporting-system/) - House Bill 1599, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, would require the Department of Corrections to procure a data collection and reporting system that allows the department to collect detailed information to, among other purposes, enable officials to accurately determine what combination of punishment, training, and other assistance is most likely to result in reducing the
- [HB 1600: Post-Release Services Pilot Program](https://empowerms.org/hb-1600-post-release-services-pilot-program/) - House Bill 1600, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, would create the post-release service pilot program designed to reduce recidivism by providing a variety of support services to people who leave prison. The program will offer help provide connections to employment, housing, drug and alcohol counseling, family reunification guidance, anger management counseling, personal finance and budgeting,
- [SB 2442: Establish the Prison-to-Paycheck Pipeline Pilot Program](https://empowerms.org/sb-2442-establish-the-prison-to-paycheck-pipeline-pilot-program/) - Senate Bill 2442, sponsored by Sen. Juan Barnett, would create the post-release service pilot program designed to reduce recidivism by providing a variety of support services to people who leave prison. The program will offer help provide connections to employment, housing, drug and alcohol counseling, family reunification guidance, anger management counseling, personal finance and budgeting,
- [HB 1449: The Mississippi Student Freedom Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1449-the-mississippi-student-freedom-act/) - House Bill 1449, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would create the Mississippi Student Freedom Act to provide Magnolia Scholarship Accounts (MSA) to students. An MSA is a taxpayer-funded account that families can use for the educational expenses of their child. This allows families to customize an education based on their specific needs. Under the proposal,
- [HB 1683: Expand opportunity for establishment of charter schools](https://empowerms.org/hb-1683-expand-opportunity-for-establishment-of-charter-schools/) - House Bill 1683, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, would make several changes to Mississippi’s charter school law designed to expand the establishment of charters in the state. Charter schools are public schools. Like other public schools, they don’t charge tuition. They must accept all students who apply, limited only by grades served, space available, and
- [HB 1303: Expand the Fresh Start Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1303-expand-the-fresh-start-act/) - House Bill 1303, sponsored by Rep. Shanda Yates, expands the Fresh Start Act to make it easier for someone with a criminal record to be approved for an occupational license when the past crime doesn’t directly relate to the license for which the person is applying, or if the crime occurred long ago. The Fresh
- [SB 2574: Expand the Fresh Start Act](https://empowerms.org/sb-2574-expand-the-fresh-start-act/) - Senate Bill 2574, sponsored by Sen. John Horhn, expands the Fresh Start Act to make it easier for someone with a criminal record to be approved for an occupational license when the past crime doesn’t directly relate to the license for which the person is applying, or if the crime occurred long ago. The Fresh
- [SB 2597: Require MDOC to develop data collection and reporting system](https://empowerms.org/sb-2597-require-mdoc-to-develop-data-collection-and-reporting-system/) - Senate Bill 2597, sponsored by Sen. Juan Barnett, would require the Department of Corrections to procure a data collection and reporting system that allows the department to collect and make public detailed information. Under this proposal, MDOC would be required to gather and maintain various information, including detailed inmate profiles, offense specifics, probation or parole supervision
- [HB 1490: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/hb-1490-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - House Bill 1490, authored by Rep. Becky Currie, would provide full practice authority to nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This bill would exempt nurse practitioners from that requirement after completing between 5,000-10,000 hours of practice. Under this proposal: APRNs would need
- [HB 1248: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1248-the-tim-tebow-act/) - House Bill 1248, sponsored by Rep. Dan Eubanks, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play high school football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [HB 524: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-524-the-tim-tebow-act/) - House Bill 524, authored by Rep. Becky Currie, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Often referred to as the “Tim Tebow Act” after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play high school football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the
- [HB 1448: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-1448-the-tim-tebow-act/) - House Bill 1448, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play high school football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [SB 2562: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/sb-2562-the-tim-tebow-act/) - Senate Bill 2562, sponsored by Sen. Dennis DeBar, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play high school football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [SB 2444: Expand Mississippi’s prison work initiative](https://empowerms.org/sb-2444-expand-mississippis-prison-work-initiative/) - Senate Bill 2444, sponsored by Sen. Juan Barnett, would expand the Central Mississippi Pilot Prison Industries program to all state, regional, and private correctional facilities in the state. Under this pilot program, employers near Central MS Correctional Facility (CMCF) employ prisoners who are near the end of their time in prison. The prisoners are paid
- [HB 1455: Expand Mississippi’s prison work initiative](https://empowerms.org/hb-1455-expand-mississippis-prison-work-initiative/) - House Bill 1455, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, would expand the Central Mississippi Pilot Prison Industries program to all state, regional, and private correctional facilities in the state. The pilot program was started at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF). Located in Rankin County, CMCF houses over 3,800 individuals – the largest population of any
- [SB 2291: Regulatory reduction pilot program](https://empowerms.org/sb-2291-regulatory-reduction-pilot-program/) - Senate Bill 2291, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would create a pilot program for five state agencies to reduce their regulations by 30 percent over the next three years. It begins by requiring each agency to count every rule and regulation under its jurisdiction, then eliminate ones that are outdated or unnecessary for public health
- [SB 2066: Freedom to Shampoo Hair](https://empowerms.org/sb-2066-freedom-to-shampoo-hair/) - Senate Bill 2066, authored by Sen. Angela Hill, would allow a person to shampoo other people’s hair without having to obtain a time-consuming and irrelevant cosmetology license, which requires 1,500 hours of training. Under the proposed legislation, a person could obtain a permit to shampoo hair after 40 hours of training. A permit would not
- [HB 924: Authorize mobile barbershops](https://empowerms.org/hb-924-authorize-mobile-barbershops/) - House Bill 924, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Rosebud, would authorize licensed barbers to operate mobile barbershops in the state. Barber regulations in Mississippi, among other things, prevent barbers from operating a mobile barbershop. Mobile barbershops are not a new idea. Over the past decade, entrepreneurial barbers around the country have come up with an idea
- [HB 872: Expand the Fresh Start Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-872-expand-the-fresh-start-act/) - House Bill 872, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Rosebud, expands the provisions of the Fresh Start Act to make it applicable to more Mississippi licensure types. The purpose of this bill is to make it easier for someone with a criminal record to be approved for a professional license when the past crime doesn’t directly relate
- [HB 821: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/hb-821-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - House Bill 821, authored by Rep. Donnie Scoggin, would provide full practice authority to nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This bill would exempt nurse practitioners from that requirement after 3,600 hours (about 18 months) of practice. A majority of states now
- [Now Hiring: Executive Assistant to the CEO & Development Manager](https://empowerms.org/now-hiring-executive-assistant-to-the-ceo-development-manager/) - The Empower Mississippi team is making a difference in the lives of Mississippians by advocating for public policy changes that remove barriers to opportunity so all Mississippians can rise. We have led the fight for school choice, criminal justice reform, and occupational licensing reform in Mississippi, and have demonstrated our ability to achieve results. Life-changing
- [SB 2079: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/sb-2079-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - Senate Bill 2079, authored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would provide full practice authority to nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This bill would exempt nurse practitioners from that requirement after 6,240 hours (about three years) of practice. A majority of states now
- [SB 2234: Make it easier for students to move between public schools](https://empowerms.org/sb-2234-make-it-easier-for-students-to-move-between-public-schools/) - Senate Bill 2234, sponsored by Sen. Chris Johnson, would allow students to transfer to public schools outside of their residentially assigned school district. The bill would make it easier for students to move between public schools to find the setting that works best for them. State law currently allows any student to apply for a
- [HB 867: Make it easier for students to move between public schools](https://empowerms.org/hb-867-make-it-easier-for-students-to-move-between-public-schools/) - House Bill 867, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, would allow students to more easily transfer to schools outside of their school district, further enabling them to access the education setting that works best for them. State law currently allows any student to apply for a transfer to another district by submitting a request to his
- [Looking to LEARNS](https://empowerms.org/looking-to-learns/) - In 2023, Arkansas passed the LEARNS Act, a comprehensive and transformational education plan to empower parents with more education options while also strengthening public schools. The Arkansas model has been held up as a model Mississippi could emulate in 2024. The LEARNS Act incorporates a number of key provisions on which Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee
- [Governor Proclaims "School Choice Week" as Annual Education Celebration Spreads Across the Nation](https://empowerms.org/governor-tate-reeves-proclaims-mississippi-school-choice-week-as-annual-education-celebration-takes-off-across-the-nation/) - Governor Tate Reeves has declared January 21-27, 2024, as Mississippi School Choice Week! This proclamation demonstrates a commitment to providing diverse and accessible education options for all Mississippi children, and we are grateful for the Governor’s leadership on this important issue. Mississippi School Choice Week is a celebration of the various educational options available to
- [Focus on testing over student need drives veteran teacher out of the public school classroom](https://empowerms.org/focus-on-performance-over-student-need-drives-veteran-teacher-out-of-the-public-school-classroom/) - To say that Wanda Lee is a seasoned educator would be an understatement. The 43-year teacher has taught school all her adult life. The bulk of her career – 38 years – was spent in public school classrooms in South Central Mississippi and her mission as a teacher is simple. It has always been to
- [Do you know the most common topic addressed in the Bill of Rights?](https://empowerms.org/do-you-know-the-most-common-topic-addressed-in-the-bill-of-rights/) - Do you know the most common topic addressed in the Bill of Rights – the topic addressed by four of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution? With Bill of Rights Day being December 15, which is the 232nd anniversary of the ratification of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, conservative commentators are
- [Opportunity Paves the Way for Clayborn to Find Success Beyond the Football Field](https://empowerms.org/opportunity-paves-the-way-for-clayborn-to-find-success-beyond-the-football-field/) - “I can’t guarantee you that you’ll succeed, but at least you can say you tried.” That theme has echoed throughout Jamaal Clayborn’s life. Growing up in inner city Jackson, Jamaal’s first love was always football, and it was that love that led him to an educational opportunity that would change his life forever. In the
- [Let Teachers Teach](https://empowerms.org/let-teachers-teach/) - Increasing education opportunities for students and elevating teachers to be leaders will bring lifelong success to students in Mississippi. We have a national crisis - teachers are leaving the field of public education in droves. They are tired of being micromanaged, overworked, and kept in a box of standardization, ultimately dehumanizing their professional expertise and
- [The Moffetts: four kids, three schools, one thriving family](https://empowerms.org/the-moffetts-four-kids-three-schools-one-thriving-family/) - With four children, Marcus and Christeen Moffett of Jackson find themselves busy with sports practices, dance, schoolwork, and so much more. “It’s a lot,” Christeen laughed. “We’re going in a lot of different directions.” But Christeen is happy to make the rounds to the three different schools her children attend because she knows that each
- [Let Education Freedom Ring](https://empowerms.org/let-education-freedom-ring/) - This July 4th, our country celebrates 247 years of freedom. The ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity that were enshrined in our nation's founding documents have served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations of Americans and people the world over. As we reflect on the concept of freedom and those we are
- [What is Education Freedom?](https://empowerms.org/what-is-education-freedom/) - Within the last year, more than 10 states have chosen to empower parents with more education freedom, and states like Texas and North Carolina, appear poised to follow suit in the coming months. Education freedom is a concept that refers to the ability of parents to select the best educational opportunity for their children.
- [Investing In Opportunity: The Power of Education Savings Accounts](https://empowerms.org/investing-in-opportunity-the-power-of-education-savings-accounts/) - Empower Mississippi Senior Vice President Wil Ervin is joined by EdChoice President and CEO Robert Enlow and Arkansas State Senator Breanne Davis for a discussion about ESAs.
- [What is an Education Savings Account? ](https://empowerms.org/what-is-an-education-savings-account/) - Recently, we’ve talked a lot about education freedom. You may recall that education freedom empowers parents to choose the best educational opportunities for their child. Among policies that promote education freedom, none are currently gaining more popularity than education savings accounts (ESAs). What is an ESA? K-12 education savings accounts, frequently referred to as “ESAs,”
- ['We Can Do Hard Things'](https://empowerms.org/we-can-do-hard-things/) - Empower Mississippi Senior Vice President Wil Ervin's closing remarks at Unleash Mississippi.
- ['We Believe in the Innate Dignity of Every Person'](https://empowerms.org/we-believe-in-the-innate-dignity-of-every-person/) - Grant Callen's opening remarks at Unleash Mississippi 2023.
- [Agency: An Approach to Empower All Americans to Pursue Their Dreams](https://empowerms.org/agency-an-approach-to-empower-all-americans-to-pursue-their-dreams/) - Empower Mississippi Founder and CEO Grant Callen sits down with Ian Rowe, Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute.
- [A Path Forward: Taking the Next Steps in Criminal Justice](https://empowerms.org/a-path-forward-taking-the-next-steps-in-criminal-justice/) - Empower Mississippi Senior Advisor Forest Thigpen discusses next steps in criminal justice with Ja'Ron Smith, former White House Advisor and Bradley Lum, Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at MDOC.
- [2023 Rise Awards](https://empowerms.org/2023-rise-awards/) - Empower Mississippi 2023 Rise Award recipients are: Speaker Pro Tem Jason White, Representative Trey Lamar, Representative Nick Bain, Senator Josh Harkins, Senator Chris Johnson, Dr. Donna Akers, Mr. Bill Billingsley, Dr. Stephanie Harper and Mr. Tommy Wilson.
- [Working Hard or Hardly Working? ](https://empowerms.org/working-hard-or-hardly-working/) - This week we celebrate Labor Day, a day set aside to honor the American worker. This is a time meant to reflect on the value and dignity of work. Many celebrate this day, perhaps ironically, by taking a day off, and, for many of us in the South, this time of year is meant for
- [Some of our dark past remains alive today](https://empowerms.org/dark_past/) - In 1964, a group of 20 men met in Vidalia, Louisiana to form the Silver Dollar Group, an offshoot of the Ku Klux Klan. Their mandate was to conduct brutal acts of violence in Louisiana and Mississippi to terrorize and kill those supporting the civil rights movement. They killed, kidnapped, committed arson, and conducted at
- [Polling Shows Republican Voters Support Criminal Justice Improvements](https://empowerms.org/polling-shows-republican-voters-support-criminal-justice-improvements/) - Mississippi’s incarceration rate leads the world, and a majority of Mississippi Republicans support reducing the state’s prison population, according to recent polling of likely Republican primary election voters. Earlier this year, award-winning polling firm Cygnal conducted a poll for Empower Mississippi to gauge Republican opinion on criminal justice issues in the state. The results show
- [National Education Scores Fall; Mississippi Improves in 4th-Grade Reading](https://empowerms.org/national-education-scores-fall-mississippi-improves-in-4th-grade-reading/) - Newly released benchmarks show that American educational achievement is falling. According to long-term trend scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released last Wednesday, math and reading scores for American 13-year-olds plunged to historically low levels. Reading scores are now lower than at any point in the last 40 years, while math scores
- [New Poll Shows GOP Voter Views on Crime Solutions](https://empowerms.org/new-poll-shows-gop-voter-views-on-crime-solutions/) - While a majority of likely Republican voters in Mississippi have faith in our criminal justice system, they want to see swifter action in catching and prosecuting offenders and, relatedly, they want more police on the streets. Voters overwhelmingly favor these solutions rather than longer sentencing to address the state’s crime rate. Empower Mississippi released these
- [Education Freedom Movement Continues National Momentum](https://empowerms.org/education-freedom-movement-continues-national-momentum/) - Efforts to give parents more control over their children’s education continue to gain momentum across the country. Education freedom is a concept that recognizes that all children are unique, with varying strengths and learning styles, and should have access to an educational setting that best suits their individual needs. It empowers parents with more options
