LEO officials outline $510M workforce budget, request targeted state investments for apprenticeships, Going Pro and barrier-removal supports

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity heard a presentation March 19 from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) on the state's workforce development system and specific program outcomes and FY26 funding requests.

LEO deputy director Stephanie Beckhorn and legislative director Jayshanna Hicks told legislators the fiscal year 2025 workforce development budget totals just over $510,000,000, of which roughly 81% ($413,000,000) are federal dollars that come with statutory and regulatory conditions. Beckhorn said about 13% of the budget is state general fund general purpose dollars (just over $68,000,000), and that roughly 80% of that state share supports the Going Pro Talent Fund.

Why it matters: LEO framed the request as targeted, gap-filling state investments that complement federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Wagner-Peyser programs administered through local Michigan Works agencies. Committee members pressed LEO staff on how programs translate to employer demand and which gaps require state funding rather than federal support.

Key programs and outcomes

- BREEZE (Barrier Removal Employment Success): Beckhorn said BREEZE supports workers who earn too much to qualify for…