LANSING – State Representative Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights) today praised Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for unveiling a bold plan to make Michigan a center for 21st century jobs by investing in cutting-edge industries such as alternative energies, ensuring workers hit by outsourcing get retrained in high-demand fields, and strengthening education.
"I applaud Governor Granholm for proposing bold ideas to help turn Michigan around and get our economy moving in the right direction," Constan said. "We must invest in our workers and focus on creating the best-educated workforce possible to make Michigan a magnet for 21st century jobs. The time to act is now – Michigan can't afford to wait any longer."
During her State of the State address, Granholm proposed the "No Worker Left Behind" program, which will give workers whose jobs have been outsourced to other states and countries two years of free training or community college in high-demand fields. Granholm also proposed creating "Promise Zones" throughout the state, which will help more Michigan high school graduates afford the advanced education they'll need to be prepared for the jobs of the future. Last month, House Democrats kicked off the new legislative session by announcing their top priorities, which include strengthening education to build a highly trained 21st century workforce.
"Preparing our children for the good-paying jobs of the future is key to building a stronger Michigan," Constan said. "Companies want to relocate and expand in areas that have highly skilled workers. To attract businesses to Michigan, we must have a workforce that is prepared for the jobs of the future. By investing in our students and our workers, Michigan will become a leader in the 21st century global economy."
House Democrats' top priorities also include lowering the cost of health care, increasing consumer protections, beefing up ethics standards in the House, and stopping Canadian and out-of-state trash.