New Report Shows Michigan Improving Toward Postsecondary Goal, Highlights Need to Pass Bipartisan Michigan Reconnect Legislation

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February 14, 2020

New Report Shows Michigan Improving Toward Postsecondary Goal, Highlights Need to Pass Bipartisan Michigan Reconnect Legislation

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer reaffirmed her commitment to her bold statewide goal to increase the number of Michiganders with a postsecondary credential to 60 percent by 2030 on Friday following the release of a new report by the Lumina Foundation. The report showed Michigan's post-secondary attainment has grown from 45% to 45.5% in one year, further showcasing the need for Michigan Reconnect.

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"To build an economy that works for everyone, we need to ensure everyone has a path to a good-paying job," said Whitmer. "While this report shows Michigan is moving in the right direction toward our postsecondary goal, we must do more to help Michiganders get the skills they need to compete. That's why it's so important for the Michigan Legislature to pass the bipartisan Michigan Reconnect bills, that will help provide tuition-free skills training and degree programs for adults. Let's work together and let's get it done."

States like Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio continue to surpass Michigan with the number of post-secondary degrees their residents obtained. Swift action must be taken to gain momentum and remain economically competitive. Whitmer's Sixty by 30 goal aims to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 45% to 60% by 2030, and programs like Michigan Reconnect and Going PRO will help propel Michigan further toward that goal.

"Increasing access to education beyond high school is fundamental to the growth of our economy and prosperity of our residents," Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio said. "The progress we've made is not good enough. In order to remain competitive, we must work harder to outpace surrounding states and market the incredible opportunities Michigan has to offer its residents."

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Michigan ranks 33rd nationally for education attainment and is below average in the Great Lakes region. States such as Ohio and Wisconsin are already racing ahead of Michigan to fill their talent pipelines. In the governor's FY21 budget proposal, a large emphasis is placed on the need for proper funding for education and skill development including more than $60 million to help fund Michigan Reconnect and Going PRO.

Sixty by 30 seeks to build a stronger Michigan by closing the skills gap, increasing opportunity and bolstering our economic competitiveness. To learn more about the state's goal, visit SixtyBy30.org.

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