At a press conference this morning a bipartisan group of legislators and Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled bills to help close the skill gap in Michigan.
The bills would create two initiatives first laid out in Whitmer’s budget plan earlier this year. The Michigan Reconnect Program would make job retraining for residents over 25 free. The Michigan Opportunity Scholarship would reduce the costs of community college and university for high school graduates.
Democratic State Senator Jim Ananich introduced the legislation for the Opportunity scholarship. He said there will be grade level requirements to receive tuition assistance.
“It’s not a giveaway or an entitlement by any means but we are going to empower people to better themselves if they work hard.”
The program would help cover the cost of tuition after student scholarships and federal financial aid have already been applied.
Community college would be free for two years. Students pursuing four year degrees could receive assistance of up to $2,500 a year for the first two years.
Republican State Senator Ken Horn introduced the jobs-training legislation. He said it’s important for the state to fill the growing talent gap.
“If we do nothing by the year 2024 we’ll be short over 800-thousand skilled people to fill jobs in the state of Michigan.”
Horn said the program will cover training in everything from welding and nursing to IT.
“What we need to do is make sure that we’re reconnecting people in Michigan who have no post-secondary degree or certificate to inspire them to get back in to fill these job positions.”
The program is expected to cost the state roughly $50 million.
Governor Whitmer said of both programs that they would “ensure every Michigander has a path to a good job so they can build a life for themselves right here in Michigan.”