BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –– Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) hosted a town hall meeting in Battle Creek last night to discuss his recent work in the Legislature to create job growth and reinvigorate Michigan’s economy. Schauer was joined by representatives from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Trillium Staffing Solutions, and South Central Michigan Works! to provide information about Michigan’s economy and also offer insight and assistance to area residents pursuing work.

“Addressing our state’s economic crisis and working to bring jobs and businesses to Michigan is my number one priority,” said Sen. Schauer. “Our recent legislative efforts to secure important program funding, institute economic growth incentives, and approve construction projects are creating a solid foundation to build a prosperous economy, and I will continue to pursue every opportunity to support Michigan workers.”

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 or countries. Two companies, Brembo North American and Production Engineering, chose south central Michigan instead of sites in Mexico or Indiana as their prime location to expand and relocate and bring hundreds of jobs to the state.

“Michigan is on the right track towards reviving our economy and building our workforce back up,” said M.J. Bruns, staff with the Calhoun Intermediate School District’s Michigan Works! Team. “We have to continue to focus our efforts not only on creating jobs in Michigan, but also training and educating our workers with the skills needed to be successful in the 21st century economy.”

During recent budget negotiations, Schauer supported $65 million in funding for the No Worker Left Behind program to train workers to compete in the growing industries of the future. He also has been a strong proponent of the “Hire Michigan First” initiative, 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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