Health care and education shortage assistance program; establish to help attract professionals to work in certain counties.

HB 444 establishes a program to help rural counties in Mississippi with unemployment over 10% and shortages of healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, EMTs, social workers) or teachers attract professionals. It allocates at least $5 million annually from the Mississippi Works Fund, disbursed by the Department of Employment Security to participating counties. To receive funds, counties must adopt a resolution, submit a detailed plan for using the funds, and provide 30% matching funds. The program targets rural areas specifically to address workforce gaps in critical sectors.