Cooler heads have finally prevailed in Michigan as the State House of Representatives and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer completed successful negotiations which would restore some funding to critical programs such as Going Pro, Pure Michigan, and the Michigan Reconnect Program.
State Rep. Pauline Wendzel was one of those who voted today in favor of a new Michigan state budget supplemental that restores funding to what she termed “Southwest Michigan priorities.”
Wendzel’s votes came as the Legislature completed negotiations with the Governor to restore some of those key dollars, including money for High Water Grants.
Wendzel says, “Once again, Michigan is showing the nation that just because we have divided government it doesn’t mean we can’t do the jobs we were elected to do,” and adds, “I’m proud to vote for this supplemental that provides funding to increase skilled trades programs and enhance our workforce right here in Southwest Michigan.”
Included in the budget supplemental is:
- Pure Michigan funding. $16 million has been included to partially restore the Pure Michigan campaign which was cut in Gov. Whitmer’s original round of vetoes.
- Going Pro. $15 million has been included to partially restore that key business program. Going Pro provides training that enhances talent, productivity, and employment retention of Michigan’s workforce through competitive grants to Michigan employers.
- Michigan Reconnect. $35 million has been included to provide grants to individuals 25 and older to earn a skill certificate or a degree at a local community college.
- High Water Grants. $5 million has been included to offer grants to local communities facing infrastructure issues created from high water levels along the Great Lakes shoreline.
Rep. Wendzel says, “These specific items will directly impact Southwest Michigan, and I’m proud to vote to restore this funding.”
Following House approval of that supplemental spending bill, Small Business Association of Michigan President Brian Calley issued the following statement:
“SBAM is pleased that a supplemental appropriations bill including funding for the Going PRO Talent Fund and Michigan Reconnect is moving forward for this current budget year. Both are essential in jump-starting the state’s talent efforts to close the skills gap. These two programs in tandem provide a scaled response to our state’s talent needs while improving income and prosperity for more Michiganders. This timely action will hopefully make it possible to implement Michigan Reconnect before the fall semester and help employers implement training plans through Going PRO without further delay.
“We also applaud the reinstatement of funds for the Pure Michigan campaign, which has a notable track record of boosting tourism and projecting a strong and positive image of our state. In 2019 alone, 1.9 million Michigan trips were influenced by the campaign and we hope there is an opportunity to invest additional dollars in this influential campaign in the future.
“It’s very encouraging to see collaboration and bipartisan support on these important issues. We hope to see swift Senate action on these bills so they make it to Governor Whitmer’s desk quickly.”
Also commenting on today’s House approval of the supplemental spending bill was Michigan Community College President Michael Hansen, who issued the following statement:
“The Michigan Reconnect program will provide Michigan’s 28 community colleges with a new opportunity to help adults over 25 obtain a degree or certificate in order to advance their careers. Michigan’s community colleges offer thousands of degrees and certificates that will prepare Michiganders for in-demand jobs in today’s economy.
“Including funding for the program in this budget supplemental is an important first step in giving our colleges the ability to work quickly and get the program up and running before the fall semester begins. Michigan’s community colleges are excited to make Reconnect a reality for residents who are eager to gain new skills and improve their lives.
“The Michigan Community College Association is proud to play a role in closing Michigan’s talent gap. We greatly appreciate Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for continuing to make investing and training Michiganders a priority.”
Following action in the State House today, the measures move to the Senate and then on to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
