MS HB208

Four state agencies (Department of Employment Security, Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, Community College Board, and State Workforce Investment Board) shall jointly develop and annually update a "Career Pathways Initiative" plan subject to State Workforce Investment Board approval.

Initiative must increase access to education credentials for low-income individuals and parents, improve workforce preparedness for high-skill jobs, and develop training courses in consultation with local employers and workforce boards.

Resources allocated based on performance incentives including participant enrollment, course completion, job placement in targeted categories, and job retention.

Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall contract with state agencies, two-year colleges, local governments, and private or community organizations to provide job training certificates and higher education degrees for low-income adults.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds available for participants with custody or legal responsibility for a child under 21 whose family income is below 250% of federal poverty level; TANF funds may be combined with other federal, state, and local funds consistent with federal law.