Michigan workforce office details programs, budget requests and outcomes as lawmakers weigh investments

Lansing — Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity officials told the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity on March 19 that the state’s workforce development system combines federal and state funding to support employers and jobseekers, and that the department plans targeted FY26 requests for programs aimed at getting people into and retaining good jobs.

The presentation by Jayshanna Hicks, legislative director for LEO, and Stephanie Beckhorn, deputy director of Employment and Training, summarized program spending, outcomes and administration. Beckhorn said the Office of Employment and Training’s fiscal year 2025 workforce development budget totals about $510,000,000, with roughly 81% ($413,000,000) coming from federal sources and the remainder from state general purpose funds. She said roughly $68,000,000 is state general fund support, and that a large share of the state dollars are devoted to the Going Pro Talent Fund.

Beckhorn framed the office’s work as a “dual customer” approach serving employers and individuals, including…