Why aren’t more Mississippians working?
Answering that question requires knowledge and understanding of our state’s current labor force and related issues. This report provides a compilation of information from various data sources to help policymakers and others as they explore solutions to Mississippi’s labor issues.
We at Empower Mississippi approached this study with no preconceived notions about what the data would show or what solutions should be proposed. In fact, this report has no recommendations, only the information we have found thus far. A later report will have recommendations and further data. However, we do approach this project with a fundamental belief that work is good for everyone and essential to the human experience. Work provides dignity and purpose, and we want everyone to experience the good that comes from using one’s God given gifts to provide for themselves and their families. Obviously, there are those who cannot work because of disability or other hardships, but as a norm, people flourish when they earn their own success.