- [No, Conservative Criminal Justice Reforms Have Not Led to Violent Crime Increases](https://empowerms.org/no-conservative-criminal-justice-reforms-have-not-led-to-violent-crime-increases/) - Contrary to some recent assertions, conservative criminal justice reforms have not led to increases in violent crime. We agree with fellow conservatives that criminals should be held accountable for their actions. “Swift and sure” consequences are effective at both prevention and punishment; “catch-and-release” policies are not. We need more police who are well-paid and well-trained,
- [Three Pillars: One Opportunity](https://empowerms.org/three-pillars-one-opportunity/) - I routinely get asked how we at Empower Mississippi selected our three pillars of focus: education, work, and justice. The truth is pretty simple: the Empower board of directors understands that these three challenges are so interconnected that they represent one significant, life-changing opportunity for prosperity, if lawmakers have the courage to act with boldness.
- [A Tale of Two Governors](https://empowerms.org/a-tale-of-two-governors/) - Empowering Parents: State of Urgency or State of Emergency? Is it the best of times, or the worst of times? Depending on your state of residence, current efforts to empower parents with more education options may be considered the best of times or the worst of times. As efforts to give parents and students more
- [Overincarceration is (also) a Problem](https://empowerms.org/overincarceration-is-also-a-problem/) - Mississippi has a crime problem. Conservatives in the state are concerned about it, and rightly so. Last week 7 people were shot in an Ocean Springs restaurant, and 6 others were shot in Bay St. Louis on April 30th. Three people were killed in those incidents. Just yesterday a man was shot and killed in
- [Perjury](https://empowerms.org/perjury/) - There are some moments that truly make you question your sanity, like this past week when Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation for Teachers, the nation’s largest teacher union, testified before Congress that she had worked fervently during the Pandemic to get schools to reopen: “We spent every day from February on trying to get
- [National Crime Victims' Rights Week recognized](https://empowerms.org/national-crime-victims-rights-week-recognized/) - Criminal justice in Mississippi cannot be discussed without recognizing the most important group – victims of the crimes. As we recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we must pause and remember that falling victim to crime is frightening, confusing, and devastating. Government has a role to provide protections against violence for its citizens. In fact,
- [Patrick Miller named Vice President of Development](https://empowerms.org/patrick-miller-named-vice-president-of-development/) - Empower Mississippi CEO Grant Callen announced today that Patrick Miller has been named Vice President of Development for the organization. In this role, Miller will lead Empower’s development team, overseeing all fundraising and stewardship efforts. “Generous Mississippians who financially support Empower are the lifeblood of all we do. Their investments make this work possible,” said
- ['Continuity of Representation' Adopted by the Mississippi Supreme Court](https://empowerms.org/continuity-of-representation-adopted-by-the-mississippi-supreme-court/) - Last year, Empower Mississippi filed a motion with the Mississippi Supreme Court to change the procedure for appointing public defenders. The goal of the motion was to ensure that criminal defendants had continuity of representation to defend their rights throughout criminal proceedings. Today, the Court adopted new language for Mississippi Rule of Criminal Procedure 7.2 to
- [Mississippi Climbs Economic Outlook Rankings in New Report](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-climbs-economic-outlook-rankings-in-new-report/) - In 2022, the Mississippi legislature passed the largest tax cut in state history, and national organizations are taking notice. In a newly released report from Rich States, Poor States, Mississippi ascended the state rankings in both Economic Outlook and Economic Performance. Rich States, Poor States uses a variety of variables to evaluate states’ economic competitiveness
- [Wil Ervin named Senior Vice President of Empower Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/wil-ervin-named-senior-vice-president-of-empower-mississippi/) - Empower Mississippi CEO Grant Callen announced today that Wil Ervin has been named Senior Vice President of the organization. In this role, Ervin will lead Empower’s Advocacy team, which includes public policy, government affairs, and communications. “With nearly a decade of Mississippi policy experience, Wil brings great ideas, policy acumen, and a wealth of trusted
- [Senate bows to public education establishment](https://empowerms.org/senate-bows-to-public-education-establishment/) - A few weeks ago, Governor Tate Reeves appointed Carra Powell to the State Board of Education. Powell is a single mom with two children who graduated—and one more graduating soon—from DeSoto County Public Schools. She has been a member of SouthPoint Church of Southaven for 15 years and she teaches child birthing and parenting classes
- [Education choice leads Ezekiel Andrew McCall to Broadway](https://empowerms.org/education-choice-leads-ezekiel-andrew-mccall-to-broadway/) - Growing up in the small Mississippi Delta town of Itta Bena, Ezekiel Andrew McCall sang. He always sang. His father, Rev. Joe McCall, was a church minister, and the choir was where Ezekiel discovered his passion. “It wasn’t until about 8th or 9th grade when I first began to sing solos,” he said. “I was
- [Senate Education Committee kills nomination of Carra Powell](https://empowerms.org/senate-education-committee-kills-nomination-of-carra-powell/) - Statement from Grant Callen, Founder & CEO of Empower Mississippi, on the decision by the Senate Education Committee to kill the nomination of Carra Powell for the State Board of Education: “Make no mistake, this was a vote against parents, students, and education freedom. Carra Powell was a supremely qualified candidate for the state board
- [Empower releases 2022 annual report](https://empowerms.org/empower-releases-2022-annual-report/) - After two years advocating for comprehensive tax reform, our efforts – along with the tireless work of many others – resulted in the largest tax cut in state history. The Mississippi Tax Freedom Act of 2022 makes our state more competitive and keeps more dollars in the pockets of every citizen; and Empower Mississippi was
- [House passes full expensing bill](https://empowerms.org/house-passes-full-expensing-bill/) - Empower Mississippi CEO Grant Callen commended the Mississippi House of Representatives for passing House Bill 1733, which will provide businesses the ability to deduct the cost of equipment in the year it is put into service. The Senate Finance Committee passed a similar bill today as well, Senate Bill 3101. “This bill will encourage businesses
- [A Tax Cut with No Revenue Loss – and More Jobs](https://empowerms.org/a-tax-cut-with-no-revenue-loss-and-more-jobs/) - Would you believe we can cut taxes in a way that will create more jobs and boost our economy – with no long-term loss of revenue to the state? Normally, when a business buys office supplies, or raw materials for making products, or any other tangible item that will be used up in a short
- [Legislature hits next major deadline](https://empowerms.org/legislature-hits-next-major-deadline/) - On Thursday, the legislature hit their latest major deadline of the session. All “general bills” (the ones that create or change laws) and constitutional amendments had to pass the chamber they originated in. A great deal of the energy so far this session has been focused on the city of Jackson and bills that attempt
- [HB 1173: Teacher supply cards for public charter school teachers](https://empowerms.org/hb-1173-teacher-supply-cards-for-public-charter-school-teachers/) - House Bill 1173, authored by Rep. Richard Bennett, would provide charter school teachers with teacher supply cards. This would be the same debit cards provided to teachers in traditional public schools that help pay for classroom supplies. This simply provides equity to charter school teachers and provides them with the same resources currently available to
- [What’s Still Alive in the Legislature?](https://empowerms.org/whats-still-alive-in-the-legislature/) - Two major deadlines occurred this week that affect legislation. The deadline for filing to run for re-election was Wednesday afternoon, and while that doesn’t directly affect this year’s session, it does indirectly. Some legislators, if they don’t have an opponent, will feel freer to vote how they want to, knowing they won’t be punished at
- [SB 2160: Move Function of Cosmetology and Barber Boards to Health Department](https://empowerms.org/sb-2160-move-function-of-cosmetology-and-barber-boards-to-health-department/) - Senate Bill 2160, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would dissolve the Boards of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and move the operations to the Department of Health. The bill would also provide a pathway to licensure through apprenticeship programs. This bill comes after a scathing PEER report outlined deficiencies within both boards and recommended the change.
- [HB 1150: Permit universities to authorize charter schools](https://empowerms.org/hb-1150-permit-universities-to-authorize-charter-schools/) - House Bill 1150, sponsored by Rep. Randy Boyd, would allow state universities and community colleges to authorize charter schools in Mississippi. Mississippi currently has one charter school authorizer. Since Mississippi’s charter school law passed in 2013, the pace of new schools opening has averaged approximately one per year statewide. Allowing universities or community colleges to
- [HB 1113: Home-based business freedom](https://empowerms.org/hb-1113-home-based-business-freedom/) - House Bill 1113, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, prohibits local governments from restricting home-based occupations. As Mississippi continues to grapple with a stagnant population, one of the brightest areas for potential is home-based businesses. We know that entrepreneurship began to climb at the beginning of the pandemic. But as technology has progressed over the
- [SB 2537: Expand cottage food operators sales cap](https://empowerms.org/sb-2537-expand-cottage-food-operators-sales-cap/) - Senate Bill 2537, sponsored by Sen. Melanie Sojourner, would raise the annual sales cap for cottage food operators from $35,000 to $50,000. Cottage food operators can sell certain allowable non-perishable foods they make in their own kitchen without government inspections while labeling the product as such. They face a number of limitations, such as where
- [SB 2066: Free shampooers to work](https://empowerms.org/sb-2066-free-shampooers-to-work/) - Senate Bill 2066, sponsored by Sen. Angela Hill, would allow shampooers to work without obtaining a time-consuming and irrelevant cosmetology license. Under the proposed legislation, you would be able to shampoo hair after completing 40 hours of training; far less than what is currently required and more in line with neighboring states. Shampooers shampoo and
- [HB 748: The Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-748-the-tim-tebow-act/) - House Bill 748, sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play high school football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [HB 727/ HB 796: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/hb-727-hb-796-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - House Bill 727, authored by Rep. Donnie Scoggin and House Bill 796, authored by Rep. Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes, would provide full practice authority to nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This would exempt nurse practitioners from that requirement after 6,240 hours of practice.
- [SB 2342: Ban the Box for public employees](https://empowerms.org/sb-2342-ban-the-box-for-public-employees/) - Senate Bill 2342, sponsored by Sen. John Horhn, would prohibit public employers from using an applicant’s criminal history as an initial barrier to employment. Birthed in 2004 through the work of All of Us or None, the Ban the Box campaign has been focused on allowing skills and qualifications to be the preliminary deciding factors
- [HB 868: Authorize mobile barbershops ](https://empowerms.org/hb-868-authorize-mobile-barbershops/) - House Bill 868, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Rosebud, would authorize licensed barbers to operate mobile barbershops in the state. Barber regulations in Mississippi, among other things, prevent barbers from operating a mobile barbershop. Mobile barbershops are not a new idea. Over the past decade, entrepreneurial barbers have come up with an idea to bring haircuts
- [HB 722: Decriminalize possession of fentanyl testing strips](https://empowerms.org/hb-722-decriminalize-possession-of-fentanyl-testing-strips/) - House Bill 722, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Bell, decriminalizes fentanyl testing strips. Currently, fentanyl testing strips are categorized as paraphernalia under the Uniformed Control Substance Law, making them illegal to possess. However, testing strips could be used to prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm if they were decriminalized and available. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic
- [HB 668: New pathways to teacher licensure](https://empowerms.org/hb-668-new-pathways-to-teacher-licensure/) - House Bill 668, sponsored by Rep. Charles Busby, would help with Mississippi’s teacher shortages by creating new pathways for qualified professionals who would like to teach in Mississippi’s classrooms. Under the proposed legislation, an individual would be able to receive a teachers license under the nontraditional teaching route if they earned a graduate degree in
- [HB 27: Allow students with dyslexia to receive ESA](https://empowerms.org/hb-27-allow-students-with-dyslexia-to-receive-esa/) - House Bill 27, sponsored by Rep. Larry Byrd, would allow students with a dyslexia diagnosis to be eligible for the education scholarship account program. The program is designed to help students with special needs but it is limited only to students with an Individualized Education Program. This would allow students with dyslexia, who often do
- [SB 2052: Regulatory reduction pilot program](https://empowerms.org/sb-2052-regulatory-reduction-pilot-program/) - Senate Bill 2052, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would require five state agencies to begin a regulatory reduction program over the next three years. It would also prohibit each pilot agency from adopting a new regulation unless they eliminate two or more. Economists have estimated that if regulations had been frozen at 1980s levels, the
- [SB 2796: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/sb-2796-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - Senate Bill 2796, authored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would provide full practice authority to nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Unfortunately, the bill did not survive the legislature's first major deadline on Tuesday, January 31. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This would exempt nurse practitioners from that
- [School Choice Celebration a Success](https://empowerms.org/school-choice-celebration-a-success/) - Over 600 students, teachers, school leaders, parents, elected officials and friends gathered on the steps of the Mississippi State Capitol for the School Choice Celebration,In an age where divisions are everywhere, this positive and uplifting event brings together traditional public school, magnet, charter, private and homeschool students in a beautiful celebration of the diversity of
- [New Report Answers Concerns About Nurse Practitioners](https://empowerms.org/np-report/) - Fears about quality of care are “greatly exaggerated” Empower Mississippi has released a new report, Nurse Practitioners and the Quality of Care, which answers concerns about the quality of care provided by nurse practitioners, and more particularly about the quality of their education. These concerns arise as the legislature considers allowing nurse practitioners to
- [Governor Reeves declares January 22-28 as "School Choice Week"](https://empowerms.org/governor-reeves-declares-january-22-28-as-school-choice-week/) - Gov. Tate Reeves has proclaimed January 22-28, 2023 as “School Choice Week” in the state of Mississippi. He joins other governors and mayors and county leaders nationwide in issuing proclamations. More than 40,000 events have been independently organized across the country for National School Choice Week. This year’s National School Choice Week will be America’s
- [From the football field to the battlefield, Lockridge overcomes drug addiction](https://empowerms.org/from-the-football-field-to-the-battlefield-lockridge-overcomes-drug-addiction/) - Growing up in Tupelo, Dietrich “Big Truck” Lockridge had dreams of playing football in the NFL. On the field at Tupelo High School, Dietrich was named an All American and as a senior the scholarship offers began to roll in. He found himself at Jackson State University where the accolades continued. He was named an
- [How bad is crime in Mississippi?](https://empowerms.org/how-bad-is-crime-in-mississippi/) - The real answer might surprise you. Crime is an important social issue. Criminal acts can spread fear, destroy our sense of justice, lead to impoverishment, and even end lives. Policymakers have an obligation to consider serious solutions that address this issue in Mississippi. But to address any issue, it’s first important to understand the scope
- [Celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day](https://empowerms.org/celebrate-national-law-enforcement-appreciation-day/) - Each January 9, citizens across the country come together to celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The celebration is designed to show support for members of the law enforcement community who have chosen a profession that puts their lives on the line every day. Crime is at the forefront of conversation in Mississippi, and law
- [2022: A Year in Review](https://empowerms.org/2022-a-year-in-review/) - This year is almost in the books and the 2023 Legislation Session will begin next week, but before we say goodbye to 2022 it’s worth reflecting on how much was accomplished this year to create opportunity and help all Mississippians rise. Will you include us in your year-end giving? Give Now. Here are a few
- [Empower releases report on violent crime in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/empower-releases-report-on-violent-crime-in-mississippi/) - Mississippi’s homicide rate is significantly higher than the national average, according to a new analysis of FBI crime data by Empower Mississippi. The overall violent crime rate, however, is lower than the national average and lower than all nearby states. The homicide rate, which is one component of the violent crime rate, jumped 66 percent
- [Mississippi microschools are expanding education options for families](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-microschools-are-expanding-education-options-for-families/) - By Kerry McDonald, State Policy Network Education Policy Fellow When Stephanie Harper decided to open Harper Learning Academy in Byram, Mississippi in August, her goal was to create a small, personalized educational setting in which her daughter would thrive. Conventional classroom environments weren’t a good match for Harper’s child. They also weren’t working well for
