Great Lakes Wire

Aric Nesbitt, a Senator from Michigan, said that the state's recent economic development spending has not reduced Michigan's unemployment rate, which remains among the highest in the nation. This statement was made on X.

"$4.7 billion spent on “economic development” by Lansing Democrats," said Aric Young Nesbitt, State Senator for Michigan. "Yet here we are AGAIN ranked the second highest unemployment in the nation. While the rest of the country is reaping the benefits of America First policies, Michigan is being strangled by failed Democrat policies and spending. We can't keep going down this road. We need COMMON SENSE back in Lansing."

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan’s economic development strategy for 2025 focuses on diversifying beyond the auto industry and growing sectors like biotech and small business through state-led investment programs. This approach is in response to persistently high unemployment and shifting manufacturing trends. The MEDC and state agencies have expanded incentives for innovation and workforce training to stabilize Michigan’s economy.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that Michigan’s unemployment rate reached 5.5% in April 2025, making it the second highest in the nation behind Nevada and well above the national rate of 4.2%. The largest jobless spikes were observed in Detroit and Flint metro areas.

Comparative research from Public Sector Consultants indicates that while Michigan’s per-capita economic development spending trails top-performing states with lower unemployment rates, it surpasses national averages in research and development support and industry partnerships. This highlights both progress and persistent gaps in employment outcomes.

Wikipedia notes that Aric Nesbitt is a Republican state senator and chair of the Senate Economic and Small Business Development Committee, with prior service in the House. His policy priorities include support for the MEDC, workforce development, and economic diversification to boost job growth across the state.