Mississippi House Bill HB11

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Mississippi Career and Technical Education Employability (MissCATEE) Program; establish to provide tuition-free community college for certain CTE programs.

Impact

The bill highlights the importance of addressing workforce development goals by expanding access to career and technical education (CTE) programs across Mississippi's community colleges. It aims to ensure graduates possess the necessary skills and certifications required by employers in critical industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and more. The implementation of this program is intended not only to enhance individual employability but also to stimulate economic growth in the state through skilled labor engagement.

Summary

House Bill 11, referred to as the Mississippi Connecting Career and Technical Education Employability (MissCATEE) Program, aims to create opportunities for individuals to receive tuition-free education at community colleges for career and technical programs. The legislation is directed at training recipients for roles in high-wage, high-demand industries that are experiencing workforce shortages. By prioritizing occupational training that aligns with state labor needs, the program seeks to build a robust pipeline of skilled workers capable of meeting these demands.

Contention

There are stipulations for eligibility in the program, which include residency requirements, completion of the FAFSA, and commitments to work in Mississippi for a defined period post-education. Additionally, recipients who do not fulfill their commitments to work within the industry sector may be required to repay the funds they received with interest. This element of the legislation has sparked debate regarding the balance between incentivizing education and enforcing residency commitments. Opponents may argue that such conditions could deter individuals from pursuing these educational opportunities or discourage movement and employment flexibility within the labor market.