- [Microschools take off in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/microschools-take-off-in-mississippi/) - The pandemic and related school closures had a profound impact on education in America that will be the subject of debates and studies for years to come. While most schools in Mississippi were closed for a shorter period of time than other places, the first post-pandemic test scores for all states shows a considerable learning
- [Are our schools doing better or worse?](https://empowerms.org/are-our-schools-doing-better-or-worse/) - We've seen conflicting reports on progress in Mississippi's schools. This week, scores for all states on the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), known as “The Nation’s Report Card,” were released by the U.S. Department of Education. Sadly, the numbers reveal that the academic performance of children across the nation including Mississippi has fallen over
- [Crime spike not due to prison reforms](https://empowerms.org/crime-spike-not-due-to-prison-reforms/) - Suggestions that the recent spike in homicides is due to recent statewide criminal justice reforms are not supported by evidence. The same is true for violent crimes overall. Reductions in incarceration were spurred by legislative reforms in 2014 and 2021, neither of which align with the spike in homicides that started in 2020. The two
- [Mississippi’s regulations lead to fewer jobs, more poverty](https://empowerms.org/mississippis-regulations-lead-to-fewer-jobs-more-poverty-3/) - New data shows that federal regulations have led to more people living in poverty, greater income inequality, fewer businesses, less jobs, and higher prices for consumers in Mississippi. According to the research from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Mississippi has experienced the following regressive effects: 86,135 more people living in poverty Using the federal regulation
- [What charter school rankings really show](https://empowerms.org/what-charter-school-rankings-really-show/) - New school rankings show Leflore Legacy Academy Charter School in Greenwood, in only its second year of operation, was rated higher overall than any middle or junior high school in the Greenwood-Leflore district in the school year that ended in May. Clarksdale Collegiate Charter School had a higher level of reading proficiency than any school
- [Empower reacts to charter board approving only one new charter](https://empowerms.org/empower-reacts-to-charter-board-approving-only-one-new-charter/) - Today, the Mississippi Charter Authorizer Board approved one new charter application and denied four others, including denying a strong application from Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School to open a high school, which would have been the first charter high school opened in the state. The board approved Instant Impact Global Preparatory Charter School which plans
- [Mississippi part of growing flat tax trend](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-part-of-growing-flat-tax-trend/) - Earlier this year, Mississippi lawmakers adopted legislation that will institute a 4 percent flat tax in the state. The Mississippi Tax Freedom Act of 2022 phases in the more than $500 million tax cut over the next four years. In the first year, it eliminates Mississippi’s current 4 percent bracket that currently applies to the
- [Why has charter school progress been slow?](https://empowerms.org/why-has-charter-school-progress-been-slow/) - As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Mississippi approving charter schools, we remain excited for the kids who have been given a new chance, but know progress has been too slow. Earlier this week, the Charter School Authorizer Board gave the green light to one new school, Instant Impact Global Prep in Natchez. This is
- [Lawsuit filed to stop student loan cancellation](https://empowerms.org/lawsuit-filed-to-stop-student-loan-cancellation/) - A month after President Joe Biden announced plans to cancel a substantial portion of student loan debt, a lawsuit has been filed by the Pacific Legal Foundation to block the move. “Congress did not authorize the executive branch to unilaterally cancel student debt,” said Caleb Kruckenberg, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. “It’s flagrantly illegal
- [Life changing reforms are winning the day](https://empowerms.org/life-changing-reforms-are-winning-the-day/) - This week the Empower team was in Atlanta for State Policy Network’s Annual Meeting. SPN works alongside a national network of independent state policy think tanks like Empower to help us connect, share ideas, and get better every year. The Annual Meeting has become the must-attend event for folks in our line of work and is truly
- [Change laws. Change lives.](https://empowerms.org/change-laws-change-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. But sometimes we do. One person at a time. Meet Karrece Stewart Five years ago, Karrece began to see how
- [Baby bust’s effect on public schools](https://empowerms.org/baby-busts-effect-on-public-schools/) - Mississippi public school enrollment is set to steadily shrink. In 2007, Mississippi had 46,455 births, about 127 per day. In 2019 the number had fallen to 36,634, just over 100 per day. Add to that the fact that Mississippi’s public school enrollment declined more than any other state’s since the pandemic began. In the Fall
- [Make it easier for people to work](https://empowerms.org/make-it-easier-for-people-to-work/) - As we prepare for Labor Day weekend and celebrate the achievements of the American worker, it's important to remember both the contributions and ingenuity of the American worker, but also look at areas where the state makes it more difficult for men and women to contribute to society. This is particularly important at a time
- [How the Jackson water shortage happened and how it can be solved](https://empowerms.org/how-the-jackson-water-shortage-happened-and-how-it-can-be-solved/) - On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall, ravaging the Mississippi Gulf Coast with record storm surge. On the 17th anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters in state history, Governor Tate Reeves stepped to a podium this week to announce another water-related disaster. The governor’s message: The City of Jackson’s Public Water System (“PWS”) had
- [Canceling student loan debt](https://empowerms.org/canceling-student-loan-debt/) - It is widely anticipated that President Biden will announce a plan today to forgive a considerable portion of student loan debt in the U.S. Early reports indicate that: Individuals earning under $125,000 with federal student loans will receive $10,000 in loan forgiveness. Married couples earning under $250,000 with federal student loans will receive $20,000 in
- [Mississippi receives top marks for driver’s license policies](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-receives-top-marks-for-drivers-license-policies/) - While Mississippi often ranks near the bottom of the country in important rankings, a review of the state’s criminal justice policies places the state near the top in one category. Grading Justice, which reviews 15 issues related to the state’s criminal justice system, gives Mississippi a grade of ‘A’ for the freedom to drive. The
- [National media butchers Mississippi Highway Patrol story](https://empowerms.org/national-media-butchers-mississippi-highway-patrol-story/) - Last week, a video of an altercation between a Mississippi Highway Patrol officer and a citizen in McComb went viral. The short clip showed a patrolman, Hayden Falvey, tackling a cuffed Eugene Lewis into a ditch. Falvey is white. Lewis is African American. The video quickly made its way to national media outlets, with suggestions
- [Time for a better trade-off on K-12 testing](https://empowerms.org/time-for-a-better-trade-off-on-k-12-testing/) - Economist Thomas Sowell once noted that there are no solutions; there are only trade-offs. “You try to get the best trade-off you can get; that's all you can hope for.” Decades after the launch of the systemized standardized testing in K-12 education, here is my reflection on whether we have the best trade-off available. A
- [Inflation cools while food prices surge](https://empowerms.org/inflation-cools-while-food-prices-surge/) - Americans are deeply concerned about inflation and risks facing our economy. Poll after poll shows it is the number one issue heading into midterm elections. And July's "break" in steadily-increasing inflation won't assuage those fears. Inflation reached 9.1% in June, but came in cooler than expected at 8.5% in July. Food prices, however, surged 13.1%.
- [Mississippi law allows for seizure of private property – without a criminal conviction](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-law-allows-for-seizure-of-private-property-without-a-criminal-conviction/) - A little-known provision in Mississippi law allows for state and local agencies to seize private property. The process, referred to as civil asset forfeiture, is advertised as a way to deprive drug dealers and criminals of their ill-gotten gains, but the truth is deeper than that. While it’s true that civil asset forfeiture allows for
- [More states adopt full practice authority](https://empowerms.org/more-states-adopt-full-practice-authority/) - While Mississippi continues to sit on the sidelines, two very different states chose to expand health care access by providing nurse practitioners with full practice authority. New York and Kanas recently granted full practice authority to nurse practitioners just days apart from each other. New York and Kansas add to the total of 26 states
- [5 ways to expand school choice in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/5-ways-to-expand-school-choice-in-mississippi/) - A year after West Virginia adopted the most expansive school choice program in the nation, Arizona – which has been a longtime leader in school choice – followed suit. The landmark legislation recently signed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey ensures that all K-12 students in the state have access to scholarship funds to access the education that
- [Bringing Business Home](https://empowerms.org/bringing-business-home/) - Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan since House Speaker Newt Gingrich did so 25 years ago. Her visit highlights a conflict between Taiwan and China decades in the making. The stakes are high. When China fell to communism, the ruling regime at the time found refuge in Taiwan. The U.S. backed
- [Arizona’s rural charter school experience shows that fortune favors the bold](https://empowerms.org/arizonas-rural-charter-school-experience-shows-that-fortune-favors-the-bold/) - My father grew up in Gulfport, my parents met as Ole Miss students, and I have lived in Arizona since 2003. Arizona has been and remains the top state for school choice policies for decades. Given this background I’ll offer up what I hope will be a useful comparison between Mississippi and Arizona, focusing on
- [The next evolution of drug courts in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/the-next-evolution-of-drug-courts-in-mississippi/) - Drug courts have existed in Mississippi since the 1990s. The idea emerged as an alternative criminal justice intervention for people dealing with addiction. Although the traditional approach was to sentence drug users to prison, drug courts instead allow participants to remain at home while completing drug treatment programs. Drug courts usually incorporate frequent meetings with
- [Mississippi is the most regulated state in the Southeast](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-is-the-most-regulated-state-in-the-southeast/) - Believe it or not, Mississippi is the most regulated state in the South. And this isn't just a talking point. Economists have estimated that if regulations had been frozen at 1980s levels, the U.S. economy would be over $4 trillion larger than it currently is. That’s over $13,000 for every man, woman, and child in
- [Search for a new Superintendent of Education](https://empowerms.org/search-for-a-new-superintendent-of-education/) - On June 30, Dr. Carey Wright's tenure as the State Superintendent of Education in Mississippi drew to a close. Her nine years in the post were marked both by controversies and real gains in educational achievement. Now, the State Board of Education is facing the most important task any board faces, finding a new leader.
- [Paving the way for thousands to work](https://empowerms.org/paving-the-way-for-thousands-to-work/) - In 2004, a hair braider from Tupelo named Melony Armstrong brought a lawsuit against the state of Mississippi over irrelevant and unnecessary licensing requirements. Nearly two decades later, there are more than 6,700 braiders in Mississippi. Why did Melony take this path? At the time, Melony was working for other people and she decided she
- [Setting Mississippi teachers and families free](https://empowerms.org/setting-mississippi-teachers-and-families-free/) - Leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi showed remarkable improvement on National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which is known as the “Nation’s Report Card.” This included the highest improvement in the country on several measures. That improvement gives the state the chance to overcome its reputation as the least educated state in America. Sadly,
- [Body cams can protect both the public and law enforcement](https://empowerms.org/body-cams-can-protect-both-the-public-and-law-enforcement/) - Recent news reports of shooting across the country have shocked the public. While Americans have unfortunately become accustomed to some of these scenes, revelations about the law enforcement response to the shooting in Uvalde, Texas have sparked unique outrage. These events have caused policymakers to once again discuss the topic of body cameras as a
- [The Good, Bad & Ugly of Inflation](https://empowerms.org/the-good-bad-ugly-of-inflation/) - Americans are deeply concerned about inflation and risks facing our economy. Poll after poll shows it is the number one issue heading into midterm elections. This morning's released report on inflation (CPI) won't assuage those fears. Experts had estimated that June's inflation number would come in at 8.8%, meaning that's how much consumer prices increased
- [The Supreme Court returned control to the citizens](https://empowerms.org/the-supreme-court-returned-control-to-the-citizens/) - From assassination attempts to protests in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, there was a lot of emotion stemming from decisions made by the Court this term. But regardless of your take on a specific issue, the valuable – and correct interpretation – is that the Court removed power from the courts and
- [Arizona adopts massive school choice expansion](https://empowerms.org/arizona-adopts-massive-school-choice-expansion/) - Arizona just passed sweeping legislation to empower parents and fund students. The new legislation is the most expansive school choice program in the country. Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) programs date back a decade in Arizona. And under the new bill, the ESA program will now be available to more than one million students. The current
- [Lynn Fitch lends her voice for empowering parents](https://empowerms.org/lynn-fitch-lends-her-voice-for-empowering-parents/) - Attorney General Lynn Fitch recently commended a Supreme Court decision regarding a Maine school choice program and outlined her support for education dollars following students. “This is not only a victory for religious liberty, but also for parents who should be able to direct their children’s education without government interference.” said Fitch, “This opinion will have
- [What impact will tax reform have on you?](https://empowerms.org/what-impact-will-tax-reform-have-on-you/) - Contrary to a front-page story in a major Mississippi newspaper, the phase-down of Mississippi income taxes will not begin until January of next year. The new law setting that phase-down in motion technically took effect July 1, the usual date each year for new laws to actually become law. But changes in tax laws usually
- [Income tax cut, teacher pay raise highlight new laws that went into effect Friday](https://empowerms.org/income-tax-cut-teacher-pay-raise-highlight-new-laws-that-went-into-effect-friday/) - Highlighted by the largest tax cut in state history, a number of bills that were adopted earlier this year became law on Friday. House Bill 531, the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act of 2022, phases in the more than $500 million tax cut over the next four years. In the first year, it eliminates Mississippi’s current
- [Finding Meaning in Independence Day](https://empowerms.org/finding-meaning-in-independence-day/) - There’s nothing more American than July 4th. The burgers. The watermelon. The fireworks. As a kid, my mom’s entire family would gather at my great grandparents’ house for barbecue and seafood before making our way, down Ballentine Street in Bay Saint Louis, for some time at the beach which would lead to rockets lighting up
- [How does Mississippi’s cottage food law compare to others?](https://empowerms.org/how-does-mississippis-cottage-food-law-compare-to-others/) - All 50 states now allow the sale of home-baked foods to the public. At least to a certain extent. Mississippi has had a cottage food law for a number of years, and made it slightly better two years ago, but trails many other states – including all neighboring states – when it comes to freedom
- [U.S. Supreme Court Delivers Win for Parents](https://empowerms.org/u-s-supreme-court-delivers-win-for-parents/) - Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced a landmark decision. No, not that one. The Court’s eagerly anticipated decision in the Dobbs case—one that will determine if Roe v. Wade is still good law—will have to wait another week, or maybe two. But while the world waits to learn the fate of abortion restrictions in America,
- [Supreme Court rules in favor of coach](https://empowerms.org/supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-coach/) - The Supreme Court ruled that a school district in Washington was wrong to fire a football coach for quietly praying on the field after games. It began in 2008 when Bremerton High School football coach Joseph Kennedy started a tradition of kneeling down to pray after football games. What started as a personal and private
- [Re-entry as a path to second chances](https://empowerms.org/reentry-as-a-path-to-second-chances/) - Re-entry provides a path to second chances and is one of the key pillars of the criminal justice system. These types of programs give former offenders opportunities to find fulfillment through work. Finding value in work helps reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety. However, finding meaningful work outside of prison comes with its own set
- [New law gives employers in Mississippi more options](https://empowerms.org/new-law-gives-employers-in-mississippi-more-options/) - A new law passed by the Mississippi legislature aims to give Mississippi employers more options when employing people on community supervision. Data from the Mississippi Department of Corrections indicates that over 20,000 people in Mississippi are on some form of community supervision. This includes people on parole, probation, and house arrest. Most supervision arrangements require
- [The dignity of work](https://empowerms.org/the-dignity-of-work/) - Through work, we not only contribute to the community and meet personal needs, but also gain a sense of fulfillment. No matter what view you have of the working world, most would agree that humans were not created to be stagnant. We constantly busy ourselves; whether that be in work, academics, or family; seeking to
