Standing at the Crossroads: What This Week’s House GOP Budget Means for Michigan's Workforce
This week, the Michigan House Republican majority unveiled—and then immediately passed—a sweeping $78.5 billion budget plan, marking a sharp turn in state policy amid growing political tensions and looming deadlines.
While lawmakers framed the plan as a way to prioritize road repairs and cut overall spending, the proposal comes at a steep cost: eliminating nearly all dedicated workforce development funding.
What’s at Stake
The House GOP budget zeroes out key programs that Michigan employers and job seekers rely on every day:
Going PRO Talent Fund – A nationally recognized program where 90% of awards since inception have gone to small businesses. Workers trained through the program see an average 9% wage increase, demonstrating direct value for both employees and employers.
Registered Apprenticeships – Michigan currently ranks #4 in the nation in active apprenticeships, with participants earning a median wage of $80,000 just one year after program completion. These opportunities would disappear under the proposed budget.
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) – An evidence-based program helping young people overcome barriers, complete high school, and transition to postsecondary education and careers. Eliminating funding threatens the success of thousands of Michigan’s most vulnerable youth.
Barrier Removal and Employment Success (BRES) – connects Michigan workers with free, confidential services tailored to their needs. After a personal evaluation, these individuals may qualify for help with auto repair, budgeting, daycare, rent, utilities, and more.
The Risk for Michigan’s Economy
Cutting these programs is not just a budgetary decision—it is a setback for Michigan’s competitiveness. Every year, Michigan Works! Agencies help hundreds of thousands of residents prepare for and connect to good jobs. They also partner with thousands of employers to train, retain, and grow their workforce. Without state support, employers will be left without the very tools they need to stay competitive in a tight labor market.
At a time when Michigan is competing with other states for talent and investment, abandoning these programs sends the wrong message to businesses and workers alike.
Moving Forward
The Michigan Works! Association, alongside local agencies and employer partners, will continue to elevate the importance of workforce development as budget negotiations continue. We are calling on lawmakers to restore funding for Going PRO, apprenticeships, JMG, and BRES—programs that have a clear return on investment and are critical to Michigan’s long-term prosperity.
What You Can Do
Michigan’s workforce system is strongest when the voices of employers, job seekers, and community leaders are heard. Here are ways you can make a difference:
Contact Your Lawmakers: Call or email your State Representative and Senator to let them know how Michigan Works! programs have impacted you, your business, or your community. Personal stories matter. You can also sign our campaign letter using the link below.
Share Success Stories: Highlight local examples of workers trained, employers helped, or youth supported through Michigan Works! Share these stories with lawmakers, local media, and on social platforms.
Engage Your Networks: Encourage your business colleagues, school leaders, or nonprofit partners to speak up for workforce funding. A chorus of voices across sectors shows broad support.
Stay Informed: Follow Michigan Works! Association updates, watch for advocacy alerts, and be ready to act quickly as the budget moves forward.
Show Up: Attend town halls, legislative coffees, and community forums. Putting a face to the issue makes it harder for lawmakers to overlook the importance of workforce development.
This budget process is far from over. The Association will provide updates in the coming weeks on opportunities for board members, partners, and employers to make their voices heard in support of Michigan’s workforce.