LANSING – State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today voted for a plan to retrain thousands of Michigan's displaced workers so they can land good-paying jobs available now in high-demand fields. The centerpiece of the plan is a $40 million investment in the No Worker Left Behind program, which will significantly increase the state's capacity to match Michigan residents with available jobs.
"Expanding this program will help match more of our highly skilled workers with jobs that are available right now," Corriveau said. "Workers who have lost their jobs to downsizing and outsourcing can get training in high-demand fields and make a new start. Not only is this a great program for our displaced workers, it will also help Michigan get the workforce it needs to be a powerhouse in the 21st century global economy."
The NWLB money comes from the refinancing of state bond debt, not from new taxpayer dollars. Through NWLB, eligible Michigan workers can attend a community college or university tuition-free for two years to upgrade their skills so they can get good-paying jobs available in high-demand fields.
The $40 million in state money would be combined with about $37 million in federal funds that the Governor used to launch the program last year. The state funds – which come from the refinancing of state bond debt, not new taxpayer dollars – will allow NWLB to train more workers and shorten the waiting lists that have formed statewide. Last year about 18,000 residents were enrolled in the program. The funding is included in the budget for the state Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), which now goes to the Senate for approval.
"As more of our workers get trained in high-demand fields, Michigan will attract more companies and more jobs," Corriveau said. "Investing in our workers will help move Michigan forward and make it an even better place to live, work and raise our families."