LANSING-As the State Senate voted this week on 2009 budget bills, Sen. Glenn S. Anderson fought to pass several amendments that would restore funding for the popular ‘No Worker Left Behind’ (NWLB) program and increase funding for public safety through local revenue sharing.

“Michigan’s ability to succeed in a changing economy hinges on our ability to provide a healthy, highly-skilled workforce,” said Sen. Anderson. “We need to make sure our displaced workers have access to services and programs that will help them get back on their feet and compete for 21st Century jobs.”

Yesterday Sen. Anderson offered an amendment to the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) budget to restore $40 million to expand No Worker Left Behind. So far, 22,000 displaced workers have enrolled in programs to provide them with new skills and training to transition to high-tech or high-demand careers, but there are 12,000 currently on waiting lists. Companies are having difficulty filling needed positions because of the lack of available skilled workers, and this money would provide DLEG with the flexibility it needs to address this backlog and expand this promising program even further.

Today Sen. Anderson offered another amendment that would restore the 4% revenue sharing increase included in the General Government budget to help strengthen local police and fire protection services.

“Safe cities are not only important for the families who live here, but also those who are looking to move here,” said Anderson. “Under-funded police and fire departments are dangerous for our communities, and detrimental to the growth of our economy, and that’s why I have and will continue to push to fund these invaluable public safety services.”

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