Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley highlighted a change in culture in the state while speaking at the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Regional Chamber's Headline Lunch today. He expects more progress if voters re-elect Governor Rick Snyder.
That's because Calley thinks tax and regulatory changes, combined with timely balanced budgets, make Michigan more attractive to businesses.
He says next week officials will announce efforts to make state government more welcoming and a better place for workers with disabilities, including mental health issues. Calley sees Michigan businesses already being rewarded with lower turnover rates and more enthusiasm from tapping into the skills of people with developmental disabilities. "If you go to Meijer's warehouse in their logistical center, you'll find a wonderful diversity of people that work there, and it's opportunity for people that otherwise haven't had a lot of opportunity," Calley says.
Calley says moving forward the state needs to do a better job connecting people with the skills needed to take advantage of careers that have growth potential. Changes he wants to see would include more flexibility for schools so students can learn necessary concepts like algebra two through hands on learning such as a construction class.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.