Empower Mississippi

This past week, we were proud to celebrate JoEllen Talley’s high school graduation, a milestone shaped by resilience, love, and a family committed to finding the right educational path for her needs. Thanks in part to the Mississippi Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Program, she was able to access the resources and school environments that helped her flourish. This fall, she will begin her next chapter at Mississippi College, where she will also be part of the cheer team, and we are incredibly excited for her future.

Why do some cities grow while others struggle to move forward? In this episode of The Empower Podcast, Josh McManus explains how population trends, economic mobility, and where residents choose to spend their money all shape the future of a city. Strong cities are built when people believe opportunity exists close to home and invest in the communities around them. Tune in now! 👉️ empowerms.org/josh-mcmanus-j…

What does it take for Jackson to rise again? In this episode of The Empower Podcast, Josh McManus shares why real renewal starts when communities find the courage to move forward together, acknowledging the past while building something better side by side. Jackson’s comeback will only happen when we go shoulder to shoulder. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ empowerms.org/josh-mcmanus-j…

#TeacherAppreciationWeek School Highlight: Ivy Greene Academy On the final day of #TeacherAppreciationWeek, we celebrated the incredible educators at Ivy Greene Academy for their dedication to hands-on learning, creativity, and helping students grow both academically and personally. Founded by Donna Akers, Ivy Greene Academy is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to thrive. Thank you, teachers, for the impact you make every day!

#TeacherAppreciationWeek School Highlight: Hillcrest Christian School Today, we continued celebrating #TeacherAppreciationWeek with teachers at Hillcrest Christian School to show appreciation for the love, dedication, and impact they bring every day. Hillcrest Christian School is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school serving students in the Jackson area with a focus on academic excellence and faith-based learning. Thank you teachers!

#TeacherAppreciationWeek School Highlight: Unlimited Dreams Unlimited Dreams is a microschool in Laurel dedicated to supporting students and families across the community. Founded by Dr. Amanda Cooley, the school provides an environment where students can rediscover confidence, purpose, and opportunity through educational freedom. Having served more than 40 students, with graduates now pursuing college and meaningful careers, Unlimited Dreams continues to show what’s possible when students are given the support they need to thrive.

#TeacherAppreciationWeek School Highlight: Micah’s Mission Micah’s Mission School Inc. is a faith-based microschool serving K–12 students through a flexible, hybrid model. Led by Dr. Emily Harber Williams, the school combines strong academics with character development, leadership, and real-life skills. Through support services and community partnerships, Micah’s Mission helps students grow and prepares them for success beyond the classroom.

How should Mississippi think about education for the next 20 years? Mississippi Secretary of State @MichaelWatsonMS emphasizes the importance of strengthening public schools while also encouraging innovation and competition to better serve students and families. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ empowerms.org/michael-watson…

Mississippi’s future starts in strong classrooms, led by great teachers. Across our state, educators empower students and help prepare them for what’s ahead. Thank you, teachers! Your work matters, and we are grateful for you. #TeacherAppreciationWeek

What does it mean to lead with conviction? In this episode, Secretary of State @MichaelWatsonMS discusses the importance of consistency in leadership and the responsibility to govern in line with the principles shared on the campaign trail. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ empowerms.org/michael-watson…

Why is freedom central to the school choice debate? @SenatorWicker explains how the competition and recruitment seen in community colleges and universities could inspire similar improvements in public schools when families are given the ability to choose. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ empowerms.org/u-s-senator-ro…

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.

Do you think the United States ought to keep its promises? That question, especially related to Ukraine, is shaping global security debates. In the newest episode of the Empower Podcast, Grant sits down with U.S. @SenatorWicker to discuss U.S. strength, deterrence, and rising threats from Russia, China, and Iran. Listen to the full episode: empowerms.org/u-s-senator-ro…

How can we help law enforcement solve more crimes faster? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Doleac discusses policy ideas focused on expanding tools like DNA databases, investing in resources, and increasing the certainty of consequences. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ youtu.be/hrjxQCnX6HQ

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.

What actually deters crime? In this episode, Dr. @jenniferdoleac breaks down what decades of research reveal about deterrence, recidivism, and why the certainty of consequences matters more than their severity in shaping behavior. Watch the full conversation now 👉️ empowerms.org/dr-jennifer-do…

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.

Karl Hampton’s story demonstrates how second chances make our communities safer and stronger. When people leaving prison have access to work, mentorship, and support, they’re far more likely to succeed and far less likely to reoffend. If we want safer communities, we have to replace obstacles with opportunities. Click below to read how one opportunity put Karl on a path from prison to purpose, and how he’s now doing the same for others. 👉️ empowerms.org/from-incarcera…

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.