Throughout the State of the State Address, which can be viewed here (https://youtu.be/x3r7Ah8QU2A), the Governor pointed to clear indicators that manufacturing and a renewed business climate is back as a national leader.

Among the items highlighted were:

• Acknowledging talent and skilled trades investment as the state’s top priority for 2018
• Michigan’s expanded workforce with more than 540,000 new jobs created and over 120,000 of them direct manufacturing careers
• A surge in income growth placing Michigan as sixth highest in the nation and averaging $10,000 more in annual income per Michigander
• The elimination of the Michigan Business Tax
• A fiscally responsible approach to state government and increasing the state’s Rainy Day Fund from $2 million to $889 million
• Passage of seven consecutive balanced state budgets — essential for the proper operation of local governments and schools as well confidence from businesses seeking to move into Michigan
• Detroit as the Comeback City and the economic recovery in Flint, spurred on by investment from manufacturers like Lear Corporation and General Motors
• The next generation of mobility from the launch of the American Center for Mobility to Planet M
• A stronger pursuit of infrastructure investment

“Michigan’s success since 2010 has led to incredible economic growth, new manufacturing jobs and investment, an improved regulatory system and fewer barriers to competitiveness — like the elimination of the industrial Personal Property Tax,” said Chuck Hadden, MMA president & CEO. “While we have a lot to be proud of, the improved unemployment rate means fewer people are available to fill existing jobs and that creates a new talent challenge. MMA and manufacturers look forward to working with Governor Snyder, his Administration and the Legislature in 2018 as we continue making Michigan the Comeback State.”

For more details on MMA’s current efforts to improve talent development and manufacturing career awareness, check out this helpful guide.

This article first appeared in the 1/29/18 issue of MFG Voice.

Contact Mike Johnston

Vice President of Government Affairs
Call 517-487-8554
E-mail johnston@mimfg.org