State of Mississippi Archives: on Jobs
Cindy Hyde-Smith:
Protect our business & jobs in Mississippi agriculture
I have dedicated my career to being a champion for Mississippi agriculture. Being a pro-business conservative for 12 years and having been Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee for the last 8 years, my proven track record shows my dedication as
a true agriculture leader.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.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Mississippi Senate race
Oct 2, 2011
Cindy Hyde-Smith:
Leave wage policies to state and local leaders
Q: Raise federal hourly minimum wage?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.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Mississippi Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
David Baria:
Raise minimum wage for state businesses to $9/hr
Q: Minimum Wage: Raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25/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.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Mississippi legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
Mike Espy:
Protections for essential workers, paid family/medical leave
America's essential workers disproportionately work more hours, are paid less, and have not traditionally been recognized to the degree to which they deserve. I will be a voice for our workers in Washington.
I will ensure their workplaces have health and safety protections in place and that they are prioritized for personal protective equipment, testing, and paid family and medical leave.
Source: 2020 Mississippi Senate campaign website EspyForSenate.com
Jun 25, 2020
Phil Bryant:
My first job: every Mississippian who wants a job has one
In 2012, you helped produce one of the most business-friendly legislative sessions in modern history, and I thank you. Therefore, I am proud to stand here, able to report that the state of our state is strong.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.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 22, 2013
Phil Bryant:
$50M for Keep Mississippi Working Fund & workforce training
We realize that finding a job can and has changed lives for the better, so we must do all in our power to put people to work. Tonight, I am announcing the Keep Mississippi Working Fund--a program that will move nearly $50 million over the next two years
without putting a demand on the General Fund.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.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Mississippi Legislature
Jan 21, 2015
Phil Bryant:
Mississippi Model: Cutting red tape increases jobs
Working together, we have also made it easier for our entrepreneurs to pursue the American dream, ridding our occupational licensing system of red tape that for too long had served as nothing more than a barrier to market entry.
Other states are just now moving to adopt our plan to reduce regulatory burdens on professional services. It has become known across the United States simply as the "Mississippi Model."
Source: 2018 Mississippi State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
Phil Bryant:
Apprenticeship program boosts economy
Our success in growing the economy is demanding that our focus on workforce be sharpened like never before. Workforce development must be and has now become our highest priority. Our plan utilizes every community college as a
Workforce Center of Excellence. Apprenticeship programs couple students with private companies to help them launch careers in targeted industries in their communities. These young workers have more opportunity than ever before now.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Tate Reeves:
Protect manufacturers from unfair union negotiating tactics
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said anti-union bills that cleared the Senate will uphold Mississippi's standing as a right-to-work state attractive to manufacturers seeking to avoid workforces represented through collective bargaining. "These bills
will protect Mississippi from a trend seen in other parts of the country where organized labor groups are using unfair negotiating tactics to bypass state laws and hurt job creation," he said.
Source: MS Business Journal on 2019 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Feb 13, 2014
Brandon Presley:
State government appointments should reflect the population
I think that leadership of state agencies and executive appointments should reflect the population. I think that requires a governor who will take intentional action to bring diversity in appointments to make sure that all regions and races are
properly represented. There is a ton of talent that we need in state government – and for African Americans, quite frankly we have not had a governor who has tried to reach out and tap into that talent.
Source: The Mississippi Link on 2023 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Jun 28, 2023
Ty Pinkins:
Bring meaningful, well-paying jobs to our state
We need an American economy that works for everyone. I will fight to bring well-paying jobs to our state by 1) encouraging businesses to invest in our communities and bring jobs; 2) supporting Federal legislation that benefits Mississippians by lowering
our unemployment rate by bringing meaningful, well-paying jobs to our state; and 3) introducing and supporting legislation to boost education, particularly in front line skills and trades necessary to compete in a 21st Century, global economy.
Source: Candidate Connection on 2024 Mississippi Senate race
Nov 1, 2023
Brandon Presley:
Protect workers from pay discrimination
Labor : Make it easier or harder for unions to organize?- Brandon Presley (D): Unclear. Would "strengthen Mississippi's equal pay law," which protects workers from pay discrimination. It is currently weaker
than federal equal pay laws.
- Tate Reeves (R): Likely harder. When asked about a lack of a union role in the official COVID recovery, said, "We don't need union bosses to tell us how to tell us how to take care of our people."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey: 2023 Mississippi Governor race
Aug 8, 2024
Tate Reeves:
No union role in official COVID recovery
Labor : Make it easier or harder for unions to organize?- Brandon Presley (D): Unclear. Would "strengthen Mississippi's equal pay law," which protects workers from pay discrimination. It is currently weaker
than federal equal pay laws.
- Tate Reeves (R): Likely harder. When asked about a lack of a union role in the official COVID recovery, said, "We don't need union bosses to tell us how to tell us how to take care of our people."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey: 2023 Mississippi Governor race
Aug 8, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026