Saying that key investments by Michigan in K-12 education, talent and the mobility industry will boost the state’s post-pandemic recovery, the Business Leaders for Michigan are voicing support for a number of Gov. Whitmer’s budget recommendations today.
The organization, which serves as the state’s business roundtable, has weighed in to support some of the key provisions of Gov. Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget recommendation.
Jeff Donofrio, President and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan, says, “Investing in people and innovation are some of the best things we can do to make Michigan a more competitive and prosperous state,” and adds, “The Governor’s budget recommendation lays out investments in K-12, talent development and mobility programs that have bipartisan support, will help fill talent gaps, and increase income for families.”
Key provisions in the budget recommendation include:
- Establishing a K-12 education best practices center to help identify, replicate and scale best practices in K-12 education to improve academic performance across the state;
- Providing additional support for at-risk and special needs K-12 students;
- Implementing research-based solutions to help students recover lost learning hours due to the disruption caused by the pandemic; and
- Helping residents acquire the skills and credentials employers need by providing additional support for our public higher education institutions, and the Michigan Reconnect, Futures for Frontliners, and GoingPro programs.
- Support for a Mobility Futures Initiative to advance connected and autonomous vehicle deployment, economic and workforce development, equity and sustainability.
Donofrio says, “With COVID accelerating what was already a changing landscape for jobs and mobility, it is critical that we provide a strong educational foundation, ability to upskill throughout life and keeps us in the lead on future mobility. Plans released by legislative leaders have addressed many of these critical areas as well, and we look forward to working with the Administration and legislative leadership to move our state forward.”
Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable, is dedicated to making Michigan a Top Ten state for jobs, personal income and a healthy economy. The organization is composed exclusively of the executive leaders of Michigan’s largest companies and universities. Their members drive nearly 40-percent of the state’s economy, generate over $1-trillion in annual revenue and educate nearly half of all Michigan public university students. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, to follow their work.
