Mississippians for Economic Progress

Mississippians for Economic Progress (MFEP) is a non-profit organization uniting associations (professional, trade, and medical), businesses, and individuals who believe we can foster economic progress for all Mississippians by promoting a fair legal system. MFEP seeks to educate the public and elected officials about the problems in our court syst... em that are making businesses here and outside of Mississippi hesitant about our state's economic future. Courts must be a place of justice for all citizens. When businesses consider the added-on operating costs associated with runaway litigation, companies which employ Mississippians must consider if it is wise to add new investments when they could become a victim of lawsuit abuse. Mississippi was known as "the home of Jackpot Justice", "Ground Zero", "Dumping Ground", and "the Lawsuit Mecca". We are committed to fairness and balance in our legal system and work to articulate to our members, the public, and to Mississippi's elected officials the need for civil justice reform. Two bills were passed during the 2002 special session and House Bill 13 was passed during the 2004 special session. Governor Barbour signed HB 13 and it became law. Mississippians for Economic Progress received recognition for its contributions to fight lawsuit abuse in Mississippi when the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform named MFEP the Legal Reform Organization of the Year for 2004. MFEP is deeply honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award. The Legal Reform Organization Award generally recognizes the state-level civil justice reform advocacy group which has had the most success throughout a given year. Mississippi's new tort reform laws have been called the " blueprint" for future successes across the United States. T he American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) stated that Mississippi has transformed its litigation environment for the better making it the brightest "point of light" in their 2004 Judicial Hellhole® report. In ATRA's 2005 Judicial ...Read More