Mary Beth Hughes Derrickson from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry joins the show to discuss key issues ahead of the legislative session. She emphasizes the need for streamlining the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to address inefficiencies and a $19 billion backlog in projects. Derrickson highlights three major bills aimed at restructuring the DOTD for better efficiency and transparency. She also addresses the importance of prioritizing projects and involving the private sector to expedite progress. Additionally, Derrickson discusses the business case for early childhood education investment, framing it as a workforce development issue. 

She shares insights from a recent conference, noting that other states are ahead in messaging and implementation. Derrickson stresses the importance of community and business involvement in early childhood education to support working parents and prepare children for kindergarten. She highlights the economic impact of workforce retention loss due to inadequate childcare and advocates for creative messaging to legislators and business owners. Overall, Derrickson calls for comprehensive efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and early childhood education, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government, business, and community stakeholders.