- [Shampooers don't need 1,000 hours of training](https://empowerms.org/shampooers-dont-need-1000-hours-of-training/) - It takes 1,000 hours of training before you can professionally shampoo hair in Mississippi. Shampooers shampoo and rinse consumers’ hair in a beauty parlor. They perform fewer services than a cosmetologist, but work alongside them. Currently, just 7 states require a specific license to be able to work as a shampooer, and 30 more require
- [Scapegoating prevents a return to fiscal sanity](https://empowerms.org/scapegoating-prevents-a-return-to-fiscal-sanity/) - Scapegoats are popular in modern politics. Consider America’s current experience with inflation. When President Biden took office, the consumer price index was 1.4 percent, year-over-year. Since his inauguration, that number has climbed to 8.6 percent. The Biden administration has been reluctant to own the problem, recently turning Vladimir Putin into its own scapegoat with a
- [Reeves signs historic tax reform](https://empowerms.org/reeves-signs-historic-tax-reform/) - Gov. Tate Reeves has signed the largest tax cut in Mississippi history. House Bill 531, the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act of 2022, phases in the more than $500 million tax cut over the next four years. In the first year, it would eliminate Mississippi’s current 4 percent bracket that currently applies to the first $5,000
- [Overcoming poverty with the Success Sequence](https://empowerms.org/overcoming-poverty-with-the-success-sequence/) - For many years, the Success Sequence – graduate from high school, work full time, and don’t have kids until you’re married – has been identified as the tool to escape poverty and live a life free of poverty. That’s because, it is. Backed by new data, the formula adopted by Brookings Institute scholars, now shows
- [Fostering innovation in education](https://empowerms.org/fostering-innovation-in-education/) - At Unleash Mississippi, a panel focused on fostering innovation in the classroom talked about what we can do to better our local school systems in order for every child to have access to quality education. Panelists included Scott Waller of Mississippi Economic Council, Dr. Donna Akers of Ivy Greene Academy, and Dr. Lee Childress of
- [Empower hosts 2022 Unleash Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/empower-hosts-2022-unleash-mississippi/) - Empower Mississippi hosted the second-annual Unleash Mississippi on Thursday as state leaders and policy experts shared ideas on the most pressing issues in Mississippi. Unleash included interviews with Gov. Tate Reeves, Speaker Philip Gunn, and Sen. Briggs Hopson, as well as panels with experts on preparing Mississippi's students for the future, protecting public safety and
- [Protecting public safety and providing second chances](https://empowerms.org/protecting-public-safety-and-providing-second-chances/) - At Unleash Mississippi, a panel focused on protecting public safety and providing second chances talked about what we can do to keep our communities safe while ensuring those who leave prison after prepared for life when they are released. Panelists included Alesha Judkins of FWD.us, Scott Peyton of Right on Crime, and Rankin County Sheriff
- [The road from Canada to Clinton](https://empowerms.org/the-road-from-canada-to-clinton/) - So why would I leave the northern lights of Canada for the Natchez Trace running through Mississippi? While most international students choose larger metropolitan cities to pursue work and education, I found the smaller town of Clinton, Mississippi better fit for me. Over my past three years of attending Mississippi College, I have been able
- [Empower to host Unleash Mississippi with state leaders, national policy experts](https://empowerms.org/empower-to-host-unleash-mississippi-with-state-leaders-national-policy-experts/) - Empower Mississippi will host the second annual Unleash Mississippi to provide a solutions-centered discussion among state leaders and policy experts on the biggest challenges in Mississippi. The event will be held on June 2 at the Civil Rights Museum beginning at 1 p.m. It will include discussions with Gov. Tate Reeves, Speaker Philip Gunn, Sen.
- [How Good Samaritan Laws can curb overdose deaths](https://empowerms.org/how-good-samaritan-laws-can-curb-overdose-deaths/) - In 2021, the United States recorded a grim record – over 100,000 drug overdose deaths, the most ever. Mississippi has seen its fair share, with regular reports of tragic overdose deaths in communities across the state. Many of these overdoses are attributed to fentanyl, a potent opioid that can result in overdose in very low
- [Mississippi's occupational regulation burden](https://empowerms.org/mississippis-occupational-regulation-burden/) - Mississippi requires licenses for 66 of the 102 professions that do not require a traditional 4-year college degree. From 1993 to 2012, Mississippi added licensing requirements for 49 professions, which was 18 above the national average. This ranks Mississippi as the 15th most widely licensed state. Around 19 percent of workers in the state are
- [Prison work initiatives alone aren’t enough](https://empowerms.org/prison-work-initiatives-alone-arent-enough/) - The Mississippi Department of Corrections recently promoted their efforts to offer job training to people incarcerated in the state through a mobile welding program. A bill passed by the legislature this year aims to expand these offerings as well by creating a pilot work initiative at the state’s largest prison. These programs represent a broader
- [Remembering Officer Langley](https://empowerms.org/remembering-officer-langley/) - I was a senior at Ole Miss when University of Mississippi Police Officer Robert Langley was dragged to his death while attempting to pull over a student. To say it sent shockwaves through a close-knit college community that is often isolated from matters like this would be an understatement. I vividly remember buckets being passed
- [Honoring Fallen Officers](https://empowerms.org/honoring-fallen-officers/) - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy declared this week ‘National Police Week,’ in honor of those officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. There are many who deserve that honor in Mississippi. As a state, we have experienced 324 law enforcement deaths in the line of duty since records have been
- [A new solution to help address crime in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/a-new-solution-to-help-address-crime-in-mississippi/) - Recent stories of crime in Jackson have dominated local media coverage in Mississippi, sparking conversations about how to address these issues. Diversion programs, a new solution that has been pioneered in other states, could provide an additional tool to combat crime in the Magnolia State. The term “diversion program” can refer to several different types
- [DOJ releases report on state prisons: What’s next?](https://empowerms.org/doj-releases-report-on-state-prisons-whats-next/) - A two-plus year investigation that began under the Trump administration has resulted in a scathing report from the Department of Justice on the status of Mississippi prisons. Empower Fellow J. Robertson talked about what was in this report and what it means for the state:
- [Job openings hit record high](https://empowerms.org/job-openings-hit-record-high/) - There are now twice as many job openings as there are job seekers across the country while Mississippi continues to suffer from the lowest workforce participation rate in the country. The latest news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows 11.5 million jobs available in March, up slightly from 11.3 million in February. This represents
- [Mississippi mourns the loss of Wirt A. Yerger, Jr.](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-mourns-the-loss-of-wirt-a-yerger-jr/) - Today Mississippi lost a giant of a man – my friend, political mentor, and early Empower Mississippi board member – Wirt A. Yerger, Jr. His accomplishments are well documented and I encourage you to read his obituary here. Many know Mr. Yerger as the father of the Mississippi Republican Party. He was fiercely committed to
- [Teachers Deserve Appreciation](https://empowerms.org/teachers-deserve-appreciation/) - This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s well deserved. Mississippi’s educators play a pivotal role in shaping our future every day in their classrooms and communities. As the father of two young children at a Mississippi public school, I see that dedication first hand. My son’s teacher, Mrs. Taylor, and my daughter’s teacher, Mrs. Dell,
- [Does occupational licensing protect the public?](https://empowerms.org/does-occupational-licensing-protect-the-public-2/) - Despite the costs associated with occupational licensing, it still may be the appropriate level of regulation. Occupational licensing exists to ensure quality of service and protect health and safety. In some cases, the benefits of properly designed licensing regulations may outweigh the costs. But any analysis will require an estimation of the effect of licensing
- [Elon to the rescue....](https://empowerms.org/elon-to-the-rescue/) - It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Elon Musk? Not too long ago we learned that Musk, the enigmatic CEO of Tesla, had gone from being a Twitter provocateur to its largest shareholder. Discussions followed on whether he should receive a board seat. Instead, he just decided to buy the whole company for a whopping
- [News laws make it easier to find and keep employment](https://empowerms.org/news-laws-make-it-easier-to-find-and-keep-employment/) - Over the past month, Gov. Tate Reeves has signed three bills that will make it easier for those leaving prison to maintain employment. Senate Bill 2437, authored by Senate Corrections Chairman Juan Barnett, will allow for the creation of a pilot program at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF). Located in Rankin County, CMCF houses
- [Thigpen named Senior Advisor at Empower](https://empowerms.org/thigpen-named-senior-advisor-at-empower/) - Empower Mississippi welcomes Forest Thigpen to its growing team. In his capacity as Senior Advisor, Forest will play a critical role in strategy development, public policy research and advocacy, government relations, and community engagement. “We’re thrilled to have someone with Forest’s knowledge, integrity, and credibility join the Empower team. No one has more public policy
- [Alternatives to occupational licensing](https://empowerms.org/alternatives-to-occupational-licensing/) - Although it has become the default, occupational licensing is not the only form of regulation that can be used to ensure the quality of services. Policymakers have a range of alternatives that can be tailored to the specific harms licensing is currently being used to address. Occupational licensing is a blunt instrument with substantial costs
- [How the Mississippi School Finder can help you make school decisions this year](https://empowerms.org/how-the-mississippi-school-finder-can-help-you-make-school-decisions-this-year/) - You are not alone in your school search. The Mississippi School Finder is an online tool that empowers families with the information necessary to make school choices. Not only does it provide relevant, up-to-date information about schools and communities to help you compare options, but it allows you to customize your school search and gain
- [Mississippi on verge of regaining all jobs lost](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-on-verge-of-regaining-all-jobs-lost/) - Two years later, Mississippi is on pace to become the 12th state to regain jobs lost since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. As of the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Mississippi is down just 200 jobs. Neighboring Arkansas has seen among the strongest growth, a change of +1%. Tennessee is
- [Bringing an “Intense Emerald Green” to Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/bringing-an-intense-emerald-green-to-mississippi/) - During the filming of the American film classic Oh Brother Where Art Thou? Mississippi locations were, according to Joel Coen, "greener than Ireland, an intense emerald green" completely at odds with the brothers' desired look for the finished film. They used digital techniques to take the green out. In Census data on population trends, it
- [The growth of occupational licensing](https://empowerms.org/the-growth-of-occupational-licensing/) - Occupational licensing laws are passed by states, setting minimum standards for workers to enter a profession. These required qualifications include education, training, job experience, exams, and fees. Occupational licensing can be thought of as a permission slip from the government to work, because it is illegal to practice without first meeting the requirements and obtaining
- [An antidote to interest groups: sunrise review](https://empowerms.org/an-antidote-to-interest-groups-sunrise-review/) - Occupational licensing has grown in recent decades. As recently as the 1950s, just 5 percent of workers needed a license to work. It was saved for professions like physicians, dentists, and lawyers. But from 1993 to 2012 Mississippi licensed 49 separate professions that do not require a traditional 4-year degree, which is more than almost
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 13 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-13-recap/) - The story of the week, and of the session, was agreement between the House and Senate on income tax reform. While both chambers started in vastly different places at the beginning of the session, lawmakers sent Gov. Tate Reeves tax relief that will eliminate the 4 percent income tax bracket in year one, which is
- [Empower releases video on tax reform](https://empowerms.org/empower-releases-video-on-tax-reform/) - As the Mississippi legislature adopts the largest tax cut in state history, Empower Mississippi has released a video explaining the tax reform changes. The new law phases in the more than $500 million tax cut over the next four years. In the first year, it would eliminate Mississippi’s current 4 percent bracket that currently applies
- [We must support and encourage the free exchange of ideas](https://empowerms.org/we-must-support-and-encourage-the-free-exchange-of-ideas/) - It is a good thing when we are exposed to multiple points of view. And a bill moving in the legislature will ensure that freedom is honored and not restricted by your local school. House Bill 1416, sponsored by Rep. Kent McCarty, guarantees that public school students may engage in political activities or political or
- [New prison work initiative could be coming to Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/new-prison-work-initiative-could-be-coming-to-mississippi/) - The Mississippi legislature is currently considering a bill that would authorize the creation of a new work initiative in the state’s prisons. Senate Bill 2437, authored by Senate Corrections Chairman Juan Barnett, would allow the creation of a pilot program at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF). Located in Rankin County, CMCF houses over 3,800
- [Mississippi considers easing restrictions on employees](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-considers-easing-restrictions-on-employees/) - Every month, tens of thousands of Mississippians are required by the government to travel to a meeting with their parole or probation agent. For those who are working, this requirement can get in the way of earning a living. The legislature is considering a measure that would remove this requirement for people who are employed.
- [House and Senate Leaders Reach Historic Tax Cut Deal](https://empowerms.org/house-and-senate-leaders-reach-historic-tax-cut-deal/) - House and Senate conferees have reached a deal to provide Mississippians with the largest tax cut in the state’s history over the next four years. The agreement phases in the more than $500 million tax cut over the next four years. In the first year, it would eliminate Mississippi’s current 4 percent bracket that currently
- [Legislature sends tax relief bill to governor](https://empowerms.org/legislature-sends-tax-relief-bill-to-governor/) - A day after the House and Senate leaders came to an agreement on a tax relief proposal, both chambers overwhelmingly voted for the bill today. House Bill 531, the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act of 2022, will lower the top marginal income tax rate from 5 percent to 4 percent over the next four years. The
- [Gov. Reeves enters the field with bold plan to eliminate income tax](https://empowerms.org/gov-reeves-enters-the-field-with-bold-plan-to-eliminate-income-tax/) - With just three days to go before a final deadline to agree to a tax reform proposal in this legislative session, Gov. Tate Reeves has proposed a plan to fully eliminate the income tax within eight years. Under Reeves’ proposal, Mississippi would create a flat tax of 3.5 percent in the first year of the
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 12 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-12-recap/) - Income tax relief/ repeal efforts continue to drive the story as lawmakers face a Saturday deadline for action to keep either the House or Senate vehicles alive. Last week, we saw both chambers move toward the other in amending the proposals that were in front of each body. But, as has been happening a lot
- [Clock is ticking for Mississippi legislature](https://empowerms.org/clock-is-ticking-for-mississippi-legislature/) - The 2022 legislative session is headed down the home stretch with several major pieces of legislation hanging in the balance. Among the big items still to be resolved in the next week and a half are legislative redistricting, passing a spending plan for the $1.8 billion in federal funds allocated to Mississippi by Congress under
- [House adopts latest income tax repeal proposal](https://empowerms.org/house-adopts-latest-income-tax-repeal-proposal/) - As we get to the last few days of the session, the House is bringing forward a new proposal to eliminate the income tax. The newest proposal is a $100 million buy down of the income tax rate until it has been eliminated. Speaker of the House Philip Gunn noted that is 1.5 cents on
- [States with lowest taxes are growing](https://empowerms.org/states-with-lowest-taxes-are-growing/) - A new report details how states with the best individual tax climate are also growing at among the fastest clips in the nation. Unfortunately for Mississippi, the state doesn’t rank highly and it, not shockingly, continues to lose population. The Tax Foundation individual income tax component of their 2022 State Business Tax Climate ranks Alaska,
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 11 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-11-recap/) - The House and Senate wrapped up another week and will be in town for just two more weeks. The biggest story of the week was each chamber working to keep income tax relief alive. Under the proposal adopted by the House, Senate Bill 3164 has been amended to include an income tax phase-out without a
- [Senate adopts their own tax relief proposal](https://empowerms.org/senate-adopts-their-own-tax-relief-proposal/) - A month after the Mississippi House advanced a plan to eliminate the income tax, the Mississippi Senate has passed a smaller package of tax cuts. Senate Bill 3164, which cleared the Senate today, will phase out the 4 percent tax bracket, lower grocery taxes to 5 percent, offer a $3.50-$5 break on car tags, and
- [States continue to reduce taxes](https://empowerms.org/states-continue-to-reduce-taxes/) - States have not slowed down in their quest to lower tax rates a year after we saw a dozen states take action. The latest is Iowa, which will drastically reduce its top income tax rate from 8.53 percent, one of the highest rates in the country, to a 3.9 percent flat rate by 2026. Here's
