ALLIANCE APPLAUDS BIPARTISAN BUDGET (updated 7/1/21 at 2:58 pm)

Northern Michigan sees historic funding directed to K-12 and early childhood

NORTHERN MI – The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance commended Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Legislators in passing a bipartisan School Aid Fund budget offering historic funding for schools and early childhood. The Alliance represents 16 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7,000 member businesses from across northern Michigan.  

The budget bill on its way to the Governor’s desk closes the per-pupil funding gap that has long impacted northern Michigan. The budget includes an increase supported by the Alliance for the Great Start Readiness Program, which is not only educational for children, but it is also a community-focused childcare option.

“We are thankful for the bipartisan approach taken by our decision-makers to allocate these historic levels of funding. We are especially grateful for our northern Michigan Legislators who supported closing the per-pupil funding gap to continue to provide our students with a quality education,” said Kirstie Sieloff, director of government relations for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and Traverse Connect. “The Alliance has long advocated for solutions that develop and attract a talented workforce. Quality education and childcare are essential to attracting and retaining families and strengthening our talent pipeline.”

Budget discussions will continue as the Governor and Legislature work to pass the rest of the budget. Alliance will continue to advocate for northern Michigan business priorities including childcare and support for providers, housing, and workforce education.

About the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance:

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of chambers and economic development organizations including the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Benzie County Chamber of Commerce, Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Traverse Connect, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Superior Community Partnership, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce, Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, & Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. The Alliance exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy. More information on the Alliance’s latest work can be found at nmichiganbusiness.com.

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