Opinion
Hattiesburg American
Wednesday, August 11, 2004

State must implement 'Blueprint'

Mississippi's elected officials and business leaders have always been rather astute at diagnosing our state's ailments and proposing solutions to correct them.

Where we've fallen short, historically, is in the "action" phase - committing resources to achieve strategic, long-term objectives.

Blueprint Mississippi, the 10-year plan that was unveiled Monday and is designed to promote economic development, is a visionary road map to a better economic future.

The business leaders who crafted the document deserve our thanks.

Only one question remains: Do Mississippi officials and business leaders have the will to accomplish these objectives?

Blueprint Mississippi identifies 10 key priorities the public-private sector must pursue over the next 10 years. They include:

  Strengthening the state's business image.

  Promoting changes to Mississippi's legal system - changes that encourage business growth and expansion.

  Improving pre-K programs to better prepare children for school.

  Increasing the state's high school and college graduation rates.

  Increasing participation in adult lifelong learning, worker training and professional development programs.

"This is not a study that's going to sit on the shelf," said Gov. Haley Barbour Monday.

That's good to hear.

However, it'll take a lot more than a promise from the governor to make Blueprint Mississippi a reality.

Originally published Wednesday, August 11, 2004