A vision for Mississippi’s educational opportunity. See details here

As Mississippians, we are bound together by a shared commitment to fostering a brighter future for our state. Today, we find ourselves with numerous opportunities for growth, innovation and reimagining the American dream in our state.

At Americans for Prosperity-Mississippi, our mission is clear: to increase those opportunities for prosperity for all Mississippians, regardless of race, creed, economic background or zip code. That’s a mission that transcends political and idealistic divides. At the end of the day, we all want a more prosperous, thriving Mississippi.

In the pursuit of our mission, we recognize that education serves as the bedrock upon which the prosperity of our state is built. A thriving education system not only empowers individuals but also fuels economic growth, nurtures communities and fosters good governance. When it comes to educating the next generation of Mississippians, one thing is clear: there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

As state leaders enhance their focus on increasing educational attainment and improving outcomes, we understand that the success of our educational system is intertwined with the health of our business community.

A well-educated workforce is a key driver of economic development and innovation. By supporting policies that enhance educational opportunity, we are not only investing in the future of our children but also cultivating a skilled workforce that will attract businesses, create jobs and drive economic prosperity in Mississippi.

Policies that increase educational opportunity, like universal Education Savings Accounts, can be transformative tools that empower parents and students to tailor their educational experiences to individual needs. By putting families in the drivers’ seat of their students’ education, we can enable parents to choose the educational setting that best suits their child’s unique learning requirements.

Increased competition among educational institutions incentivizes innovation and excellence, leading to an overall improvement in the quality of education throughout the state. America was built on an economic system that encourages and thrives on competition, as it leads to improved products and services and drives down costs. These principles are as true in education as they are in industry.

As we advocate for more opportunity across the educational spectrum, we are mindful of the role of government in shaping policies that can either facilitate or hinder progress. AFP-MS wants to work collaboratively with policymakers to implement reforms that prioritize the needs of each Mississippian.

While we strive to advance policies that work for all Mississippians, we invite everyone to come together to build a Mississippi where creating more opportunity is the catalyst for prosperity, where businesses thrive, communities flourish, and government serves the interests of its citizens. Together, we can unleash the full potential of our great state and ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all Mississippians.

— Starla Brown is the State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Mississippi.