Governor Whitmer proposals offer tuition-free education.
There has been a great deal of media buzz about business support for Governor Whitmer’s proposals that attempt to close the “skills gap” of qualified workers in Michigan. The two proposals, called “Michigan Reconnect” and “Michigan Opportunity”, offer tuition-free education opportunities for high school graduates, and those already graduated and in the work force that want to return and get an advanced degree or skill certificate.
Legislation has already been introduced with Republican and Democrat support that would turn the proposals into law. NFIB members have made it clear that finding qualified workers is one of their biggest challenges in an expanding economy, and we have communicated this concern to state policymakers for several years. However, the Governor and lawmakers have yet to make it clear where the $240 million in funding (when fully implemented in 2021) will be coming from.
Some have already suggested that since these proposals would “primarily benefit business” that business should bear the cost. NFIB does not necessarily agree with this assessment, especially when the Governor has already proposed a new tax on small business to help fund a tax cut for retired government employees on pensions.
Many small business owners believe that a “job-ready” educated workforce was supposed to be the product of the current school system already supported by taxpayers. While business would clearly benefit from a prepared workforce, so would all state citizens and government as well. NFIB will continue to support efforts to “close the skills gap” however, funding questions need to be answered before any specific proposal will receive our support.