- [Business leaders call for income tax repeal](https://empowerms.org/business-leaders-call-for-income-tax-repeal/) - A large group of business leaders sent a letter to Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, and Speaker Philip Gunn calling for income tax repeal yesterday. "As business leaders, we recognize the economic challenges facing our state, many of which have persisted for generations. To leap forward, we need a bold paradigm shift—one that
- [Where does income tax repeal stand?](https://empowerms.org/where-does-income-tax-repeal-stand/) - The legislature now has 3 weeks left on the calendar, with a considerable amount of work left before Sine Die. No bill is bigger – or more significant and impactful – than efforts to repeal the income tax. Here is where things stand. Back in early January, the House passed out a plan to immediately
- [House and Senate keep income tax relief alive](https://empowerms.org/house-keeps-income-tax-repeal-alive/) - Today, both the House and Senate amended income tax proposals, keeping them alive as the session continues. In the House of Representatives, the House Ways & Means Committee amended Senate Bill 3164 to include an income tax phase-out without a sales tax offset. In exchange for not including an offset in sales tax, the amount
- [House and Senate keep income tax relief alive](https://empowerms.org/house-and-senate-keep-income-tax-relief-alive/) - Both the House and Senate advanced amended tax relief proposals this week, keeping the issue alive as lawmakers near the end of the session. “To the credit of both the House and Senate, each side moved closer to the other,” Russ Latino, president of Empower Mississippi said. “They could have easily inserted their original language
- [Major changes to tax plans in both chambers](https://empowerms.org/major-changes-to-tax-plans-in-both-chambers/) - Both the House and Senate were busy advancing heavily amended tax relief proposals in advance of yesterday’s deadline for action. Both chambers voluntarily moved closer to each other, though the chasm between the two is still wide with only a few weeks left in session. On Monday, the House took Senate Bill 3164 and inserted
- [Indiana drops income tax to under 3%](https://empowerms.org/indiana-drops-income-tax-to-under-3/) - Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed legislation that will drop Indiana’s flat income tax to under 3 percent. The state’s current 3.23 percent rate will gradually drop to 2.9 percent over a period of seven years. Indiana already had one of the lowest income tax rates in the country. They will soon have the lowest
- [Legislature considering Reentry Courts: What are they?](https://empowerms.org/legislature-considering-reentry-courts-what-are-they/) - The Mississippi legislature is currently considering a measure that would allow the creation of Reentry Courts in Mississippi. The bill, SB 2584, is titled the Reentry Court Act of 2022 and would allow for the creation of pilot projects throughout the state. What Are Reentry Courts? Many people are familiar with Drug Courts, a concept
- [Senate advances gas tax moratorium](https://empowerms.org/senate-advances-gas-tax-moratorium/) - As gas prices reach record levels in Mississippi, and across the nation, the Senate has advanced a six-month moratorium on the state's tax on gas purchases. According to AAA, as of today, the national average for regular unleaded is $4.31. In Mississippi, it's $3.99. A year ago, the average price was $2.55 in Mississippi and
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 10 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-10-recap/) - Another week, another deadline for the state legislature. Wednesday was the deadline for general bills that passed out of one chamber to clear off the floor in the other chamber. At this point, those bills passed the second chamber without an amendment and are headed to the governor, or they are being returned to the
- [Ukrainian Courage](https://empowerms.org/ukrainian-courage/) - “It’s very serious. It’s not a movie…I’m not iconic, I think Ukraine is iconic.” - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky I was born in 1983, so I narrowly squeezed into the generation we call Millennials. Millennials are between ages 26 and 41 now and are often seen by older generations as soft, lazy snowflakes. We’re the
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 9 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-9-recap/) - The legislature continued to work on their calendar with their latest deadline for committees to pass out bills originating in the other chamber. That means all bills that passed the House had to pass out of the committee they were referred to in the Senate, and vice versa. As usual, many more bills died as
- [Fund the Police](https://empowerms.org/fund-the-police/) - On Tuesday, President Joe Biden used the stage of the State of the Union to declare that we should be funding the police. “We should all agree the answer is not to defund the police. It’s to fund the police,” Biden said. “Fund them with resources and training, resources and training they need they need to protect their
- [State of the Union? We need good policy and strong leadership.](https://empowerms.org/state-of-the-union-we-need-good-policy-and-strong-leadership/) - President Joe Biden stepped to the well of the U.S. House of Representatives last night to deliver the annual State of the Union. Most years, the State of the Union serves as an opportunity for the president to share the accomplishments of his administration and to advocate for an agenda. The message last night largely
- [Supporting the Rule of Law: A Framework for Addressing Crime in Jackson](https://empowerms.org/supporting-the-rule-of-law-a-framework-for-addressing-crime-in-jackson/) - “No one is above the law.” This common refrain illustrates the importance of one of America’s most important founding principles: the rule of law. Since its founding, the United States distinguished itself among nations by adhering to the rule of law, as opposed to the rule of men. Today, in cities across America, the rule
- [Yes, we can afford to eliminate the income tax](https://empowerms.org/yes-we-can-afford-to-eliminate-the-income-tax/) - The number one question we receive about proposals to eliminate the income tax is whether the state can afford to do so. What people generally mean when they ask that question is whether the tax could be eliminated in such a way as to not negatively impact core functions of government. As I hope to
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 8 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-8-recap/) - The legislature dealt with the deadline to move on appropriations and revenue bills this week, which was highlighted by the Senate’s tax relief proposal. Senate Bill 3146 passed the Senate on Wednesday. The proposal would phase out the 4 percent tax bracket, lower grocery taxes to 5 percent, offer a $3.50-$5 break on car tags,
- [Another path to income tax repeal](https://empowerms.org/another-path-to-income-tax-repeal/) - In the classic children's story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the title character finds herself in a situation of testing three bowls of porridge, three chairs, and three beds to find the one that works for her. One bowl of porridge is too hot, one too cold. One chair is too big, one chair is
- [Empower releases new video as part of income tax elimination campaign](https://empowerms.org/empower-releases-new-video-as-part-of-income-tax-elimination-campaign/) - Empower Mississippi released a new video that is running on social media in support of income tax repeal proposals moving in the legislature. Under House Bill 531, the mechanism for repeal begins by raising the personal exemptions to $37,700 for single workers and $75,400 for married workers. The remainder of the income tax elimination would
- [Income tax repeal moves in the House](https://empowerms.org/income-tax-repeal-moves-in-the-house/) - The House of Representatives has not stopped its pursuit to eliminate the income tax in Mississippi. Yesterday, the House of Representatives released a new proposal to eliminate the income tax. Shortly after its introduction, the bill passed out of the Ways and Means committee with action on the House floor expected soon. Like last year’s
- [HB 531: Mississippi Tax Freedom Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-531-mississippi-tax-freedom-act/) - House Bill 531, sponsored by Speaker Philip Gunn, seeks to eliminate the income tax in Mississippi. Like last year’s bill, the mechanism for eliminating the income tax begins with increasing the tax exemption available to Mississippians. For single workers, the exemption would go up from $6,000 under current law to $37,700. For married workers, the
- [House advances income tax repeal](https://empowerms.org/house-advances-income-tax-repeal/) - The Mississippi House of Representatives has again advanced legislation designed to eliminate the income tax in Mississippi. Today, House Bill 531, sponsored by Speaker Philip Gunn, passed the House and will soon head to the Senate for consideration. “Our research, which included dynamic modeling by a Ph.D. economist at Rice University, shows the potential of profoundly
- [Population movement tells us a story](https://empowerms.org/population-movement-tells-us-a-story/) - While most of the South experienced large population gains last year, Mississippi continues to be on the wrong side of population changes. According to new Census data from July 1, 2020 through July 1, 2021, a net of 4,246 Mississippians moved to other states. When we factor in natural causes (births and deaths), that loss
- [Income tax elimination would benefit Mississippi seniors](https://empowerms.org/income-tax-elimination-would-benefit-mississippi-seniors/) - Mississippi seniors have a good thing going. Income tax elimination would benefit the overwhelming majority of seniors even more—yes, even income tax elimination that involves partial offsets of the tax cut with sales tax. Here’s how. Mississippi routinely rates as one of the most friendly states for retirees for two primary reasons. First, Mississippi has
- [Teachers would benefit from income tax elimination](https://empowerms.org/teachers-would-benefit-from-income-tax-elimination/) - On the morning after the Mississippi House of Representatives passed both a landmark income tax elimination and a landmark teacher pay raise, I rolled out of bed, picked up my phone, and was confronted by an ad from a special interest group that purports to represent parents with kids in public schools. This ad suggested
- [Leading Conservative and Business Organizations Call for Income Tax Elimination](https://empowerms.org/leading-conservative-and-business-organizations-call-for-income-tax-elimination/) - As lawmakers consider proposals to eliminate Mississippi’s income tax, nine conservative and business organizations penned a letter to Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Speaker Philip Gunn, and members of the legislature in support. “Empower is proud to join with leading national and state conservative and small business organizations in calling for the elimination
- [How would income tax repeal impact you?](https://empowerms.org/how-would-income-tax-repeal-impact-mississippians/) - The Mississippi House of Representatives has adopted legislation designed to eliminate the state’s income tax. How does it work? In year one of the plan, the exemption available to income tax filers would go up to $37,700 for single filers and $75,400 for married filers. This means that for most Mississippi workers, the income tax
- [Reeves reiterates call for income tax elimination](https://empowerms.org/reeves-reiterates-call-for-income-tax-elimination/) - Gov. Tate Reeves called for a bold vision in his push for elimination of the income tax during his annual State of the State address tonight. “We also need to consider how to attract those companies and economic projects that transform communities—create generational wealth and lift families out of poverty,” Reeves said. “This does not
- [Comparing House and Senate tax proposals](https://empowerms.org/comparing-house-and-senate-tax-proposals/) - For the last year or so, the state of Mississippi has been abuzz with the idea of eliminating the income tax. Gov. Tate Reeves has named it a top priority. The Mississippi House of Representatives has twice passed a proposal to do so and we have explained and evaluated the impact of the most recent
- [Talking House and Senate tax proposals](https://empowerms.org/talking-house-and-senate-tax-proposals/) - Empower President Russ Latino recently provided an in-depth look at the tax proposals from the House and Senate, and what each plan would mean for Mississippians on SuperTalk. “Do we believe that people need relief? I would argue that there is clear evidence that they do. Do we believe that the money people earned belongs
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 7 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-7-recap/) - After a rush of action over the past two weeks to pass bills out of committee and then clear them off the floor so they could be sent to the other chamber, the legislature took a step back this week and began working on revenue and appropriations bills. All revenue and appropriations bills must pass
- [Empower relaunches Mississippi School Finder](https://empowerms.org/empower-relaunches-mississippi-school-finder/) - This week, Empower Mississippi relaunched the Mississippi School Finder website with a number of updates to help parents find the best educational setting for their child. The newly updated site includes a mobile-friendly version, more school, district, and community details, greater interactivity, a school rating system, and a statewide Options Index. “We know finding the
- [Expanding education pluralism to the other 99 percent](https://empowerms.org/expanding-education-pluralism-to-the-other-99-percent/) - I noted the painfully gradual pace of charter school openings in Mississippi in a previous post. Charter schools benefit students and families by providing proximate options that vary meaningfully and have available seats. Educators likewise benefit from being able to open public schools that follow their vision of a high-quality education, but a single school
- [Parents win again, this time in San Francisco](https://empowerms.org/parents-win-again-this-time-in-san-francisco/) - A special election in San Francisco yesterday saw three members of the school board get booted. The issue? Parental dissatisfaction over local school policies in response to COVID. It seems like we’ve seen this before. Because this isn’t much different than the story in light-blue Virginia where Democratic gubernatorial nominee Terry McAuliffe infamously said parents
- [Legislative update: Deadlines and missed opportunities](https://empowerms.org/legislative-update-deadlines-and-missed-opportunities/) - The legislature is a creature of deadlines. Last Thursday was an important one. Any general bill that had been voted out of a House or Senate committee had to be passed off of the floor of that chamber or die for the session. In recent weeks, we’ve highlighted many bills working their way through the
- [“The students of the State of Mississippi are starving for innovation”](https://empowerms.org/the-students-of-the-state-of-mississippi-are-starving-for-innovation/) - “The students of the State of Mississippi are starving for innovation.” That’s what Dr. Todd English, Superintendent of the Booneville School District sees as his district plans for the future of education. Booneville is one of 11 school districts that hold a District of Innovation status with the state. “We’ve applied for renewal of our
- [Mississippi can open the door to home-based businesses](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-can-open-the-door-to-home-based-businesses/) - As Mississippi continues to grapple with a declining population and stagnant economic prospects, the state needs to look at the overall business environment and what is helping or hurting economic growth and job creation. One of the biggest problems is that government is often slow to adapt to the changing economy. Or the immediate reaction
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 6 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-6-recap/) - We are now six weeks into the 2022 legislative session, and the focus will soon turn to appropriations and revenue bills. This week, lawmakers faced their latest deadline: to pass bills originating in their own chamber. The prior week, most bills introduced this year died when they weren’t taken up by the committee they were
- [Legislation to ensure students can engage in political activity clears House](https://empowerms.org/legislation-to-ensure-students-can-engage-in-political-activity-clears-house/) - Legislation that will ensure students in Mississippi are free to engage in political activity cleared the House of Representatives today. House Bill 1416, sponsored by Rep. Kent McCarty, is known as the Student Protected Equal Access Rights Act. The bill would allow for Students to organize partisan or nonpartisan political groups, political clubs, political rallies,
- [Senate adopts District of Innovation task force](https://empowerms.org/senate-adopts-district-of-innovation-task-force/) - The Senate adopted a commonsense first step to ensuring local schools have the freedom and support they need to be innovative in the classroom yesterday. Senate Bill 2428, sponsored by Sen. Dennis DeBar, would create a District of Innovation task force. School districts that are part of the District of Innovation program are available to
- [Mississippi’s digital learning opportunity is here](https://empowerms.org/mississippis-digital-learning-opportunity-is-here/) - As every school in the state was shut down at the beginning of the pandemic, we quickly realized the state did not have the infrastructure in place for online learning. To their credit, schools tried to adopt and provide students with the necessary educational materials to finish out the spring of 2020, but we did
- [Giving second chances promotes public safety and fairness](https://empowerms.org/giving-second-chances-promotes-public-safety-and-fairness/) - When it comes to justice reform, Mississippi lawmakers must weigh two critical responsibilities: protecting public safety and simultaneously ensuring our justice system treats all Mississippians fairly. It is a delicate balance that carries heavy consequences for our communities and the men and women who police them. But done properly, good justice reform policies can and
- [The future is now for education](https://empowerms.org/the-future-is-now-for-education/) - Before COVID-19 darkened the schoolhouse door, Mississippi’s students and teachers had a lot to be proud of in the classroom. Between 2009-2019, Mississippi’s growth on National Assessment of Educational Progress testing led the nation, our graduation rates surpassed the national average, and our innovative strides in literacy drew national praise. Credit for these laudable gains belongs to Mississippi’s students, their families, and their teachers. While
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 5 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-5-recap/) - The legislature completed the fifth week of the 2022 session and both chambers were busy passing mostly non-controversial bills off the floor after Tuesday’s deadline for bills to advance. The biggest story of the week is probably Gov. Tate Reeves signing the medical marijuana program, which he outlined several problems with it in the lead
