Empower Mississippi

What does it look like to take on the toughest challenges in Mississippi? State Rep. Sam Creekmore discusses the reality of the state’s health outcomes and why leaders must be willing to put difficult issues on the table and work toward solutions. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ youtu.be/kb0PI_GS3Tk

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.

Why do some solutions work better than others across Mississippi? Rep. Sam Creekmore explains how drug courts are helping people stay out of prison and rebuild their lives, and why their impact often depends on local leadership and commitment. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ youtu.be/kb0PI_GS3Tk

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.

Meaningful work brings purpose. Whether it’s providing for a family, pursuing a shared mission, or working to build a better world, fulfillment begins when we recognize the value in what we do. On this episode of the Empower Podcast, Dr. @clayroutledge discusses why meaning in our work is essential to a flourishing life. Watch the full episode here: empowerms.org/dr-clay-routle…

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.

The right environment changes everything.
When students are supported, understood, and challenged in the ways they need, they become limitless. Education freedom makes that possible.

How does hope fuel success? On this episode of the Empower Podcast, Dr. @clayroutledge examines how hope, meaning, and purpose redefine what success really looks like. Watch the full episode here: empowerms.org/dr-clay-routle…

2025 was a year of real momentum for Mississippi and stronger policies supporting children, workers, and families across our state. Behind the headlines was deeper research, stronger advocacy, and preparation for even bolder reforms ahead. See what we accomplished together in our 2025 Impact Report: empowerms.org/empower-ms-rel…

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.

The promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness includes the freedom to make decisions for our own families. Parents should have the liberty to choose the education they believe is best for their child and their future.

LaCarley’s parents chose a school that felt like the right fit, and it made all the difference. Hear directly from her about how that decision impacted her confidence and friendships. #SchoolChoiceMatters

What does it look like to defend the Constitution with your life... and then keep defending it with your career? In this episode, Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient Aaron Rice shares his journey from Iraq to the courtroom and why he now fights to protect liberty, justice, and opportunity in Mississippi. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ youtu.be/R_I188O2MS8?si…

House Bill 1072, authored by Representatives @LeeYanceyMS and @RodneyHallforMS, 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 insurance, retirement savings, disability coverage, life insurance, or income-replacement protection.  ✅ Empower supports this bill. Here's why: empowerms.org/hb-1072-volunt…

It’s not about public versus private schools or deciding which system is better; it’s about making sure every child has the opportunity to learn in the environment where they can truly succeed. Education freedom is simply giving families the ability to choose what works best for their child so they can build a strong, successful future.

Change can feel scary, especially for a child. But the right environment can make all the difference.
When students find the right fit, confidence grows. Michael’s story is proof that every child deserves the chance to thrive.

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.

Some children do well in large classrooms, while others need a quieter, more personal environment to truly thrive, and that’s okay. The goal of Education Freedom isn’t to force every child into the same model, but to find the setting where they can do their best.

How does a life of service continue after the uniform comes off? Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient @AaronRRice shares the journey that carried him from the front lines in Iraq to the courtroom, where he now works to protect the constitutional freedoms of everyday Mississippians. Listen now👉️ empowerms.org/aaron-rice-def…