April is the Michigan Works! Association’s Workforce Advocacy Month during which directors of the Michigan Works! offices across the state meet virtually with their local lawmakers to discuss legislative priorities for this year.
The Association has long served as the state’s most powerful voice for talent and economic development and our legislative agenda gets results as we support our state’s talent pipeline through policy recommendations that work.
Following are the priorities the Michigan Works! network is focusing on in 2021:
Increasing funding for Fiscal Year 2022 for the Going PRO Talent Fund.
Modernization and reformation of the state’s unemployment system by reinstating the time frame for work registration to 21 days and expanding work registration at Michigan Works! to include virtual and in-person options.
Continuation of funding for the Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (PATH) Program and supporting funding and local control for the New American population and TANF Summer Employment.
Working with state partners to house all workforce programs in one state department.
The Association is also using Workforce Advocacy Month to call attention to a variety of important workforce issues through a series of panel discussions.
The first panel discussion, taking place on April 9, focuses on the Impact of the Pandemic on Jobseekers across the state. Attendees will hear first-hand from statewide experts about the new ALICE Report; the overarching impact of the pandemic on jobseekers and in particular women; the recommendations of the Michigan Poverty Task Force as well as a local perspective from a jobseeker survey in West Michigan.
On April 16, a panel discussion on the Impact of the Pandemic on Child Care. Attendees will learn from statewide experts about the Tri Share program; the Child Care Innovation Fund; the latest study by the Michigan League for Public Policy regarding child care financing reform; as well as a local perspective from a child care provider in Lansing.
For those interested in learning more about the Impact of the Pandemic on Employers, be sure to attend the panel discussion on April 23 to hear about the Michigan Chamber’s “Reopen Michigan Safely” Coalition; how Michigan retailers have been impacted and have pivoted to survive during the pandemic; the impact on manufacturing across the state; as well as a local perspective from a business in the hospitality industry in Northern Lower Michigan.
The final panel discussion of the month takes place on April 30 and will feature lawmakers and state leaders to discuss the state budget and its impact on workforce development. Look for more information coming soon on this exciting panel discussion.
Luann Dunsford, CEO, Michigan Works! Association