Thursday, August 7, 2025

The Speaker Speaks

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.  He recaps his fair speech and talks about the experience of walking out on that storied stage at Neshoba. White and Callen discuss the impact of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill and the Speaker’s plans for a similar omnibus bill, which will incorporate a range of education reform priorities to build on the Mississippi Miracle and our recent economic achievements. The Speaker makes his case for education freedom and why this is the moment for Mississippi to join the school choice revolution that is sweeping the country. White also previewed the upcoming House Select Committees on voting rights, PERS, and revitalizing Jackson, explaining how his priorities focus on dismantling barriers to ensure more Mississippians can thrive.

 

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not a lot of confidence in a group that cannot pass a basic annual budget in a timely manner and require a special session called by the governor to do the jobs they were elected to do in the regular session.

Anonymous said...

Besides private school that want public money (in violation of Mississippi's constitution), who wants "School Choice"? What would the good school teachers, students and parents do on day 1 when 100 failing JPS or county students show up at their school?

Anonymous said...

This is addressed to 12:42. It is obvious that you are not in favor of school choice, which is fine. I'm in favor of helping those few stuck in vastly underperforming schools who, with the help of their parent or parents if they are lucky, are trying desperately to learn everything they can so that they will be a producer in life, not someone stuck on the government tit. Since you do not seem to care about these few who are doing the best they can, what is your solution - and it cannot be give the underperforming schools more money? Believe me, there are many more than I waiting for your learned answer.

Anonymous said...

We the citizens pay for the special
session.

Anonymous said...

This is 12:42... The underperforming schools already (generally) get more money, but there is no accountability or performance-based incentive for public schools except where parents hold them accountable. In places where parents just don't care about the future of their children (or care less than they do about going out and partying, etc.), extra money isn't the problem. In those cases, the accountability has to come from the state. The state cutting funding for administration, firing school boards, and building in incentive-based funding would make a huge difference. (Although sadly not as good as parents caring.)

Having been involved in a Charter School founding elsewhere, I can tell you that schools can't make fast adjustments to student loads across districts and schools. Getting the right teachers to the right classrooms is hard enough, but trying to do so when parents are last-minute school shopping is just unworkable. (Except within the same district.)

I think the idea of "competition for dollars" is valid, but generally unworkable and the parents that worked hard, saved and sacrificed to move to good school districts shouldn't have their kids' education compromised so easily.

Anonymous said...

The State should spend less on education, less on everything in general. If a kid can't afford to go to a good school because of their parents, guess what? Life is unfair, parents should not have had children if they can't pay for them. Can't educate them. Can't hold a job or career themselves. Too many worthless pieces of shit out there as it is already. America is not going to be great again if we keep pandering to the stupidest amongst us.

Anonymous said...

The Top 10 School Choice states have dramatically declined in NAEP scores over the last 10 years. Mississippi has improved steadily. The overwhelming majority of research indicates that school choice has lead to declines in academic growth where it has been implemented. But by all means, lets follow other states down this sink hole.....

Anonymous said...

3:08 is Nancy Loome, who went to private school herself, but then decided to dedicate her life with religious fervor to public education, and to fighting families who are asking for the same education options available in every state surrounding Mississippi.

Anonymous said...

Where is your evidence that these few who really want a better education, along with their parent, are saluting the idea of school choice? If they exist, point one out. Not one single student or parent has come forward to express that.

Anonymous said...

I agree with 2:30-

Anonymous said...

Then let those families move to one of Mississippi’s surrounding states.

Anonymous said...

3:55 Nope , not Nancy Loome so your wrong about that and obviously cannot refute the facts so you throw out a lie. Kind of like some of our state leaders

Anonymous said...

Let's pretend a white kid and a black kid both get a voucher, and they both apply to Central Holmes Academy. Central Holmes takes the white student based on need and academics, and refuses the black kid. Maybe the white kid applied first, and there was only one spot. The black kid sues. Be careful what you wish for.

Don Drane said...

Those who favor school choice (The Speaker, several legislators, Think-Tank experts and radio hosts) like to push certain narratives. Such as: The schools will have the right to reject an applicant and can say they're already full-up.

That's right. But what's left out of the equation is the perpetual onslaught of lawsuits that will be funded by the ACLU, the NAACP and the SPLC that cite disparate impact. And you're naive if you don't believe that.

Madison's current district will get 140 applications almost immediately, from Canton Separate scholars. Clinton and Rankin will get even higher numbers from JPS scholars. How many will they take? Whatever the number, the incoming district will only suffer.

And once counties are limited to one District per county (which is on the legislative horizon) and Madison is blessed with a black superintendent and black principals, the entire district will be melted down to mediocrity, at best.

A federal judge will decide which existing superintendent in each county survives the elimination process. Or will there be Co-Superintendents?

It's every liberal's dream. Everybody is the same. All outcomes are equal. Equity is achieved. There is no superior performance or accomplishment. The goal will be achieving average. But, Mississippi will have followed the lead of other states, so...there's that.

Anonymous said...

Let’s be honest, the goal is not to improve education. The goal is to slowly stop paying for public education all together.

Anonymous said...

Public dollars should not be used for private interests. Period. Anywhwere you find public/private intermingling of dollars, there will be - and is - corruption.

Anonymous said...

"The goal is to slowly stop paying for public education all together."

6:13 - What have you seen in any 'school choice' language that allows you to reach that conclusion?

Anonymous said...

At 3:55 - What difference does it make who 3:08 is or isn't? If the post at 3:08 is accurate, that information should pepper our school choice proponents with rat-shot.

Anonymous said...

@10:28 - it’s coming from the extremes of the right wing. Name any time in recent history that group has tried to expand or even continue funding of a social program, let alone one that’s to help the disadvantaged.

Anonymous said...

At 2:39...Say WHAT? School Choice is now described as "a social program"? Whoaa...so there we go. Categorize it as a social program, connect it to disadvantaged black kids, paint objections as racist and we're off to the races. Got it.

Anonymous said...

@3:18 - of course it’s a social program. What else could it be classified as? It’s publicly funded, universally accessible, and designed to even the playing field for all citizens.

I’ll ask once again, name a single time in recent history the right wing has attempted to help the disadvantaged through social programs. Why would anyone believe this is the first? How naive are you people?


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Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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