24 MiMfg Magazine March 2021
MFG Voice
Mike
Johnston Caroline Liethen David Worthams Vice President of Director of Environmental Director of Human Government Mike Johnston Affairs & Regulatory Dave Greco Policy David Resource Worthams Policy
Your MMA Government Affairs Team at Work
$ 31 Million Going PRO Funds Awarded
More than $ 31 million has been awarded to employers as part of the 2020 / 2021 Going PRO Talent Fund to support training for highdemand , high-skill talent needs . Manufacturers were awarded 43 percent of available funding , equating to $ 5.6 million . While the individual company application period has closed , Industry-led Collaboratives ( ILCs ) may apply for funds beginning in April 2021 . Learn more at mimfg . org / mfg-talent .
WorkKeys ® Elimination Bill Reintroduced
State lawmakers have reintroduced legislation seeking to eliminate the valuable WorkKeys ® National Career Readiness Certificate ( NCRC ) from high school diplomas . The WorkKeys ® test assesses students ’ ability in applied math and reading skills for Career and Technical Education ( CTE ). MMA has been a longstanding supporter of WorkKeys ® and the NCRC as effective tools for matching students with career opportunities in manufacturing .
Plans to Jump-Start Michigan ’ s Economy Advancing in Lansing
In advance of her third State of the State Address , Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a proposal designed to channel $ 5.8 billion in combined state and federal money to jump-start Michigan ’ s economy . The Michigan COVID Recovery Plan primarily focuses on vaccine distribution , support for businesses and talent development . For Michigan manufacturers , this means funds will be ramped up for vaccine distribution , expanded COVID-19 testing , tracing and lab capacity and more .
The Michigan House has also passed a series of supplemental appropriation bills that provide funds for COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution support . Roughly $ 143 million has been earmarked for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing , and $ 22.6 million for vaccine administration . This move will also help to shore up the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund ( UITF ) with a cash infusion of $ 150 million .
Get More ! Learn more about how MMA is working for manufacturers through our policy agenda beginning on page 14 .
John Walsh Appointed to Governor ’ s Protect Michigan Commission
MMA President & CEO John J . Walsh was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Protect Michigan Commission . Announced in December , this statewide bipartisan commission will advise Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ( MDHHS ) on policies to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations to protect the health and safety of Michigan residents and to accelerate the state ’ s economic recovery .
MMA joins with Governor on Michigan Reconnect
Walsh has also joined the Governor and other policymakers to launch Michigan Reconnect , a $ 30 million scholarship program to provide 4.1 million Michigan residents an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate . Workforce development opportunities have become vital and Michigan Reconnect will allow workers to advance in their careers and upskill in their current company .
Get the latest updates on legislative and regulatory issues . Join an MMA Policy Committee or subscribe to weekly MFG Voice updates . Learn more at mimfg . org .