Representative Beth Griffin Recognized as Legislator of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 13, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Representative Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan) for her work promoting skilled trades, training, career-technical education, and the Michigan Works! network. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2021 Legislator of the Year, Griffin received the award during the association’s annual conference.

“I am honored to receive this award from the Michigan Works! Association,” said Rep. Griffin. “During this past year I have held several hearings on how to build a successful ecosystem for talent development. I believe the state needs to provide more opportunities for mentoring, internships, and apprenticeship programs.”

Rep. Griffin is serving her third term in the Michigan House of Representatives and is the Chairwoman of the House Workforce, Trades, and Talent Committee and serves on the Transportation, Community, Communications, and Technology Committee, and as a member of the Financial Services Committee.

A former middle school teacher, Rep. Griffin has made training and education the centerpiece of her service in the House of Representatives. During the budget battle of 2020, Rep. Griffin led the successful fight to restore $3.75 million for the Jobs for Michigan Graduates program and was a leader in the restoration of funding for Going PRO Talent Fund.

“Rep. Griffin has been a strong voice in additional funding for career-technical training,” said director of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works! Lily Brewer. “She is spearheading a three-bill package called the 21st Century Skills Plan which would give students greater flexibility toward career readiness. Rep. Griffin also sponsored legislation which prorates licensing fees for businesses in the skilled trades that were shut down due to government order. She is a great partner with Michigan Works! and we were proud to nominate her as the 2021 Legislator of the Year.”

Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives in 2016, Rep. Griffin served two terms as a Van Buren County Commissioner. She also chaired the Area Agency on Aging and served on boards for the Van Buren County Mental Health Court and the Van Buren County Drug Treatment Court.

“Congratulations to Rep. Griffin on being chosen as this year’s Legislator of the Year,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “We wholeheartedly thank Rep. Griffin for her continued support of workforce development efforts and initiatives.”