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Governor's proposed budget maintains critical focus on talent development, closing skills gap
February 10, 2016
February 10, 2016 – Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed fiscal year 2017 state budget ensures that Michigan is well-positioned to further address the critical issue of workforce development, Talent Investment Agency Director Stephanie Comai said today.
“Michigan’s long-term success depends on our ability to ensure that job providers have access to the talent they need,” Comai said. “This is especially true in the skilled trades, where thousands of exciting, good-paying jobs remain available. I’m proud of the work my agency is doing to assist workers and employers in meeting their needs and am confident that the governor’s continued emphasis will allow us to keep our state at the forefront of talent development innovation.”
The governor’s budget recommends additional support for workforce development initiatives. Highlights include:
- More than $35 million for skilled trades training-related initiatives such as the Skilled Trades Training Fund and the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program.
- $9.8 million in General Fund support for the Community Ventures program, which helps structurally unemployed residents pursue career opportunities and maintain employment in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and Pontiac. An additional $2 million, one-time General Fund commitment also is being recommended as a “challenge” match to encourage foundations and other organizations to support expansion of program services and integration into communities.
- One-time funding of $8.8 million for the Statewide Data System Integration project. The project will encourage continuous improvement in the services provided to employers, workers and all taxpayers. In addition to helping the state meet new workforce data reporting requirements, the project will allow for a more detailed analysis of training and education programs. Through an analysis of this data, program design and outcomes will be improved.
“Michigan is taking a comprehensive, strategic approach to talent development,” Comai said. “With the continued support of the governor and Legislature, the Talent Investment Agency will keep working with stakeholders throughout Michigan to make our state a national leader in preparing talent for the rewarding careers of today and tomorrow.”
Visit www.michigan.gov/tia for more information about the Talent Investment Agency.
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