Labor & Employment (Unemployment)

SB 2012 appropriates $138 million in state funds and $1.8 million in special funds for Mississippi's Department of Employment Security to cover its operational costs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specifically allocates $30 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits for employees), with strict rules prohibiting diversion of these funds to other purposes or exceeding budgeted headcount levels. It also designates $138 million from the Unemployment Trust Fund to support One-Stop Career Centers and unemployment compensation administration, including staffing, technology, and accessibility improvements. This funding bill directly affects the department’s budget and staffing operations but does not change eligibility rules or program benefits.