NFIB State Director Leah Long today urged lawmakers to pass three measures aimed at strengthening Mississippi’s workforce pipeline and helping small businesses find qualified employees.

“Finding qualified workers remains one of the biggest challenges facing Mississippi’s small business owners,” Long said. “When businesses can’t find skilled employees, it slows growth, delays expansion, and limits opportunity for everyone.”

NFIB is urging passage of:

• House Bill 333 would create a State Workforce Investment Board, develop a list of high-value industry certifications for community college students, and provide a $600 grant for each qualifying certification earned.
• House Bill 335 would launch a pilot grant program to support dual enrollment career and technical education courses in priority workforce sectors at Mississippi community colleges.
• Senate Bill 2522, the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant Program, would provide tuition-free access to workforce-aligned community college programs for eligible adults.

“These bills focus on practical solutions that connect students and adult learners with the skills employers need,” Long said. “By preparing Mississippians to enter the workforce or change careers, lawmakers can help small businesses hire, grow, and compete.”