Get Involved
‘Learn and Earn’ Heads to Governor’s Desk
As Sine Die approaches, a flurry of legislation is making its way to the fourth floor of the Capitol for signature by Gov. Jeff Landry. Many of the first to arrive reflect this session’s defining, bipartisan priority: strengthening Louisiana’s workforce pipeline. That focus closely tracks with LABI’s long-standing workforce development agenda and its broader LA Driven Strategic Plan, which centers on aligning education, training and industry needs to build a more competitive talent ecosystem for the state.
Among the early arrivals is the “Learn and Earn” Act, a key step in that effort.
Authored by Sen. Beth Mizell (R-Franklinton), SB 376 establishes a statewide framework to expand work-based learning opportunities and strengthen the bridge between classroom instruction and real-world experience. The legislation authorizes local school systems to create career practicums that integrate hands-on training in a controlled and legally secure manner, while encouraging broader access to internships, apprenticeships and other industry-driven experiences.
By strengthening partnerships between K–12 schools, higher education and the private sector, the measure helps ensure students gain in-demand skills, earn industry credentials, and—in some cases—receive wages while completing their education. The unanimous 98-0 House Floor vote reflects strong consensus around the importance of preparing students for success in the modern workforce and advancing the same goals LABI has prioritized through LA Driven.
Also headed to the governor’s desk following a 96-0 vote is SB 305 by Senate Education Chairman Sen. Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge). The bill directs the Louisiana Board of Regents, LA Works and other state partners to develop a publicly accessible career alignment data dashboard that clearly connects education pathways to real career outcomes. This transparency will help students and families understand which programs lead to high-wage, high-demand careers and what training is required to pursue them.
The legislation emerged from the Task Force on Career Alignment—a collaborative effort that includes LABI alongside education, workforce and industry partners focused on ensuring postsecondary programs are aligned with Louisiana’s evolving economic needs.
Together, these measures represent meaningful progress toward building a stronger, more transparent talent pipeline—one that connects education directly to opportunity and keeps more Louisiana students working and thriving at home. Just as importantly, they reinforce the core objectives of LABI’s LA Driven Strategic Plan by advancing workforce readiness, improving education-to-career alignment and ensuring Louisiana employers have access to the skilled workforce needed to compete and grow.