MichAuto State Budget Update: Going PRO Sees Small Appropriation, Far Below Industry Needs

On July 3, 2026, the Michigan legislature passed the FY26/27 state budget. Among the $84 billion in approved spending, $14.5 million was allocated for the Going PRO Talent Fund, preserving one of Michigan’s most effective workforce development programs after initial executive budget proposals called for eliminating it entirely. The program provides reimbursable grants that help companies deliver customized classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and registered apprenticeships tailored to their workforce needs. MichAuto has been a consistent advocate for Going PRO, routinely emphasizing the essential nature of the program to the legislature.

Related | MichAuto’s 2026 Policy Priorities

For Michigan’s automotive industry, Going PRO is a critical tool for developing the highly skilled workers needed to support advanced manufacturing, emerging mobility technologies, and an increasingly competitive global marketplace. As the industry continues to evolve, employers rely on the program to upskill existing workers, close critical talent gaps, and strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing workforce. Historically, Going PRO has increased participant wages by more than 7% on average while helping employers retain and advance skilled employees.

While preserving funding represents an important victory, the reduced appropriation leaves significant workforce needs unmet and limits the reach of the program, which has historically been oversubscribed. MichAuto will continue advocating to restore Going PRO funding to its historic $40 million level, ensuring Michigan’s automotive industry and broader manufacturing sector have the skilled workforce necessary to compete, innovate, and grow.

As part of the broader budget agreement, lawmakers eliminated funding for the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund, permanently redirecting its annual $75 million in tobacco settlement revenues to the state’s General Fund. The budget also reduces statutory funding for Pure Michigan tourism marketing to $9 million for the upcoming fiscal year.

These decisions represent a continued erosion of key economic development tools that have historically supported business competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and tourism attraction. At a time when neighboring states are making significant investments to attract talent, capital, and job creators, scaling back Michigan’s economic development infrastructure risks weakening the state’s competitive position. To reverse decades of uneven economic growth, policymakers should prioritize a long-term, bipartisan economic development strategy that provides stable, predictable support for innovation, business investment, and the creation of high-wage jobs.