JACKSON, Mich. –– Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) hosted a town hall meeting in Jackson last night to discuss his recent efforts in the Legislature to attract jobs and revive Michigan’s economy. Schauer was joined by representatives from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Enterprise Group and South Central Michigan Works! to provide information about Michigan’s economy and also answer questions and provide assistance to area residents.

“Our state is in the middle of an economic crisis and we must turn our attention to resolving this issue,” said Sen. Schauer. “We’ve made some great progress to create jobs and support Michigan workers with recent construction projects, program funding and economic growth incentives, but much more needs to be done to ensure that Michigan is on the right track toward building a strong, thriving economy.”

Sen. Schauer recently cosponsored legislation signed into law by Governor Granholm to allow Michigan to extend incentives to businesses considering locating or retaining jobs here, instead of forcing them to first consider options in other states. Two companies, Brembo North America and Production Engineering, chose Michigan instead of sites in Mexico or Indiana as their prime location to expand and relocate and bring hundreds of jobs to the state.

"We must attract new jobs and retain the jobs we have to stay competitive," said Liza Estlund-Olson, director of the Bureau of Workforce Transformation in the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. "But we must also train and educate Michigan's workers for the jobs today's employers have to offer."

During recent budget negotiations, Schauer supported $65 million in funding for the No Worker Left Behind program to train workers to compete in the 21st century economy. He also has been a strong proponent of the “Hire Michigan First” program, which will give an additional edge to Michigan workers looking for jobs while also providing incentives to companies that hire Michigan residents. This will encourage our young, talented students to stay in the state while also drawing on our existing, qualified workforce.

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