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HB 549: A Workforce Solution for Louisiana’s Growing Economy
LABI has been deeply involved in crafting HB 549 by Rep. Stephanie Berault (R-Slidell)—legislation that reflects our intentional strategy to grow Louisiana’s workforce, support job creators and equip employees with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing economy. This LA Driven-Approved measure will be heard Thursday in the House Labor Committee.
HB 549 creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program (BayouWorks), a competitive, employer-driven training initiative designed to help Louisiana businesses quickly build the skilled talent pipeline required to sustain growth and capitalize on new economic opportunities.
Louisiana is attracting major economic development projects and new investment across industries, but a critical challenge threatens that momentum: too many employers cannot find workers with the right skills. BayouWorks provides a practical, proven solution by supporting short-term, industry-focused training that leads to recognized credentials and prepares workers for high-demand careers.
Modeled after Michigan’s successful “Going Pro” program, BayouWorks would offer competitive funding for targeted workforce training and rapid talent development—helping close skills gaps while strengthening Louisiana’s economic competitiveness. Additionally, the funding can go toward internship and apprenticeship programs.
Employers across Louisiana consistently cite recruiting and retaining skilled workers as one of their biggest barriers to growth. Without targeted workforce solutions, our state risks leaving good-paying jobs unfilled and missing opportunities for economic expansion. BayouWorks addresses this challenge head-on by empowering employers to lead the design of training programs that meet real, immediate workforce needs.
Michigan’s Going Pro Talent Fund shows how employer-led workforce training delivers real results:
- More than 230,000 workers trained,
- Nearly 8,500 businesses supported, and
- More than $309 million in workforce training grants awarded since 2014.
HB 549 represents a strategic, high-impact investment in Louisiana’s workforce and long-term economic growth. By empowering employers with targeted, industry-focused training, the bill, and the program it creates, would ensure. that skills gaps are closed as expeditiously and efficiently as possible, while helping workers gain the credentials and experience they need to move into higher-paying, in-demand careers. This approach not only strengthens Louisiana’s talent pipeline but also positions the state to attract new investment, support business growth and secure sustainable economic prosperity.