MS HB548

Requires the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi Community College Board, and State Workforce Investment Board to jointly develop and annually update a "Career Pathways Initiative" plan.

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

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

Initiative shall use available Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for participants with custody of a child under 21 years old whose family income is below 250% of the federal poverty level.

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 education and training resulting in job certificates or higher education degrees for low-income adults.

TANF funds may be combined with other federal, state, and local funds consistent with federal law to increase program funding.

Effective July 1, 2024.