- [House adopts legislation to protect home-based businesses](https://empowerms.org/house-adopts-legislation-to-protect-home-based-businesses/) - The Mississippi House of Representatives has adopted the Home-based Opportunity Freedom Act of 2022, designed to protect entrepreneurs right to earn a living from their homes. House Bill 917, authored by Rep. Jansen Owen, cleared the House today and heads to the Mississippi Senate for consideration. “Credit to Rep. Jansen Owen and his Senate counterpart,
- [We should let home-based businesses thrive](https://empowerms.org/we-should-let-home-based-businesses-thrive/) - As Mississippi continues to grapple with a declining population, the state needs to continue to look at the overall business environment and what is helping or hurting economic growth and job creation. Forcing Mississippians to look elsewhere for better opportunities. One of the brightest areas for potential is home-based businesses. We know that entrepreneurship began
- [What's still alive after Tuesday's deadline?](https://empowerms.org/whats-still-alive-after-tuesdays-deadline/) - The legislative calendar is built on deadlines. Bills must be introduced by a certain date, and then they must move (and keep moving) by a certain date, or they are dead. We’ve seen early action on some big-ticket items. In the first couple weeks, we saw the legislature send Congressional redistricting and a medical marijuana
- [HB 1349: Make it easier for students to move between public schools](https://empowerms.org/hb-1349-sb-2177-make-it-easier-for-students-to-move-between-public-schools/) - House Bill 1349, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, would allow students to transfer to schools outside of their school district, subject to available capacity. With this, it would be easier for students to move between public schools to find the setting that works best for them. State law currently allows any student to apply for
- [HB 917: Home-based business freedom](https://empowerms.org/house-bill-917-home-based-opportunity-freedom-act/) - House Bill 917, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, prohibits local governments from restricting home-based occupations. We have seen tremendous growth in home-based businesses thanks to new technology, and that was only accelerated by the pandemic. There are roughly 15 million home-based businesses in the United States, which makes up about half of all small businesses.
- [SB 2647: Apprenticeship program for barbers and cosmetologists](https://empowerms.org/sb-2647-apprenticeship-program-for-barbers-and-cosmetologists/) - Senate Bill 2647, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would allow barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, and manicurists to be eligible for a license by completing an apprenticeship program. Currently, you are required to complete a minimum number of hours in a school. The apprenticeship program, which requires twice the number of hours as school, removes a potential
- [HB 879: Issue teacher supply cards to teachers by August 1](https://empowerms.org/hb-879-issue-teacher-supply-cards-to-teachers-by-august-1/) - House Bill 879, sponsored by Rep. Richard Bennett, would require procurement cards to be issued to teachers by August 1. These cards are used to purchase classroom supplies, and currently, the requirement is that they are issued “at the beginning of the school year.” This often leads to teachers purchasing supplies for their classrooms out
- [HB 1416: Ensure freedom for students to engage in political activity](https://empowerms.org/hb-1416-ensure-freedom-for-students-to-engage-in-political-activity/) - House Bill 1416, sponsored by Rep. Kent McCarty, would ensure that public school students can engage in political activities or discussions. The bill would allow for Students to organize partisan or nonpartisan political groups, political clubs, political rallies, or other politically themed gatherings before, during and after school to the same extent that students are
- [HB 795: Equal Access to Education Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-795-equal-access-to-education-act/) - House Bill 795, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would create new digital learning options for Mississippi students. The state’s existing digital education statute, which became law in 2006, already authorizes the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to establish a state virtual public school, but no statewide, full-time option exists today. Students may only access individual
- [SB 2428: District of Innovation task force](https://empowerms.org/sb-2428-district-of-innovation-task-force/) - Senate Bill 2428, sponsored by Sen. Dennis DeBar, would create a District of Innovation task force. School districts that are part of the District of Innovation program are available to receive waivers from certain regulations, including modified calendar school years, unique curricula or testing, early college and dual enrollment opportunities, and the use of technology
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 4 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-4-recap/) - Lawmakers wrapped up their fourth week of the session as we really begin to really see committees send bills to the floor in their respective chambers ahead of a February 1 deadline for action. If a bill does not make it out of committee by Tuesday, it is (likely) dead. (Bills can be resurrected later
- [Traveling the state to celebrate National School Choice Week](https://empowerms.org/traveling-the-state-to-celebrate-national-school-choice-week/) - Every January thousands of students, parents, and teachers descend on the State Capitol to celebrate National School Choice Week. This year, Empower Mississippi took the celebration on the road traveling the state visiting all different types of amazing schools. Check out all the fun we had in the video below. Bayou Academy, Cleveland “I’ve been at
- [SB 2422: Issue teacher supply cards by September 1](https://empowerms.org/sb-2422-issue-teacher-supply-cards-by-september-1/) - Senate Bill 2422, sponsored by Sen. Dennis DeBar, will ensure that teacher supply cards are issued by September 1. These cards are used to purchase classroom supplies, and currently, the requirement is that they are issued “at the beginning of the school year.” This often leads to teachers purchasing supplies for their classrooms out of
- [The legislature should provide full practice authority](https://empowerms.org/the-legislature-should-provide-full-practice-authority/) - Yesterday I had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Public Health and Welfare committee in support of Senate Bill 2178, which provides full practice authority for nurse practitioners. As opposed to most others at the hearing, I didn’t speak as a medical professional, whether that’s a nurse practitioner or a medical doctor. I spoke
- [SB 2178: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/sb-2178-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - Senate Bill 2178, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would provide full practice authority for nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This would exempt nurse practitioners from that requirement after 6,240 hours of practice. Mississippi, like the country as a whole, is projected
- [HB 873: Tim Tebow Act](https://empowerms.org/hb-873-tim-tebow-act/) - House Bill 873, sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown, would allow homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Often dubbed the Tim Tebow Act after the Heisman quarterback who was homeschooled but able to play high school football for his local high school in Florida, similar legislation has been moving across the country to
- [HB 1196:  Remove barriers to work for nurses, barbers, and social workers](https://empowerms.org/hb-1196-remove-barriers-to-work-for-nurses-barbers-and-social-workers/) - House Bill 1196, sponsored by Rep. Nick Bain, would prevent those who want to be barbers, nurses, or social workers from being denied an occupational license simply because of a criminal conviction. Current law allows for individuals with a past criminal conviction to be denied the opportunity to work in these fields, with no limitations
- [Licensing reform bill removes barriers to work for nurses, barbers, and social workers](https://empowerms.org/licensing-reform-bill-removes-barriers-to-work-for-nurses-barbers-and-social-workers/) - Every year, thousands of Mississippians leave the state’s prison system and return to their communities. Having a job is one of the best ways to ensure that they don’t return. In 2022, jobs are plentiful, but Mississippi law prevents thousands of Mississippians from entering the professional field of their choice. Mississippi maintains dozens of occupational
- [Wicker and Hyde-Smith sponsor School Choice Week resolution](https://empowerms.org/wicker-and-hyde-smith-sponsor-school-choice-week-resolution/) - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith have sponsored a resolution designating January 23 through January 29 as “National School Choice Week.” “Parents have a fundamental right to shape their children’s education, and school choice is an important way to exercise that right,” Wicker said. “Our children and future leaders deserve the best educational opportunities available, no matter
- [SB 2600: The Community Rebound Act](https://empowerms.org/sb-2600-the-community-rebound-act/) - Senate Bill 2600, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Sparks is designed to increase positive outcomes in supervision for parole and probations offices, provide more services and programs to those currently on supervision, increase public safety, and reinvest monies saved from lowering the number of individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities in the state. Known as the Community
- [Let’s make it legal for barbers to come to you](https://empowerms.org/lets-make-it-legal-for-barbers-to-come-to-you/) - The Mississippi legislature has been focusing on removing needless laws to help encourage entrepreneurship and provide Mississippians with meaningful work. They have a chance to continue this with pending legislation that would allow barbers to operate mobile barbershops. Like every other state, Mississippi strictly regulates barbers and barbershops. In fact, state laws typically regulate small
- [Excessive occupational licensing laws holding Mississippi back](https://empowerms.org/excessive-occupational-licensing-laws-holding-mississippi-back/) - The growth of occupational licensing laws in Mississippi makes it difficult for entrepreneurs and everyday people trying to find work. In a new policy report for Empower Mississippi, I share some commonsense reforms that can remove unnecessary roadblocks, helping ensure economic opportunity for everyone in Mississippi. While properly designed occupational licensing laws protect the public
- [HB 489: Run payroll for teachers twice a month](https://empowerms.org/hb-489-run-payroll-for-teachers-twice-a-month/) - House Bill 489, sponsored by Rep. Steve Hopkins, would require school districts to pay teachers on a semimonthly payroll. Currently, teachers are paid once per month; this would change payroll to twice per month, which is more in line with the private sector. This would provide teachers with more frequent cash flow, making it easier
- [HB 1355: Authorize mobile barbershops](https://empowerms.org/hb-1355-authorize-mobile-barbershops/) - House Bill 1355, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Rosebud, would authorize licensed barbers to operate mobile barbershops in the state. Mobile barbershops aren’t exactly a new idea, but they became more popular at the beginning of the pandemic as barbershops were forced to close down. Even though barbershops have long been reopened, mobile shops provided a
- [Let’s encourage lemonade stands, and entrepreneurs](https://empowerms.org/lets-encourage-lemonade-stands-and-entrepreneurs/) - Summer vacation brings time for childhood traditions like summer camps, family vacations, and camping in the outdoors. Another right of passage for many children is running a lemonade stand. Learning never ends for children, no matter their environment. Operating a lemonade stand gives kids essential lessons in entrepreneurship, responsibility, the value of hard work, and
- [HB 447: Recognize occupational licenses obtained in another state](https://empowerms.org/hb-447-recognize-occupational-licenses-obtained-in-another-state/) - House Bill 447, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, would clarify that licensing boards must issue a license to a license-holder from another state who moves to Mississippi. Last year, the legislature attempted to make it easier for qualified professionals to begin working when they move to Mississippi with the passage of universal recognition. The initial
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 3 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-3-recap/) - The legislature continued their work as lawmakers deal with early deadlines. This past Monday, January 17, was the deadline to introduce bills and February 1 will be the deadline for committees to report on general bills. @empowermississippi Empower 60: Recapping week 3 of the Mississippi state legislature. #mississippi #fyp #fypシ ♬ Ticking Clock - White
- [SB 2162: Regulatory reduction pilot program](https://empowerms.org/sb-2162-regulatory-reduction-pilot-program/) - Senate Bill 2162, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would require five state agencies to begin a regulatory reduction program over the next three years. It would also prohibit each pilot agency from adopting a new regulation unless they eliminate two or more. Economists have estimated that if regulations had been frozen at 1980s levels, the U.S.
- [HB 814: Allow cottage food operators to sell products online](https://empowerms.org/hb-814-allow-cottage-food-operators-to-sell-products-online/) - House Bill 814, sponsored by Rep. Shanda Yates, would expand cottage food operations in Mississippi by repealing the prohibition on internet sales. Cottage food operators can sell certain allowable non-perishable foods they make in their own kitchen without government inspections while labeling the product as such. In recent years, the legislature has expanded the sales
- [Mississippi School Bus Tour to Celebrate School Choice Week](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-school-bus-tour-to-celebrate-school-choice-week/) - A School Choice Roadshow celebrating National School Choice Week will highlight five different schools across Mississippi. On Tuesday, January 18 and Wednesday, January 19, the bus tour will make mini-stops at five school stops throughout the state for special student celebrations of choice, including confetti poppers, balloon releases, cookie cakes, a dance performance, and more.
- [Mississippi legislature: Week 2 recap](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-week-2-recap/) - The legislature kicked off this session with a number of big-ticket items to resolve. And as we conclude the second week of the session, it is clear they aren't ducking the big issues or waiting until the closing days. @empowermississippi Empower 60: Our 60 second update of week 2 in the Mississippi state legislature. #fyp
- [Mississippi legislature gavels in](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-legislature-gavels-in/) - In any given year, the Mississippi Legislature faces a couple of thorny issues. This year, the controversy is super-sized, with members being called on to address a litany of contentious issues that include: - Congressional and legislative redistricting that will dictate elections for the next decade; - Creation of a medical marijuana program following the
- [Empower Mississippi releases report on how occupational regulations limit job opportunities in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/empower-mississippi-releases-report-on-how-occupational-regulations-limit-job-opportunities-in-mississippi/) - Empower Mississippi released a report today that examines the burden created by Mississippi’s occupational regulations, how they impact entrepreneurs, consumers, and the larger economy, and potential reforms that could reduce the burden. The report was authored Dr. Ed Timmons, a professor of economics and Director of the Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation
- [Teacher pay front of mind for legislature](https://empowerms.org/teacher-pay-front-of-mind-for-legislature/) - For a number of years, teacher pay has been at the forefront of education conversations in Mississippi. Both the Governor’s office and legislative leadership have worked to provide a series of raises while indicating a commitment to address the teacher compensation structure comprehensively. Roughly a week into session and two plans have emerged to do
- [Mississippi families deserve better than a charter-light charter school law](https://empowerms.org/mississippi-families-deserve-better-than-a-charter-light-charter-school-law/) - The American film classic Jurassic Park includes a scene in which Jeff Goldblum’s Dr. Ian Malcolm grows frustrated after touring around for the better part of a day without seeing much. Speaking into a remote camera in his tour vehicle, Malcolm asked “Now eventually you do plan to have dinosaurs on your dinosaur tour, right?”
- [Mississippi’s population continues to decline](https://empowerms.org/mississippis-population-continues-to-decline/) - A declining population continues to hamper Mississippi as more than 4,000 residents left for other states last year. According to new Census data, Mississippi and neighboring Louisiana are the only Southern states to see a decrease in net migration from July 1, 2020- July 1, 2021. Last year, the Census revealed that Mississippi was one
- [SB 2025: Protect lemonade stands](https://empowerms.org/sb-2025-protect-lemonade-stands/) - Senate Bill 2025, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would prohibit local governments from requiring a license or permit for occasional businesses run by a minor. This is essentially The Lemonade Stand Bill. Over the past several years, instances of lemonade stands – a tradition of children with an entrepreneurial side for decades – being shut
- [HB 440: Full practice authority for nurse practitioners](https://empowerms.org/hb-440-full-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners/) - House Bill 440, sponsored by Rep. Donnie Scoggin, would provide full practice authority for nurse practitioners in Mississippi. Currently, a nurse practitioner is required to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician. This would exempt nurse practitioners from that requirement after 3,600 hours of practice. Mississippi, like the country as a whole, is projected
- [The legislature doesn’t need to mandate homeschool curriculum](https://empowerms.org/the-legislature-doesnt-need-to-mandate-homeschool-curriculum/) - While homeschool families in Mississippi enjoy considerable education freedom, legislation has again been introduced that would mandate curriculum for homeschool students in Mississippi. House Bill 326, sponsored by Rep. John Hines, would mandate specific history courses be taught to all children, not just in public school, but private school, and even homeschool students. This isn’t
- [Mississippi’s regulations lead to fewer jobs, more poverty](https://empowerms.org/mississippis-regulations-lead-to-fewer-jobs-more-poverty-2/) - New data shows that federal regulations have led to more people living in poverty, greater income inequality, fewer businesses, less jobs, and higher prices for consumers in Mississippi. According to the research from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Mississippi has experienced the following regressive effects: 86,135 more people living in poverty Using the federal regulation

