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 system 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.  The 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 Hellhole® report, they stated that Mississippi has been transformed from the jackpot justice capital of America  to America's number one reformer.  The US Tort Liability Index states that Mississippi is first in frivolous-lawsuit reform, venue reform and the standard for expert witnesses. 

Mississippi is now open for business because of our comprehensive new laws.  Without a fair legal system, our working families, our medical community, our new and existing businesses, and the future of our state's economy would be in jeopardy. 

Post Office Box 3025 · Ridgeland, MS  39158       Phone: 601-352-6337     Fax: 601-352-7869