Get Involved
House Education Takes Up LABI-Backed Talent Pipeline Bills
After smooth sailing in the Senate—including unanimous approval in committee and a 36-0 vote on the Floor—LABI-backed “Learn and Earn” legislation now makes its House debut.
SB 376 by Sen. Beth Mizell (R-Franklinton) establishes the Learn and Earn Act, creating a statewide framework for career practicums that connect classroom instruction with real-world, work-based learning opportunities like internships, apprenticeships and hands-on industry training.
The measure is designed to better align Louisiana’s education system with workforce demand by strengthening partnerships between K-12 schools, higher education and the private sector. It gives students more opportunities to earn industry credentials, build practical job skills and, in some cases, receive wages while still completing their education—helping employers develop a stronger talent pipeline and students graduate workforce-ready.
Sen. Mizell has emphasized that the goal is to create meaningful pathways for every Louisiana high school student, especially in areas where exposure to business and industry can be limited. As the bill heads to House Education, LABI will continue advocating for this commonsense step toward making Louisiana’s workforce stronger, more competitive and better prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
In addition to hearing SB 376, House Ed is also scheduled to take up SB 305 by Sen. Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge), another key workforce development measure aligned with LABI’s long-term priorities. The bill, which the upper chamber approved 38-0, directs the Board of Regents, LA Works and other relevant state agencies to create a publicly accessible career alignment data dashboard showing educational programs across Louisiana and the career outcomes they lead to.
That kind of transparency is critical. Students need a clearer picture of what opportunities exist across the state, what training is required and where those pathways can lead. By giving Louisiana’s young people access to that information early, we help connect them to high-wage, high-demand careers—and encourage them to build those careers here at home.