State Reps. Rylee Linting and Jamie Thompson are fighting for resources to help future generations across the Downriver community prepare for good-paying careers.

The legislators have requested $5.89 million in the state budget process for the Downriver Career Technical Consortium (DCTC). If approved, the funding would complete construction of a new center for DCTC and cover operating costs for three years. The consortium is a consolidated career technical education program that serves nine school districts in the Downriver area, offering more than two dozen different courses to give students career options and skilled trades experience.

“Many of the facilities that are currently being used for these programs are dated or barely operational,” said Linting, of Grosse Ile Township. “Not having a central location also leaves participating school districts in a tough spot by having to spend more on transportation, which draws away from other needs. These added resources would allow a new tech center project to go forward and provide stable, high-quality skilled trades opportunities for thousands of Downriver students.”

These vital career tech programs can lead to postsecondary education or help young people move directly into the workforce to provide for themselves and their families. Career tech helps students by allowing them to engage in hands-on learning, projects, and internships to apply what they learn in real-world settings across a wide range of fields, including growing industries like computer science, construction, healthcare and others where workforce demand is significantly outpacing supply.

Previously, the Downriver Career Technical Consortium received funds to purchase the Trenton Athletic Center and renovate it for a career tech hub. While money has already been going into the project, the rising costs of construction have increased what’s needed to complete it. Additionally, without a county-wide career tech millage, participating school districts divert general fund dollars to operating the program – and state funding would assist in this area to alleviate spending headaches.

“Making sure kids across Downriver and the state have resources they need to thrive and prepare for their futures is a top priority in the Legislature,” said Thompson, of Brownstown. “That’s why House Republicans recently passed a plan that included record funding for our students and increased the per-pupil allowance. We also need to be forward-thinking and support innovative programs that provide students with needed skills to transition into the workforce and have success.”

Thompson noted that her son graduated from Flat Rock High School and utilized DCTC’s welding program to further his education at Washtenaw Community College and start a career in welding.

“Career tech programs will give many students in our communities a huge leg up. Job providers in our area are hiring and looking for candidates with experience that can be gained through these programs,” Thompson said. “This is a needed investment for our future generations, and it will get this project across the finish line.”

For the first time in the state budget process, every request for dedicated funding has been submitted publicly, with full details available for everyone to see to ensure transparency and accountability for taxpayers.

The House received more than 800 budget submissions, totaling more than $4 billion. Each of these requests is available at house.mi.gov/LegislativelyDirectedSpendingItems.