20 MiMfg Magazine September / October 2022
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
Legislature Considering Improvements to Michigan Reconnect
The Michigan Reconnect program has helped more than 91,000 Michiganders find a tuition-free pathway to attain degrees and skills through Michigan community colleges and training providers .
MMA is now supporting commonsense enhancements to further align the program with manufacturing talent demand . House Bills 6129 ( Representative Ben Frederick , R-Owosso ) and 6130 ( Representative Sarah Anthony , D-Lansing ) would expand eligibility to adult learners as young as 21 , require participating colleges to allow for accelerated completion and a new reporting structure and create a singular point of coordination within state government for adult education .
The House Appropriations Committee heard testimony on the bipartisan legislation over the summer and action is expected this fall .
New Tools to Support Manufacturing Expansion and Investment
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation ( MEDC ) has launched two new programs designed to support manufacturers with access to capital through local banks . A total of $ 215.7 million in federal funding allocated to Michigan through the federal American Recovery Plan Act will be available with an initial allocation of $ 72 million available now .
The Michigan Business Growth Fund Loan Participation Program provides greater access to capital where projected cash flows are considered speculative by the lender and the Collateral Support Program applies when collateral shortfalls would otherwise not allow a lender to provide new financing to a small business . Taken together , these programs help manufacturers take advantage of growth opportunities by overcoming some traditional challenges to loan approval .
Scan the QR code to learn more online at michiganbusiness . org or contact MMA ’ s Mike Johnston at 517-487-8554 or johnston @ mimfg . org with your questions .
November 2022 Election Critical to Achieving Pro- Manufacturing Objectives
Elections matter , especially to manufacturers looking to affect pro-manufacturing legislative policies in Michigan . This year , new House , Senate and Congressional districts drawn by the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will dictate the future policy direction of our state . Along with term limits , the new lines have pinched out seasoned policymakers , forced incumbents to run against each other and attracted 564 new candidates into the electoral process .
With so much at stake , make sure that the voice of Michigan ’ s largest economic sector is heard . Check out the MMA Election Center at mimfg . org / election for information on pro-manufacturing candidates and elections in your area . And join MMA ’ s Government Affairs team at a location near you in October for a Ballots & Brews discussion of how we can ensure pro-manufacturing candidates become our next leaders .
Join Us at a Ballots & Brews Regional Meeting Near You This fall ’ s general election makes the future success of the industry we know and love uncertain . Don ’ t miss out on the opportunity to hear from the MMA lobby team and leadership . Register for a local Ballots & Brews at mimfg . org / ballotsbrews to find out how you can help ensure pro-manufacturing candidates become our next leaders .