Mississippi Receives Federal Approval for Its Workflex Plan
Date: August 10, 2026
Jackson, MS –
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor has officially approved Mississippi’s Workflex Plan, granting the state new authority to streamline federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements and tailor workforce services to better meet the needs of employers and job seekers. The approval was communicated directly to MDES leadership by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration Region 3 office.
Workflex approval allows Mississippi to reduce administrative barriers, modernize program delivery, and enhance alignment between workforce training and the state’s economic development priorities. With this flexibility, MDES will be able to design and implement approaches that help job seekers upskill faster and help employers access a more responsive workforce system.
“This is an important step forward for Mississippi’s workforce,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Workflex gives our state the freedom to innovate—ensuring we can cut red tape, serve our businesses more effectively, and help Mississippians get the training and support they need to succeed. I’m proud of the team that worked to secure this approval and excited for what it means for our state’s future.”
“This approval positions Mississippi to innovate how we deliver workforce services and respond more quickly to the needs of businesses and workers,” said William J. Ashley, Executive Director of MDES. “Workflex gives us the tools to remove outdated barriers, improve performance outcomes, and strengthen the pathways Mississippians use to enter and advance in the workforce.”
“This milestone reflects Mississippi’s commitment to innovation and collaboration across our workforce ecosystem,” said Courtney Taylor, PhD, Executive Director of AccelerateMS. “Workflex provides a unique opportunity to redesign service delivery in ways that work better for our employers and for Mississippians pursuing meaningful careers. We look forward to partnering with MDES, local workforce boards, and our community stakeholders to implement this flexibility effectively.”
MDES will work closely with state and regional partners to phase in Workflex authority while maintaining strong oversight and accountability. Additional information will be released as implementation proceeds.
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