The Senate has passed and the House is considering bills that would, for the first time, provide state funding for pre-kindergarten programs from the state budget. Mississippi Center for Public Policy opposes state-funded pre-kindergarten.
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Let's get a few things straight about charter schools. First of all, there is no such thing as a private charter school. Charter schools are, by definition, public schools. They cannot charge tuition, they administer the same tests and are rated under the same system as regular public schools, and they must accept all students who apply, unless there's not enough room, in which case they draw names, giving all students an equal chance. (more…)

We appreciate Governor Bryant's willingness to take a stand on this issue. The promise of state control over an Obamacare health insurance exchange is an illusion. Federal officials have the power to dictate the operation of an Obamacare exchange, and we have no doubt they will do so over time.
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Do you believe government is trying to do too much?

We do. Government at all levels has taken on responsibilities that should be left to individuals, families, churches, and communities. People look to government to be their savior - to provide for their needs, to bail them out of bad decisions, and to impose their own agenda on other people through the force of law. (more…)

MCPP's Governing by Principle is a call to Mississippi elected officials, candidates, and citizens to put principle above politics and partisanship. The ideas relied upon by America's Founders to frame our government came long before there were Republicans and Democrats. The principles we have identified transcend partisan politics and even the hottest issues of the day. (more…)

Vital Signs Radio Commentary

Vital Signs Radio Commentary is a 60-second commentary by MCPP President Forest Thigpen. It is aired on the stations and networks listed below.

You can listen anytime, by clicking here to go to the MCPP Commentary page on this website. Just click the title you would like to hear, and you'll see the text of the commentary and "click here to listen to this commentary." (more…)

In the first episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, Jed Clampett’s sister asks how much the oil company is going to pay him for the oil on his property. Jed said, “Twelve dollars.” His sister was shocked: “Only twelve dollars?!” Jed replied, “Yeah, but it’s some new kind of dollar. I’ve heard of paper dollars, and I’ve heard of silver dollars, but these are called mill-ee-yun’ dollars.” (more…)

The new school ratings are out, and some education leaders are saying the new A-F rating system is tougher than the old model. The fact is that the new system changed nothing except the labels. It did nothing to toughen the formula that is used to derive those labels, and in fact it was actually easier to achieve an A or B this year because the State Board of Education voted to exclude graduation rates from their grading formula this year. (more…)

Fact Check: A-F Ratings

CLAIM: The new A-F ratings are tougher than the old system.
FACT: The new A-F system changed nothing except the labels. "Star" became A, "High Performing" became B, "Successful" changed to C, "Academic Watch" changed to D, and "Low (more…)