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- [Empower Commentary](https://empowerms.org/empower-commentary/) - 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
- [Session Guide](https://empowerms.org/session-guide/) - 2026 MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATIVE SESSION GUIDE Important Information about the MS Legislature Contact Your Lawmaker Citizen Action Guide House and Senate Committees Track Bills Watch Session Live Or Recorded Legislative Schedules School Choice Information Page LISTEN NOW Capitol Chat Capitol Chat returns as the 2026 session is underway! Check out what is happening at the Mississippi
- [Our Board](https://empowerms.org/board/) - Mississippians committed to MississippiOur team is led by Mississippians who understand both the blessings and challenges of the Magnolia State. We were raised here, educated here, and have invested our lives here. We are committed to helping Mississippians succeed for the long haul, and with decades of experience in the public policy arena, have built
- [Education](https://empowerms.org/education-3/) - Every child deserves a great education Join the Movement CORE VALUEAt Empower, we believe every child is unique, full of potential and deserving of a quality education that works for them. SUCCESSIf successful in our mission, Mississippi's children are instilled with the desire to be lifelong learners, prepared to face the world. STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
- [Become An Ambassador](https://empowerms.org/become-an-ambassador/) - Empower Ambassador Program
- [Mississippians want Education Freedom](https://empowerms.org/mississippians-want-education-freedom/) - Mississippians want Education Freedom. The Data Is Clear. The Time Is Now. Mississippi's current education system does not meet the needs of every student. We are surrounded by states that have embraced education freedom, and we can't compete. School choice empowers parents to choose the school that best fits their child. Voters are clear: they
- [Chart The Future](https://empowerms.org/chart-the-future/) - 2025 Charter schools give Mississippi families free, public, high-quality education options. Learn why expanding access can help students thrive.
- [About Empower](https://empowerms.org/about/) - Our Approach Empower was built to be different, with laser focus on tackling the biggest challenges facing Mississippi. We put people over divisive politics, and work to give voice and hope to those most impacted by public policy decisions. Solutions CenterWe work with citizens, lawmakers and issue experts to identify the most pressing challenges, conduct
- [2025 Tax Calculator](https://empowerms.org/2025-tax-calculator/) - Mississippi's New Tax Law How will it affect you? Click on a tax to see the changes contained in the new law Personal Income Tax Expand Current Law Previous tax legislation placed a 4.4% rate for 2025 and a 4.0% starting in 2026 on taxable income above $10,000 per taxpayer. Original Senate Plan (SB 3095)
- [Waitlisted](https://empowerms.org/waitlisted/) - Did You Know? 0.07% The amount of funding needed to clear the waitlist as a percentage of the state's current K-12 education spending. 48% In September of 2024, the waitlist was slashed, nearly in half (from 305 to 157 students) because of a new requirement that parents must submit to the Department of Education ptoof
- [Your Story](https://empowerms.org/your-story/) - Community Stories From around the state
- [Press Release](https://empowerms.org/press-release/) - Press Releases
- [Privacy Policy](https://empowerms.org/privacy-policy/) - Empower Mississippi collects information that you voluntarily give us via email and other forms of direct contact from you. It is our policy not to sell, rent, lease or otherwise distribute that information to anyone. Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about updates
- [Labor Force Participation in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/labor-force-participation-in-ms/) - Labor Force Participation In Mississippi MOVING tHE NEEDLE Select recommendations for Improving Mississippi's Labor Force Participation Rate January 2025 View Full Report LATEST REPORT Moving The Needle Last August, we released our first report on Mississippi's labor force participation rate with the goal of identifying barriers to employment in Mississippi. Our second report draws
- [Work](https://empowerms.org/work/) - Work provides purpose. All work is noble and helps us care for our families, achieve personal fulfillment, and make a positive difference in our communities and society at large. Unfortunately, Mississippi trails the rest of the country in workforce participation and imposes unnecessary barriers to work. We can do better. Join the Movement CORE VALUE
- [Justice](https://empowerms.org/justice/) - Every Person Deserves a Fair Shake Join the Movement CORE VALUE At Empower, we believe every citizen should receive fairness, equality, and a path to redemption from our justice system. SUCCESS If successful in our mission, our communities will be both safer and see a reduction in the number of people entangled in the criminal
- [Learn More About Universal ESAs](https://empowerms.org/universal-esa/) - lEARN MORE ABOUT Universal esa's What Is An ESA?K-12 education savings accounts, frequently referred to as "ESAs," are taxpayer-funded accounts that are used for educational expenses, as directed by a student's parents. How Do ESA's Work?The state deposits a predetermined amount of funding (less than or equal to what the state would have spent on
- [Get Updates](https://empowerms.org/join/) - We're giving Mississippians a voice in their government Empower Mississippi works on behalf of people who face barriers in their pursuit of a meaningful life here in the Magnolia State. Our unique approach is to identify specific problems, find solutions, and work with lawmakers and local leaders to implement those solutions in the areas of
- [Broken Petition](https://empowerms.org/broken-petition/) - Fix the broken pieces of Mississippi’s criminal justice system. Sign the PetitionWatch Video What's Broken? Mississippi has the third-highest incarceration rate in the country. Our prisons are dangerously understaffed. People often leave prison no better than when they went in, struggle to find work, and end up re-arrested. Why Care? By safely reducing our prison
- [Share Your Waitlisted Story](https://empowerms.org/share-your-waitlisted-story/)
- [Save Our ESA Guide](https://empowerms.org/save-our-esa-petition/save-our-esa-campaign-guide/) - Save Our ESA Guide This guide will explain what ESAs are, why they’re important, and how you can help hundreds of special needs students get the education that’s best for them.
- [Thank You - Download ESA Handbook](https://empowerms.org/thank-you-download-esa-handbook/) - Thank you for joining us as we work to remove barriers to opportunityYou are now part of a network of citizens across the state who have partnered with us to change laws, unleash potential, and transforming lives in Mississippi. Download the ESA Handbook FREE BONUS RESOURCE Download the #SaveOurESA Campaign GuideThis guide will explain what
- [Join The Movement](https://empowerms.org/join-the-movement/) - Join the movement
- [Projects](https://empowerms.org/projects/) - Engaging Our Communities for Change. Grading Justice is a review of Mississippi's criminal justice system from pretrial to sentencing to reentry. An initiative to help educational entrepreneurs start new schools in Mississippi.
- [Employability Resources](https://empowerms.org/employability-resources/) - Resources for Reentry A list of reentry service providers compiled by the Foundation for the Mid South which lists service providers across the state, sortable by county Crossroads is a reentry program for women in Madison County, MS. A support system for returning citizens to help break cycles of incarceration and poverty. This article provides
- [Commentary](https://empowerms.org/commentary/)
- [Become An Advocate For Change](https://empowerms.org/become-an-advocate-for-change/) - What it Means to Be an Ambassador LearnGain access to regular updates on the issues most important to you to begin conversations in your community. ShareAlert the public to barriers to opportunity that exist by telling your story using Empower's platform. PartnerWork with us to ensure every person in Mississippi has the opportunity to flourish
- [Bill Summaries](https://empowerms.org/bill-summaries/) - Bill Summaries
- [Learn More About Special Needs ESAs](https://empowerms.org/special-needs-esa/) - What is a Special Needs Education Scholarship Account? The Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program is an education savings account program that empowers Mississippi students with special needs to access a portion of their public funding through a government-authorized savings account, offering flexibility for various educational purposes. It was passed and enacted in 2015.
- [Melony Armstrong and the freedom to braid](https://empowerms.org/melonyarmstrong/) - Melony Armstrong was working for other people when she decided she wanted to learn a skill that would enable her to open her own business. She loved the idea of natural hair care and took a short course in hair-braiding. She was hooked. She taught herself and practiced on people for free. As she gained skills, she began braiding
- [Move Mississippi Forward](https://empowerms.org/move-mississippi-forward/) - Move Mississippi forward: Repeal the income tax Take Action Momentum is rising to repeal Mississippi's income tax. Governor Reeves has called the elimination of the income tax a top priority and the Mississippi House of Representatives has already passed a bill, HB 531, that would deliver immediate tax relief while phasing out the state income
- [Get Your Repeal The Income Tax Decal](https://empowerms.org/decal/) - Show your Mississippi pride and support for income tax repeal with these brand new, free decals. We have limited quantities and have already had to place additional orders because of demand. Make a statement. Get your decal today.
- [Sign The Petition - Eliminate The Income Tax](https://empowerms.org/petition/) - SIGN THE PETITION I want to eliminate the income tax! How would income tax repeal work? A move this bold isn't easy. We break down how the House proposal to eliminate the income tax would work. Read more Leading conservative and business groups call for income tax elimination This includes Americans for Prosperity-Mississippi, Mississippi Center
- [Contact](https://empowerms.org/contact/) - Contact Us Empower Mississippi 1000 Northpark Dr. Ridgeland, MS 39157 We'd love to hear from you! Use the form below to e-mail us.
- [Better Jobs Mississippi: Smart Regulation of Occupations](https://empowerms.org/better-jobs-mississippi-smart-regulation-of-occupations/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://empowerms.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Better-Jobs-Mississippi-report.pdf" title="Better Jobs Mississippi report"]
- [The Education Roadmap](https://empowerms.org/educationroadmap/) - On the road to improving our education system, we have lost our way. We have forgotten the purpose of education and have focused on the means, rather than the end: knowledgeable human beings, productive and responsible members of society, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners. Instead, test scores and top-down constraints have become our singular focus,
- [The Ware family continues the fight to educate their children](https://empowerms.org/stacyware/) - A mother will go to great lengths for her children and that is proven time and again by Stacy Ware. She and her husband Daniel have three children: Meredith, 13; Zach, 11; and Peyton, 8. Zach and Peyton were diagnosed with autism – Zach, Level 3, the most severe form and Peyton a Level 2,
- [Grace changed Heath Ferguson's life](https://empowerms.org/heathferguson/) - Heath Ferguson is in the business of offering grace. Why? Because grace is what helped him change his life. Ferguson serves as the Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care and Faith Relations at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. To look at Ferguson one might not see the former drug addict who found himself crossing the border
- [Broken Petition - Thank You Page](https://empowerms.org/broken-petition-thank-you-page/) - Take the Next Step. Share the Petition. Share the petition conveniently with your network and encourage them to become advocates. Share On Facebook Tweet to Your Followers Share on LinkedIn More Resources
- [Thank You - #SaveOurESA](https://empowerms.org/thank-you-saveouresa/) - Take the Next Step. Share Your Story. By introducing legislators to the faces of the ESA program, you can compel them to act. You have something important to say, and it could change the lives of hundreds of Mississippi families, including your own! Next Step Share Your Story We’ve told the stories of countless numbers
- [Save Our ESA](https://empowerms.org/save-our-esa-petition/) - Students with special needs could lose their Education Scholarship Accounts in 2020. Ensure state legislators take action to preserve the ESA program. Sign the PetitionWatch Video What Is an ESA? ESAs are flexible spending accounts that parents can use to access state tax dollars allocated for their child's education. These dollars can be spent on
- [Thank You - Download Save Our ESA Guide](https://empowerms.org/thank-you-download-save-our-esa-guide/) - Thank you for joining us as we work to remove barriers to opportunity You are now part of a network of citizens across the state who have partnered with us to change laws, unleash potential, and transforming lives in Mississippi. Download the #SaveOurESA Guide BONUS RESOURCE Download the ESA Handbook The ESA Handbook provides essential
- [Share Your Story](https://empowerms.org/save-our-esa-petition/share-your-story/) - Share Your Story By introducing legislators to the faces of the ESA program, you can compel them to act. Take Action
- [ESA Handbook](https://empowerms.org/education-old/esa-handbook/) - ESA Handbook The ESA Handbook provides essential information about Education Scholarship Accounts in Mississippi. It covers student eligibility, the application process, program policies, and more.

