Advocacy News – June 9, 2022
The Great Resignation and aftermath of COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on the workforce shortages across the country. Over 41 million Americans left the workforce in 2021 creating great strain in almost every industry – from manufacturing to health care. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has worked alongside the Michigan Legislature as they put a distinct focus on ensuring the Great Lakes State successfully recovers and attracts new businesses and industries.
However, a key component of addressing he workforce crisis is harnessing and honoring the talent we have right in our own background. Which is why the state should take a look at the students partaking in our four-year institutions, community colleges and trade schools to increase and strengthen our talent pipeline.
Last week the Michigan Chamber of Commerce signed onto a letter of support for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship which aims to provide high school graduates with up to $6,000 for up to four years at any of Michigan’s four-year public instructions and up to $3,000 for two years for students who enroll at any of Michigan’s community colleges, qualified private training institutions and trade schools. Implementation of the program would cost approximately $361 million, but would have a continuously positive impact on our state and our talent for decades to come.
For questions or more information, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.