Thompson is committed to improving the economic growth and sustainability of Mississippi, particularly the Mississippi Delta. Regularly touted as the poorest region in the country, the Delta remains largely agrarian, but has reaped some benefits from the onset of the gaming industry. With Congressman Thompson’s leadership and insistence, Mississippi was awarded one rural empowerment zone, one rural enterprise community and one urban enterprise community. These efforts, along with other tax incentives, stand to increase the income of Mississippians - $16,822 (50 of 50 states) per capita - by educating and training the citizens of the region, creating more jobs and improving wages; ultimately, improving the overall economic condition of Mississippians.