You need to work if you can work, said Lt. Gov Delbert Hosemann, in a speech following his swearing in for a second term Thursday, at the Mississippi State Capitol.
“Our labor force participation rate is the lowest in the country,” he said, in a speech that gave hints about his agenda for this year’s legislative session. Hosemann then defined labor force participation as the number of able-bodied people over 16 who are able to work. The Delta historically has fewer people working.
“Our economy is not sustainable with further declines,” he said.
One of the solutions that Hosemann has talked about is the possibility of making community college free in Mississippi.
“Encouraging personal initiative to be gainfully employed is paramount,” he said. “Each person must have the education they need to obtain a positive economic future.”
Hosemann and others have expressed dismay that some companies that could provide jobs may be reluctant to locate in Mississippi without a trained work force.
