Great Rapids Chamber issued the following announcement on Sept. 23
The fall kickoff of Breakfast with Legislators was hosted at Hope Network Education Center this morning. With a lot going on in Lansing recently, the event covered the top three issues in the state right now: road funding, the state budget, and the talent issue grades K-12.
On behalf of our host sponsor, Hope Network, President and CEO Phil Weaver spoke about the organization’s leading efforts in enhancing communities. They recently won the Governor’s Community Service Award for their Michigan Education Corps achievements. Through their housing initiatives, transportation services, and new Autism Center opening in GR, Hope Network is surely strengthening West Michigan communities.
Guest speaker Kevin Stotts, President of Talent 2025, identified the top three workforce barriers: transportation, childcare, and education. The increasing demand for affordable childcare makes it difficult to keep leading talent in the workforce. Talent 2025 is addressing this issue through legislation and cost factors.
West Michigan legislators’ main topic of discussion was, of course, the budget. The legislators ensured that they are all working hard to reach a consensus. They are voting on the state budget tomorrow and will have a plan on the Governor’s desk by the evening to which she may sign, line-item veto, or veto. While they pushed back road funding to avoid a government shutdown, they reiterated a need for more assessment to what roads need work and how much money that will cost. They also addressed the issue of talent K-12, with record continuing and not enough government funding to solve the issue, they are focusing on many factors to reach agreement.
Save the Date! The next Breakfast with Legislators event will be held on Monday, October 28 at Amway.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Great Rapids Chamber
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