JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Mississippi lawmakers are taking a look at the state’s labor force participation rate this summer. They’re hoping to bring more workers into the job market.

Mississippi ranks last in the country with just more than half of eligible workers participating in the state economy.

The state currently enjoys its lowest unemployment rate in state history, yet just 53% of eligible Mississippians are working. It’s a dilemma that has stumped political leaders, who are hoping to address the issue.

At 53.7%, Mississippi has the lowest labor force participation rate in the entire country. It’s nine points below the national average and cause for concern for some lawmakers.

State Senator Daniel Sparks (R-District 5) will chair the study group diving into this issue. One thing he’ll be looking at is the underemployed workers of the state and how to utilize community colleges to give them opportunities for growth.

“Underemployed could mean without skills or skills that are somewhat obsolete. If we’re talking about upskilling, I think they’re going to be a huge part of that,” said Sparks.

“Legislation can come in many forms. It could be funding for more training to try to skill up those workers who may be unemployed or underemployed. It may come in the form of special projects to areas of the state,” said State Senator Derrick Simmons (D-District 12).

The study group paints a different picture of Mississippi’s economy, as the state enjoys the lowest unemployment rate in its history in a year with busy economic development.

“The reason we have a 3% roughly unemployment rate and a 53.7% workforce participation rate, those two don’t marry up is because there are tens of thousands of Mississippians not actively seeking work,” said Sparks.

The study committee is planning to hold public hearings in late summer or early fall this year.

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