Dear Friend,

Happy Labor Day Weekend!  

Here in Michigan, we work hard, and we get stuff done. As your governor, I’m focused on creating more good-paying jobs and lowering costs so Michiganders can keep more money in their pockets.

Earlier this year, I signed a bipartisan law to raise the minimum wage for more than 700,000 workers. This deal also expanded paid sick leave for workers, making Michigan’s earned sick time one of the best in the country.

In 2023, we quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit to give people hundreds more dollars back at tax time, became the first state in almost 70 years to expand workers' rights by repealing Right to Work, reinstated prevailing wage for state projects, and announced tens of thousands of good-paying union auto jobs. Last year, we took action to put workers on paths to good-paying, in-demand jobs, including making community college tuition-free for all high school graduates.

This Labor Day, let’s take some time to celebrate our progress and stay committed to the work still ahead. That includes passing a balanced, bipartisan state budget that keeps delivering results for Michigan’s working families.

Sincerely,

Let’s Pass a Balanced, Bipartisan Budget to Support Michigan Workers

In 2021, I signed a law reinstating prevailing wage for all state-funded construction projects, making sure workers take home a fair paycheck. I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the hardworking people who are rebuilding Michigan—fixing roads and bridges, replacing lead pipes, or installing high-speed internet—and to ensure they are paid fairly every step of the way.

Right now, these workers are hard at work on job sites across Michigan, but if our state legislature fails to pass a balanced budget, their projects risk unnecessary delays and obstacles.

If you want to help us protect Michigan workers, create even more good-paying jobs, and fix your state and local roads, I urge you to make your voice heard by contacting your representatives in Lansing—see below.

Republicans and Democrats in Lansing must work together to pass a budget that delivers for working families. Both parties will have to compromise to get this done right, and that’s the way it ought to be. To get in touch with your representatives in Lansing, make your voice heard, and stay up to date on legislative activity, please check out the links below.

Protecting Michigan’s Working Families

All Michigan workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

That’s why we have taken big steps to create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs and protect workers' pay, benefits, and retirement in Michigan. Here are some highlights:

• Signed a deal raising the minimum wage for more than 700,000 workers, making Michigan’s earned sick time the best in the country, and providing flexibility for small businesses.
• Expanded workers' rights by repealing Right to Work, ensuring workers everywhere can negotiate together for better pay, benefits, and safer conditions.
• Reinstated prevailing wage, so the folks working on state projects, like building our roads and replacing our pipes, get paid fairly.
• Quintupled the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit to give over 700,000 working families an average tax refund of $3,150.
• Rolled back the retirement tax to save 500,000 households an average of $1,000 a year, putting more money in retirees’ pockets for essentials. 

Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan

Last March, I released the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. The plan, unanimously approved by the Michigan Workforce Development Board, marks the first time the State of Michigan has laid out a formal vision to create jobs, support workers, and boost employers. It is yet another example of how Michigan is leading the way in workforce development.

The Workforce Plan lays out a comprehensive roadmap of strategies and actions necessary to build on our success and ensure every Michigander has the skills, opportunities, and support they need to make it in Michigan.

We are opening doors for Michigan’s workforce by strengthening programs at community colleges, training centers, and universities. Together, we’ll train 5,000 new infrastructure workers and ensure they have the skills to thrive in fields like civil engineering and construction management.

Michigan serves more workforce participants than any other state in the Midwest. Michigan’s workforce system is:

• #1 in credential attainment for adults;
• #2 in helping adults get employed; and
• #6 in the nation for registered apprenticeships.