26 MiMfg Magazine January / February 2023
MFG Voice
Mike Johnston
Caroline Liethen David Worthams Executive Vice President Director of Environmental Director of of Government Mike Johnston Affairs & & Dave Regulatory Greco Policy David Employment Worthams Policy Workforce Development
MMA ’ s 2023-2024 Legislative Agenda
Your MMA Government Affairs Team at Work
As the 102nd Legislature takes office , the MMA Government Affairs team is hard at work , securing and sustaining a competitive business climate to allow manufacturers to be successful from their Michigan location .
To develop the bi-annual Legislative and Regulatory Agenda , the Government Affairs team works with representatives of literally hundreds of our members that populate our 10 public policy committees ( see page 17 ). These volunteers are policy experts from our member companies within the various areas addressed by each committee . With MMA staff guidance , our committee structure leads to a sound agenda used by the MMA to guide both our offensive and defensive strategies in working with the Legislature and Administration .
While the MMA Government Affairs team focuses on a wide range of policy matters to support manufacturing growth and competitiveness , the top priorities for the 102nd Legislature are economic development and talent development .
Talent
It is time to focus on energizing and revolutionizing Michigan ’ s talent base and development .
For several years , the need for talented employees in manufacturing has been among the highest priorities of our industry . It is a clear fact that the state that wins the talent development battle is going to win the economic war .
Manufacturers need people with the right skills and the state must work in partnership to help provide training as our industry competes in the global economy . Skilled workers are needed as manufacturing discovers , develops and implements advanced technologies . The talent gap is a primary barrier to our competitiveness .
We support ongoing efforts to improve Michigan ’ s entire education system to deliver the essential talent skills the industry needs . Programs such as the Going PRO Talent Fund , Michigan Reconnect and others provide the foundation to build a revolutionary education effort upon . Providing on-the-job training programs and apprenticeships develops workers ’ skills and enhances company growth strategies . With an improved K-12 education system that allows students to explore careers during the time in school , high school graduates will be ready to step into jobs and training that match manufacturers ’ needs .
Policy principles to support a competitive manufacturing sector :
• Ensure that job training programs effectively deliver the skills needed for a 21st Century economy and for Industry 4.0
• Provide education reforms which will build the foundation of manufacturing skills , which includes modifying the Michigan Merit Curriculum to allow for the flexibility to create career pathways through student exploration of a manufacturing career
• Reduce barriers to postsecondary education and skills development for all
• Invest in demand-driven manufacturing training
• Ensure every student will graduate from high school and is prepared for the next step
• Recognize and support a diverse set of education and training models
• Provide support for solutions to the availability of day care as it continues to be a barrier for workers to enter the workplace
Specific Actions for Policymakers :
• Secure sustainable funding for the Going PRO Talent Fund of at least $ 100 million
• Continue investment in the SME PRIME ® initiative
• Structure state supported talent development programs , so they connect Michiganders with industry-recognized and desired skill certificates
• Eliminate administrative and regulatory barriers incorporated into existing or new job training programs
• Dramatically transform Michigan ’ s education system to match the speed of the global economy , with a priority on establishing multiple pathways to learning , Career and Technical Education ( CTE ), career exploration and work-based learning in K-12 and post-secondary education institutions
• Continue support and promote use of the Tri-Share program to address the daycare needs employees face
• Invest in high-quality apprenticeships , internships and earn-andlearn programs and allow those investments to cover the full range of costs of the programs