Tag: workforce training

Going PRO Talent Fund Applications Due Oct. 27

Member News

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity opened the first application cycle for the Going PRO Talent Fund program Oct. 9. Michigan employers can now apply for a share of $50 million in competitive training awards to enhance their workforce’s skills and capabilities.

The Going PRO Talent Fund aids businesses in acquiring and retaining the skilled workforce they require for growth and competitiveness. It offers awards for training and development to both current and newly hired employees. To date, the program has trained around 175,000 workers in Michigan and has addressed the needs of over 6,000 businesses.

The fund helps local businesses secure in-demand, high-skill talent needed to grow while giving local workers a clear path to high-wage careers that offer a better quality of life.

The application period for the first award cycle ends Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. and selected applicants will be announced in Dec. 2023. The second application cycle will open spring 2024.

Members with questions should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center.

Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget Recommendation Released

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capitol building

capitol buildingGov. Whitmer released her executive budget recommendation Feb. 8 for fiscal year 2024. The proposed budget fully protects traditional hospital line items for Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan program, continues targeted rate increases from recent budget cycles and includes new investments in workforce training and development. None of the line items important to MHA members were recommended for reductions in the recommendation.

The MHA will share additional information on the new initiatives in the coming weeks, but below are a few key pieces for MHA members.

  • New or expanded funding items:
    • Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies – $62 million.
    • Implementing recommendations from the Racial Disparities Task Force – $58 million.
    • Increased rates for laboratory services, traumatic brain injury services and other related professional services – $120 million.
    • Expanding eligibility for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program – $140 million.
    • Building capacity for insulin production in Michigan – $150 million.
    • Discretionary mental health supports for K-12 students – $300 million.
  • Items receiving continued, full funding:
    • The Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion).
    • Hospital Quality Assurance Assessment Program.
    • Rural and obstetrical stabilization pools.
    • Hospital outpatient rate increase.
    • Critical access hospital rate increase.

MHA CEO Brian Peters released a statement in support of the executive budget recommendation, thanking Gov. Whitmer for her continued commitment to protecting hospitals and supporting healthcare workers.

Members with questions about the budget or any other state legislation impacting hospitals should contact the MHA advocacy team.