JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Center for Public Policy (MCPP) hosted British author and science writer Matt Ridley for a special luncheon on Thursday, March 19, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and community members for a discussion on energy, innovation, and economic growth.
Ridley delivered an optimistic, data-driven presentation highlighting the critical role of free markets, innovation, and abundant energy in advancing human prosperity.
Drawing on historical and economic insights, Ridley emphasized that prosperity is not the result of top-down government planning, but rather emerges from individuals trading, specializing, and exchanging ideas—a principle rooted in Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.
He identified affordable, reliable energy as a central driver of economic progress, noting that cheap energy fueled the Industrial Revolution and dramatically improved living standards worldwide.
Ridley also highlighted significant global gains over recent decades. In his lifetime, he noted, extreme poverty has fallen from approximately 50 percent to just 8 percent, while child mortality has dropped from 15 percent to 3 percent. On average, global life expectancy has increased at a rate equivalent to adding roughly seven hours of life per day.
However, Ridley warned that energy policy remains a critical determinant of economic success. He pointed to the United Kingdom as a cautionary example, where energy costs are now three to four times higher than in the United States due to restrictions on oil and gas development, bans on shale gas, and a heavy reliance on intermittent renewable sources.
By contrast, Ridley praised the U.S. shale revolution, driven by private-sector innovation and entrepreneurship. The United States now produces more oil than Saudi Arabia, with abundant, affordable energy supporting growth across key sectors including manufacturing, chemicals, artificial intelligence, and data infrastructure.
Ridley also discussed the concept known as the “Jevons paradox,” explaining that as energy becomes cheaper and more efficient, its use expands—fueling further economic growth and technological advancement.
His message for policymakers was clear: maintaining access to affordable, reliable energy is essential for continued prosperity. He encouraged leaders to embrace economic freedom, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and foster innovation.
“Ensuring plentiful, affordable energy is key to Mississippi’s continued economic success,” said MCPP President and CEO Douglas Carswell. “Events like this help bring important ideas and conversations to the forefront as we work to build a stronger future for our state.”
MCPP expressed its gratitude to all who attended and continues its mission to promote policies that advance freedom, prosperity, and opportunity for all Mississippians.
Jackson, MS — The Mississippi Center for Public Policy (MCPP) is pleased to announce the addition of Richard Wilson as its new Chief Development Officer. With a distinguished background in campaign management, government affairs, and nonprofit fundraising, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of results-driven leadership to MCPP.
“We are thrilled to welcome Richard to our senior leadership team,” said Douglas Carswell, President & CEO of MCPP. “His deep understanding of public policy and extensive experience in fundraising and donor engagement will be invaluable as we continue advancing our mission to promote liberty, opportunity, and personal responsibility in Mississippi. Richard’s professional integrity and passion for service make him a perfect fit for our organization.”
Wilson joins MCPP after serving in leadership roles at the Kentucky REALTORS® Association, where he directed government affairs, political fundraising, and foundation operations. Prior to that, he spent seven years in the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office, most notably serving as the State’s Small Business Advocate.
“I’m honored to join the team at MCPP and support an organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of Mississippians,” said Wilson. “Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to mission-driven work that promotes real solutions, and I’m excited to help grow the impact and reach of MCPP’s critical policy efforts.”
Wilson’s appointment marks an exciting chapter in MCPP’s ongoing efforts to advance free-market principles and strengthen civil society in Mississippi.
Parent Power: Local mom, Amanda Kibble, with Douglas Carswell from the
Mississippi Center for Public Policy
Rankin county mom, Amanda Kibble, is celebrating an important win for her family. Her victory could also help military families throughout the state.
Earlier this year, House Bill 1341 was signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves. The new law allows families of military personnel to transfer their children to any traditional public school in the state, assuming receiving school has capacity. It means that military families effectively now have school choice within the public school system.
“When this bill was passed” explains Amanda “it meant that we would be able to keep our little boy in the school we really wanted him to be in”.
“Last year, we were so excited when the bill passed. It meant our son, who has a dyslexia diagnosis, could get some stability. As a military kid, he’s already experienced enough difficulties and instability.”
However, the good news did not last.
“At the beginning of the year, we were told that we had misinterpreted the bill” Amanda explained. “House Bill 1341 was, they said, not for National Guard families. It was only for Active Duty personnel.”
“This was a real blow to our family. At his current school, my son grew so much in confidence. I was really anxious that would all be lost if we were forced out of the school of our choice”.
Amanda reached out to local Senator Josh Harkins – and contacting the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, which fights for school choice.
Now the Attorney General has issued a formal opinion stating the National Guard AGR families are included in the legislation after all. National Guard families can have school choice.
“We are ecstatic to have won and to have the opportunity to let my son stay in his school for the rest of the year. However, while we have won a huge victory, our family will have to move next year. We want to see a change so that school choice is a reality for all families”.
“The Attorney General’s opinion applies specifically for National Guard Active Guard Reserve (AGR) but does not yet apply to Traditional Guard Members or those on Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) orders or Title 32 orders. This needs to change”.
“Senator Harkins was wonderful and did so much to help” she added.
“This is good news for Amanda and her family – and its great news for Mississippi military families” explains Douglas Carswell from the Mississippi Center for Public Policy.
“Any families in a similar situation should get in touch with us”, he added.
“Thanks to HB 1341, which was passed this year, military families – including those in the National Guard – more families can have more school choice from public school to public school. Anecdotal evidence suggests that demand to take advantage of this scheme is high”, he added.
“But why not let every family have the right to choose? Provided that schools have capacity, parents should be able to send their kids to a school in a different district, or even a different school within the same district”.
The Mississippi Center for Public Policy, which helped Amanda fight her case, has a legal division, the Mississippi Justice Institute (MJI). MJI successfully litigated to defend Charter Schools, and has a successful track record of litigating in support of school choice in our state.
“Parents have a right to expect the best for their child and school choice would give moms like Amanda control over their child’s education”, Douglas added.