Opinion | Lawmakers must increase funding for the Going PRO Talent Fund

Michigan's economic growth is closely linked to the development and retention of a skilled workforce. The Going PRO Talent Fund, a crucial program designed to enhance employee training and retention, has proven to be a linchpin in this endeavor. 

However, demand for this program has consistently outstripped the available funding, threatening our state’s potential to derive broader economic benefits.

While Gov. Whitmer proposed a much-needed additional $20 million for Going PRO in her executive budget for FY 2025, the full Legislature has yet to follow her lead, though the House has approved a $15 million increase in its budget.

It’s time for all lawmakers to act. Michigan businesses and workers are waiting, fingers crossed, to access these essential funds.

Since its inception in 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has made significant strides in addressing workforce development challenges. More than 6,000 businesses have benefited from the program, which has facilitated the training of more than 175,000 workers. 

The results are noteworthy: participants have seen an average 18% increase in post-training wages. This uplift not only enhances the lives of individual workers but also stimulates local economies through increased consumer spending and improved business productivity.

Despite these successes, the program's funding has not kept pace with its growing demand. In FY23 alone, businesses requested over $108 million in training grants—almost double the available funds. This shortfall means that many companies are unable to provide their employees with the necessary training, leading to missed opportunities for both businesses and workers. The inability to meet this demand poses a significant risk to Michigan's economic competitiveness.

The Michigan Works! Association's call for a $20 million increase in ongoing funding beginning in FY25 is a strategic and necessary step to bridge this gap. This investment would enable more businesses to access the program, thereby facilitating the training and development of a larger segment of the workforce. In turn, this would lead to higher wages, greater job satisfaction, and improved employee retention rates. For businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, this support is crucial for staying competitive in an ever-evolving market.

Moreover, investing in the Going PRO Talent Fund aligns with broader state and national goals of fostering a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the modern economy. As industries continue to evolve with technological advancements, the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling becomes more critical. By ensuring that workers are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge, Michigan can attract and retain high-quality employers, driving long-term economic growth.

The proposed increase in funding is not merely an expenditure but a prudent investment in Michigan's future. It addresses immediate workforce needs while laying the groundwork for sustained economic prosperity. The returns on this investment are manifold: higher wages for workers, increased productivity for businesses, and a more robust and resilient economy for the state.

So why wait? It’s time for our state’s policy leaders to push much-needed funding into one of the most effective programs in Michigan’s portfolio. It’s time to add a full $20 million in new funding to the Going PRO Talent Fund.

Investing in our workforce is investing in our future, and the time to act is now.