Under Republican leadership, Michigan’s economy is expanding and more private sector jobs are being created. In fact, a recent survey of Michigan job creators demonstrates just how far Michigan has come.

• 37% of small and medium sized businesses in Michigan expect to hire new employees in the next six months
• 62% of business leaders in Michigan expect sales to increase over the same time period
• 45% of manufacturers and construction firms surveyed are in need of skilled employees
• 48% of employers surveyed in the insurance and financial sectors are looking to expand and hire more employees

Economic conditions have improved to the point where employers are having difficulty finding employees to fill high-skilled jobs. As of August 12th, there are over 82,000 high skilled jobs openings in Michigan that employers are looking to fill but have been unable to find applicants with the necessary skill set.
Bill has taken action to close the “skills gap” by voting in support of bipartisan legislation to reform federal workforce training programs by making them more efficient and more effective. The legislation, called the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, eliminates 15 outdated programs jobs training programs and replaces them with a single updated program that trains Michiganders in the skills necessary to attain good-paying in-demand jobs.  This is another example of smarter, smaller, and more effective government that works for West Michigan.