Michigan Works! Applauds Lawmakers and Administration for Including Going PRO Talent Fund Money in FY 2021 State Budget

LANSING, MI (September 23, 2020) – Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association released the following statement in response to the inclusion of $28.7 million for the Going PRO Talent Fund program in the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget proposal:

“We applaud the Michigan legislature and the administration for their commitment to including money to the FY 2021 state budget in order to continue providing grants to Michigan businesses so they can provide critical training for both current employees and new hires.

“The $28.7 million included in the FY 2021 state budget will be awarded to employers across the state to help them meet the challenges they have with locating, training and retaining the talent needed to remain competitive with other states as well as around the world.

“Since the inception of the Talent Fund program in 2014, nearly $100 million has been awarded to more than 3,000 businesses across the state, resulting in the retention of 72,542 jobs.

“The need for highly-skilled talent has never been greater in our state. The COVID-19 crisis has created an even greater need for reskilling and retraining dollars for Michiganders. Many Michigan residents are now facing situations in which they will need to pursue a completely different career path and this funding will go a long way toward helping with that situation. Going PRO Talent Fund has proven to be one of the most effective resources available to address Michigan’s talent crisis.

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Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.