State of Mississippi Archives: on Jobs

Cindy Hyde-Smith: Leave wage policies to state and local leaders

Cindy Hyde-Smith: No. Says state and local leaders are best suited to determine wage policies.

Mike Espy: Yes. Supports a $15-per-hour minimum wage.

Mike Espy: Protections for essential workers, paid family/medical leave

Phil Bryant: Apprenticeship program boosts economy

David Baria: Raise minimum wage for state businesses to $9/hr

David Baria (D): Yes. Also authored bill to increase Mississippi minimum wage for private employers to $9 while keeping state employees at $7.25 federal rate.

Roger Wicker (R): Likely no. In 2007 voted against raising federal minimum wage to current $7.25 level. Didn't vote on proposed 2014 increase.

Phil Bryant: Mississippi Model: Cutting red tape increases jobs

Phil Bryant: $50M for Keep Mississippi Working Fund & workforce training

Due to reduced demand on Mississippi's Unemployment Trust Fund, $50 million will instead be allocated for workforce training in high-demand industries. The Keep Mississippi Working Fund will not increase taxes.

The governor also called on the Legislature to fund a $3 million scholarship program for high school students in career tech programs to pursue skills certifications and academic degrees at Mississippi's community and junior colleges: "I believe with these two programs, we can focus on creating a world-class workforce. With that accomplished, our economic progress can be unlimited," Gov. Bryant said of the workforce development initiative and scholarship program.

Tate Reeves: Protect manufacturers from unfair union negotiating tactics

Phil Bryant: My first job: every Mississippian who wants a job has one

Last January, I told you that my first job was to make sure every Mississippian who wants a job has one. We have made great improvements, and with the help of the Mississippi Development Authority, we grew our existing businesses and brought new world-class companies to our state.

In 2012, Mississippi's economic development efforts resulted in the announcement of nearly 2,700 new jobs. This success represents a private sector investment of more than a half-billion dollars. [This was accomplished by state agencies] making contact with site-selectors, beginning the competitive recruitment process, putting a deal together, and landing a business win. Tonight, I call on you to make sure the world knows Mississippi will not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to attracting jobs.

Cindy Hyde-Smith: Protect our business & jobs in Mississippi agriculture

My family raises beef cattle and operates the local stockyard auction market in Brookhaven. I know what it means to run an agricultural business. Being well aware of regulations by both the state and federal agricultural departments, I understand the fine line between food safety and sound environmental policies without over-burdensome government regulations.

Agriculture is a driving force in our economy with one in four jobs in Mississippi being agriculture related. I will do everything in my power to protect the jobs we have and create more agriculture-related jobs by making sure Mississippi has a favorable business climate.