## Legal Pages

- [Terms and Conditions](https://empowerms.org/wpautoterms/terms-and-conditions/) - Last updated: 01/22/2025 Please read these Terms of Use ("Terms", "Terms of Use") carefully before using the www.empowerms.org website operated by Empower Mississippi. Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms. These Terms apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use

## People

- [Ashley Green](https://empowerms.org/person/ashley-green/) - Ashley Green is the Director of Outreach. In this role, Ashley leads our efforts to connect with individuals most impacted by public policy in education, work, and criminal justice. Her work focuses on elevating community voices and ensuring those directly affected have a platform in the conversations that shape Mississippi’s future. Ashley Green previously served
- [Dr. Kristin Vance Richards](https://empowerms.org/person/dr-kristin-vance-richards/) - Dr. Kristin Vance Richards is the Director of Research at Empower Mississippi. In this role, she leads our research efforts and helps shape data-driven strategies that advance our work in education, work, and criminal justice. Kristin brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to using research to drive meaningful change. A respected leader in higher
- [Wil Ervin](https://empowerms.org/person/wil-ervin-3/) - Wil Ervin is the Senior Vice President at Empower Mississippi. In his role, he leads Empower's strategy development, public policy team, government affairs and advocacy efforts. A seasoned professional with a strong demonstrated history of work in government relations, legislative affairs and public policy. He has spent nearly a decade at the Mississippi Division of
- [Forest Thigpen](https://empowerms.org/person/forest-thigpen/) - Forest Thigpen is the Senior Advisor for Empower Mississippi. He plays a critical role in strategy development, public policy research and advocacy, government relations, and community engagement. Thigpen has nearly three decades of experience and is one of the most trusted names at the State Capitol. He started Mississippi Center for Public Policy in 1993
- [Kienna Horn](https://empowerms.org/person/kienna-horn/) - Kienna serves as Director of Communications for Empower Mississippi, where she leads the organization’s strategic communications efforts. She oversees media relations, issue-based campaigns, internal messaging, and content execution across platforms to advance Empower’s mission and connect with key audiences. Kienna received her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Mississippi College in 2023, where she served as
- [Dr. Patrick Miller](https://empowerms.org/person/patrick-miller-2/) - Dr. Miller is the Vice President of Development at Empower Mississippi, where he leads the development team and oversees all fundraising and stewardship initiatives. A seasoned professional with a deep-rooted commitment to Mississippi, Dr. Miller brings a wealth of experience in institutional advancement, educational leadership, and community development to his role. His career spans higher
- [Joanna Polk](https://empowerms.org/person/joanna-polk-2/) - Joanna Polk is the Executive Assistant and Development Manager on the Empower Team. In her role, Polk supports the CEO, keep projects and commitments on track, maintain the organization’s strategic fundraising plan, and help connect new donors to the organization. Polk previously worked at University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry and at St.
- [Katie Elliott](https://empowerms.org/person/katieelliott/) - Katie Elliott is the Operations Manager of Embark. She creates and maintains Embark’s administrative systems, processes, and general communications. Previously, Katie taught Developmental English and developed a writing center at the community college level. She then worked in administration, development, and investor relations for several entities, including Empower Mississippi and Próspera. She received a Bachelor
- [Gina Metzger](https://empowerms.org/person/gina-metzger/) - Gina is Executive Vice President for Empower Mississippi. In her position, Gina oversees all day-to-day activities of the office and organizes all events for Empower. Prior to joining the Empower Mississippi family, Gina worked for six years in the accounting field for a local automotive group. Gina attended the University of Mississippi and graduated with
- [Elyse Marcellino](https://empowerms.org/person/elyse-marcellino/) - Elyse is the Director of Embark. This project aims to come alongside education entrepreneurs and help them start high-quality charter and private schools in Mississippi. Elyse helped launch Atlanta Classical Academy, a charter school in Georgia, where she taught for three years. Prior to that, she was a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran.
- [Steven Randle](https://empowerms.org/person/steven-randle/) - Steven is the Director of Justice & Work for Empower Mississippi. In this role, he is responsible for the implementation of strategies to help shape and execute policies pertaining to criminal justice and employability issues. Steven comes to Empower from previous roles at Tougaloo College, the Mississippi Community College Board, and the campaign and legislative
- [Grant Callen](https://empowerms.org/person/grant-callen/) - Grant is a sixth generation Mississippian who grew up in Laurel. He founded Empower Mississippi in 2014 as a solution center, tackling Mississippi’s biggest challenges so everyone can rise. Previously, Grant served as Director of Development for the Mississippi Center for Public Policy. He is an alumnus of The Witherspoon Fellowship in Washington D.C. Grant
- [Brett Kittredge](https://empowerms.org/person/brett-kittredge/) - Brett Kittredge is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Empower Mississippi. In this position, Kittredge oversees marketing and communications strategies for a portfolio of issue initiatives that includes education, expanding work opportunities, and justice. He served as Empower's Director of Communications from 2015 through 2018. He is a recipient of the 2020 State Policy
- [Donald Nielsen](https://empowerms.org/person/donald-nielsen/) - Donald P. Nielsen is a Senior Fellow of Discovery Institute and Chair of the Institute's program on public education reform. He currently serves as Chairman of Lumenal Lighting, LLC., a business he purchased in 2004. Lumenal Lighting is in the commercial lighting business and serves companies, schools, government facilities, and non-profit organizations in the Pacific
- [Joe Bishop-Henchman](https://empowerms.org/person/joe-bishop-henchman/) - Joe Bishop-Henchman is Vice President of Policy & Litigation at National Taxpayers Union Foundation. He leads the work of NTUF’s Taxpayer Defense Center to protect taxpayer rights across the country through research, litigation, and partnerships. Bishop-Henchman also advises on NTUF’s policy efforts at the state and federal levels. Bishop-Henchman joined NTUF from the McDermott Will & Emery
- [Matt Ladner](https://empowerms.org/person/matt-ladner/) - Dr. Matthew Ladner is Director of the Arizona Center for Student Opportunity at the Arizona Charter School Association and Executive Editor of the weblog RedefinED. Previously Ladner served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Charles Koch Institute and Senior Advisor for Research and Policy at Excel in Ed and Vice President of Research and Goldwater Institute. He has
- [Conor Norris](https://empowerms.org/person/conor-norris/) - Conor Norris is a research analyst with the Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation (CSOR) at Saint Francis University. The Knee Center is an academic center led by Dr. Edward Timmons that is dedicated wholly to studying the impact of professional licensing on the economy and entrepreneurship. Conor’s role with CSOR includes authoring
- [Christopher Koopman](https://empowerms.org/person/christopher-koopman/) - Christopher Koopman is the Executive Director at the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University. He specializes in regulation, competition, and innovation. His research and commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Bloomberg, and NPR. He is also a contributor at The Hill, and was

## Resources

- [Momentum Mentoring](https://empowerms.org/resource/momentum-mentoring/)
- [Mississippi Association for Returning Citizens](https://empowerms.org/resource/marc/)
- [Education Scholarship Account (ESA)](https://empowerms.org/resource/education-scholarship-account-esa/)
- [What Is a Charter School?](https://empowerms.org/resource/what-is-a-charter-school/)
- [Intra-District Options](https://empowerms.org/resource/intra-district-options/)
- [Inter-District Options](https://empowerms.org/resource/inter-district-options/)
- [The Society for Human Resource Management’s report on Workers with Criminal Records](https://empowerms.org/resource/the-society-for-human-resource-managements-report-on-workers-with-criminal-records/)
- [Empower Employer Toolkit](https://empowerms.org/resource/empower-employer-toolkit/)
- [Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship](https://empowerms.org/resource/dyslexia-therapy-scholarship/)
- [Nate Rogers Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship](https://empowerms.org/resource/nate-rogers-speech-language-therapy-scholarship/)
- [Mississippi Reentry Guide](https://empowerms.org/resource/mississippi-reentry-guide/)
- [RECH Foundation](https://empowerms.org/resource/rech-foundation/)
- [MORE](https://empowerms.org/resource/more/)
- [New Way Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/resource/new-way-mississippi/)
- [Stewpot](https://empowerms.org/resource/stewpot/)
- [Crossroads Ministries](https://empowerms.org/resource/crossroads-ministries/)
- [From Tax Burdens to Tax Payers](https://empowerms.org/resource/from-tax-burdens-to-tax-payers/)
- [Back to Business](https://empowerms.org/resource/back-to-business/)
- [Stories from Employers who are Successfully Employing Formerly Incarcerated People from B the Change](https://empowerms.org/resource/stories-from-employers-who-are-successfully-employing-formerly-incarcerated-people-from-b-the-change/)
- [Q&As on Hiring Ex-Offenders from Georgia Center for Opportunity](https://empowerms.org/resource/qas-on-hiring-ex-offenders-from-georgia-center-for-opportunity/)
- [National HIRE Network Resources for Employers hiring people with criminal records](https://empowerms.org/resource/national-hire-network-resources-for-employers-hiring-people-with-criminal-records/)
- [Information on the Federal Bonding Program](https://empowerms.org/resource/information-on-the-federal-bonding-program/)
- [Information on the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit](https://empowerms.org/resource/information-on-the-federal-work-opportunity-tax-credit/)
- [Questions and answers about hiring ex-offenders](https://empowerms.org/resource/questions-and-answers-about-hiring-ex-offenders/)
- [Occupational Licensing Barriers to Reentry in Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/resource/occupational-licensing-barriers-to-reentry-in-mississippi/)
- [Mississippi Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force Report (2016)](https://empowerms.org/resource/mississippi-corrections-and-criminal-justice-oversight-task-force-report-2016/)
- [Right on Crime Mississippi](https://empowerms.org/resource/right-on-crime-mississippi/)
- [Criminal Justice Reform in Mississippi from FWD.us](https://empowerms.org/resource/criminal-justice-reform-in-mississippi-from-fwd-us/)
- [Public Safety in Mississippi from the Pew Charitable Trusts](https://empowerms.org/resource/public-safety-in-mississippi-from-the-pew-charitable-trusts/)

## Testimonials

- [Allison Talley <span class="alt">ESA parent (Ridgeland MS)</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/allison-talley-esa-parent-ridgeland-ms/) - We knew JoEllen did not need to be in one of the very large special education classrooms at the public school, and the ESA allowed us to find a better fit for her. We chose a private school and she is thriving because of that choice.
- [Donna and Jon McCool <span class="alt">ESA parents (Flowood, MS)</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/donna-and-jon-mccool-esa-parents-cleveland-ms/) - The ESA has given us so much for Kensley’s future. Our child has been able to get the education she needs and is now able to pursue her dreams.
- [Cena Holifield <span class="alt">Founder of The 3-D School</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/cena-holified/) - Empower Mississippi has proven to be an advocate for our children with learning disabilities by working tirelessly to ensure that parents have educational choices that best meet the needs of their children.
- [Lt. Governor Tate Reeves](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/lt-governor-tate-reeves/) - Empower Mississippi is a valuable partner in shaping an educational system that offers opportunities to every child. I share their commitment to empowering every parent with the freedom to choose the best school for their children.
- [Leah Ferretti <span class="alt">parent (Cleveland, MS)</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/leah-ferretti/) - Empower has truly given our family a voice simply by empowering us as parents to stand for our children and to ensure that they are receiving their civil right to an education that’s appropriate to their specific needs.
- [Stacy Ware <span class="alt">parent (Florence, MS)</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/stacy-ware-parent-florence-ms/) - Empower helped make our voices heard so that our kids received an adequate education that fits their exceptional needs.
- [Governor Phil Bryant](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/governor-phil-bryant/) - Giving parents options ensures they have every opportunity available to them to give their child the best education possible. That’s why establishing and expanding education choice has been a priority for my administration, and I appreciate Empower Mississippi’s help in making this revolutionary transformation to Mississippi’s education system possible.
- [Shannon Gaddis <span class="alt">parent (Jackson, MS)</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/shannon-gaddis/) - My family and I are grateful to Empower Mississippi for their hard work and dedication to help children with learning disabilities and advocating for those who need school choice. Because of you, Empower Mississippi, my son now has a promising future. We will forever support Empower Mississippi.
- [Teddy McRaney <span class="alt">Advocate</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/teddy-mcraney/) - Empower Mississippi is fighting the good fight for those who have been incarcerated to have more opportunities to gain employment so they can take care of their families and be contributors to society.
- [Steven Brackett <span class="alt">Advocate</span>](https://empowerms.org/testimonial/steven-brackett/) - There are those that hope you change and there are those that help you change. Empower “stands in the gap” between Law makers and convicted felons who want to go straight. They have a sensible approach that protects the community but gives convicted Felons a real shot at a better life.

## Categories

- [Education](https://empowerms.org/category/education/)
- [Community Stories](https://empowerms.org/category/community-stories/)
- [Press Releases](https://empowerms.org/category/news/)
- [Work](https://empowerms.org/category/work/)
- [Justice](https://empowerms.org/category/justice/)
- [Empower News](https://empowerms.org/category/empower/)
- [Bill Summaries](https://empowerms.org/category/empower/bill-summaries/)
- [Podcast](https://empowerms.org/category/podcast/)
- [Capitol Chat](https://empowerms.org/category/capitol-chat/)

## Tags

- [Stories of Justice](https://empowerms.org/tag/stories-of-justice/)
- [income tax](https://empowerms.org/tag/income-tax/)
- [cottage food](https://empowerms.org/tag/cottage-food/)
- [farmers market](https://empowerms.org/tag/farmers-market/)
- [Independence Day](https://empowerms.org/tag/independence-day/)
- [July 4](https://empowerms.org/tag/july-4/)
- [Fourth of July](https://empowerms.org/tag/fourth-of-july/)
- [teacher pay](https://empowerms.org/tag/teacher-pay/)
- [income tax relief](https://empowerms.org/tag/income-tax-relief/)
- [COVID-19 vaccines](https://empowerms.org/tag/covid-19-vaccines/)
- [criminal justice reform](https://empowerms.org/tag/criminal-justice-reform/)
- [tax relief](https://empowerms.org/tag/tax-relief/)
- [school choice](https://empowerms.org/tag/school-choice/)
- [education freedom](https://empowerms.org/tag/education-freedom/)
- [Carson v. Makin](https://empowerms.org/tag/carson-v-makin/)
- [Arizona](https://empowerms.org/tag/arizona/)
- [Rehabilitation](https://empowerms.org/tag/rehabilitation/)
- [Second Chances](https://empowerms.org/tag/second-chances/)
- [Supreme Court](https://empowerms.org/tag/supreme-court/)
- [OSHA](https://empowerms.org/tag/osha/)
- [CDC](https://empowerms.org/tag/cdc/)
- [EPA](https://empowerms.org/tag/epa/)
- [Dobbs](https://empowerms.org/tag/dobbs/)
- [charter schools](https://empowerms.org/tag/charter-schools/)
- [hair braiding](https://empowerms.org/tag/hair-braiding/)
- [nurse practitioner](https://empowerms.org/tag/nurse-practitioner/)
- [full practice authority](https://empowerms.org/tag/full-practice-authority/)
- [regulatory reduction](https://empowerms.org/tag/regulatory-reduction/)
- [economy](https://empowerms.org/tag/economy/)
- [business](https://empowerms.org/tag/business/)
- [drug courts](https://empowerms.org/tag/drug-courts/)
- [Grading Justice](https://empowerms.org/tag/grading-justice/)
- [problem solving courts](https://empowerms.org/tag/problem-solving-courts/)
- [education scholarship accounts](https://empowerms.org/tag/education-scholarship-accounts/)
- [dyslexia](https://empowerms.org/tag/dyslexia/)
- [students with special needs](https://empowerms.org/tag/students-with-special-needs/)
- [civil asset forfeiture](https://empowerms.org/tag/civil-asset-forfeiture/)
- [inflation](https://empowerms.org/tag/inflation/)
- [gas prices](https://empowerms.org/tag/gas-prices/)
- [food prices](https://empowerms.org/tag/food-prices/)
- [school testing](https://empowerms.org/tag/school-testing/)
- [school accountability](https://empowerms.org/tag/school-accountability/)
- [standardized tests](https://empowerms.org/tag/standardized-tests/)
- [re-entry](https://empowerms.org/tag/re-entry/)
- [body camera](https://empowerms.org/tag/body-camera/)
- [police officer](https://empowerms.org/tag/police-officer/)
- [regulations](https://empowerms.org/tag/regulations/)
- [occupational licensing](https://empowerms.org/tag/occupational-licensing/)
- [worker freedom](https://empowerms.org/tag/worker-freedom/)
- [student loans](https://empowerms.org/tag/student-loans/)
- [Jackson](https://empowerms.org/tag/jackson/)
- [Labor Day](https://empowerms.org/tag/labor-day/)
- [public school enrollment](https://empowerms.org/tag/public-school-enrollment/)
- [charter school](https://empowerms.org/tag/charter-school/)
- [student loan debt](https://empowerms.org/tag/student-loan-debt/)
- [higher education](https://empowerms.org/tag/higher-education/)
- [tax reform](https://empowerms.org/tag/tax-reform/)
- [microschools](https://empowerms.org/tag/microschools/)
- [ESA](https://empowerms.org/tag/esa/)

## Resource Topics

- [Education](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/education/)
- [Employability](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/employability/)
- [Special Needs](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/special-needs/)
- [Charter Schools](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/charter-schools/)
- [School District Options](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/school-district-options/)
- [Reentry](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/reentry/)
- [Employers](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/employers/)
- [Policy](https://empowerms.org/resource-topic/policy/)

## Testimonial Topics

- [Education](https://empowerms.org/testimonial_topic/education/)
- [Employability](https://empowerms.org/testimonial_topic/employability/)
- [SN ESA](https://empowerms.org/testimonial_topic/sn-esa/)