Louisiana Lawmakers Zero In on Workforce Needs Ahead of 2026 Session

State Representative Michael Melerine says the upcoming legislative session will center on one major priority: building a workforce strong enough to meet Louisiana’s rapid economic growth.He joined Talk 107.3 to outline the stakes. Major projects are landing across the state, from the $12 billion data center investment in Shreveport to the new Hyundai plant in southeast Louisiana. Melerine said lawmakers spent the fall meeting with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and LED to understand what gaps remain.“We did the reforms. We got the investment. Now we need the workers,” he said.