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Michigan Works! Applauds Lawmakers and Administration for Including Going PRO Talent Fund Money in FY 2021 State Budget

A woman wearing safety equipment works on a piece of machinery in a factory setting.

The following press release has been produced by the Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (September 23, 2020) – Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association released the following statement in response to the inclusion of $28.7 million for the Going PRO Talent Fund program in the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget proposal:

“We applaud the Michigan legislature and the administration for their commitment to including money to the FY 2021 state budget in order to continue providing grants to Michigan businesses so they can provide critical training for both current employees and new hires.

“The $28.7 million included in the FY 2021 state budget will be awarded to employers across the state to help them meet the challenges they have with locating, training and retaining the talent needed to remain competitive with other states as well as around the world.

“Since the inception of the Talent Fund program in 2014, nearly $100 million has been awarded to more than 3,000 businesses across the state, resulting in the retention of 72,542 jobs.

“The need for highly-skilled talent has never been greater in our state.  The COVID-19 crisis has created an even greater need for reskilling and retraining dollars for Michiganders.  Many Michigan residents are now facing situations in which they will need to pursue a completely different career path and this funding will go a long way toward helping with that situation. Going PRO Talent Fund has proven to be one of the most effective resources available to address Michigan’s talent crisis.

For more information about Going PRO, contact your local Michigan Works! Employer Specialist.

Medicaid in the Upper Peninsula

Navigating health coverage and work requirements can be confusing, so here’s a simple guide on how the program works and who fills what role:

Medicaid is a health care program funded by the state and federal government that provides health care services to eligible, low-income Michigan citizens, including adults, children, the elderly, pregnant woman, and some people with disabilities.

  • Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) is a managed care organization licensed by the State of Michigan to provide Medicaid medical services. UPHP helps eligible members access healthcare services, providers, care management, and member support after they are enrolled in Medicaid. They are the only organization of this kind in the Upper Peninsula. 
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers Medicaid in Michigan, determines eligibility, manages enrollment through MI Bridges, and oversees Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement policies and exemptions.
  • Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) helps individuals connect with employment, education, training, and career services that may help them meet Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement activities and achieve their employment goals.

To learn more about Medicaid in the U.P, visit UPHP.com.