The Front Porch with Russ Latino

We believe that justice is foundational to a safe society and requires fairness, equity, and when appropriate, a path to redemption. That is why we’ve profiled people like Eddie Spencer, who was facing the death penalty as a teenager, yet found redemption and new life after leaving Parchman. Or Jessica Flowers. She grew up in a home surrounded by drugs, went down the same path, and was in and out of prison. But that wasn’t the end of her story.

We know redemption is possible. Over the past five years, we’ve worked on efforts to safely reduce the incarcerated population and remove barriers for those leaving prison, making it easier to obtain employment.

Our CEO, Grant Callen, recently appeared on the Civil Squared podcast to talk about these efforts and other justice reforms. I encourage you to check it out. You can listen here.

As access to health care remains a concern during the pandemic, two new states have expanded health care access by providing full practice authority to nurse practitioners.

Two new states – Delaware and Massachusetts – now allow experienced nurse practitioners to practice independently, no longer requiring the supervision of a physician. Nurse practitioners are educated to perform various primary care functions, diagnose, prescribe medications, and conduct physical exams. There are now 24 states, plus the District of Columbia, that grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners. Of interest, these are both “blue” states. This isn’t a partisan issue.

The Mississippi legislature attempted to join that group during the session earlier this year. A bill providing full practice authority passed the House but was held back in the Senate without a vote. Still, the need remains and the issue will be back next year.

The right decision

A new report uncovering the cost – and associated debt burden – with cosmetology schools shows the state made the right decision in freeing a number of beauty professions. During the last session, the state removed licensure requirements for the safe practices of eyebrow threading, applying makeup, and applying eyelash extensions. More than a decade ago, the state freed hair braiders.

The report found that, on average, cosmetology students borrow $7,100 in federal student loans, less than one-third graduate on time, and those that do, earn about $26,000 a year. That is less than restaurant cooks, janitors or concierges, none of whom must invest — by law — in costly education to work.

We should continue to look for alternatives to government licensing that protects the public and the financial wellbeing of those seeking careers.

– Russ