Louisiana lawmakers are entering the final two weeks of the legislative session. Several education and workforce bills are now moving closer to the governor’s desk. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry representative Mary Beth Derrickson discussed the latest progress during an interview on “Mornings with Brian Haldane.”
One major bill is Senate Bill 305 by Sen. Rick Edmonds. The proposal would create a public statewide dashboard through Louisiana Works. The dashboard would connect students with education paths and career opportunities across Louisiana. Derrickson said the system would help students find high-demand jobs close to home. It would also show what training is needed for those careers.
Another bill gaining attention is Senate Bill 376 by Sen. Beth Mizell. The measure would make it easier for schools to partner with businesses on campus. Walker High School was highlighted as an example. Students there help run a PJ’s Coffee location, a credit union, and even a body shop. Supporters say these programs give students real-world job experience before graduation.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are also focusing on financial literacy and career readiness. House Bill 285 by Rep. Tony Bacala would allow schools to partner with banks and credit unions to operate branches at high schools. House Bill 268 by Rep. Kim Carver would expand career exposure activities for elementary school students.
Derrickson also pointed to new education rankings released by Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth researchers. The report ranked Louisiana first in the nation for reading growth and second for math growth since the pandemic. She credited the progress to a stronger focus on basic skills and classroom instruction.
Several workforce and dual enrollment bills are still advancing through the Legislature before the session ends.