SEMCA Michigan Works! joined the Michigan Works! Association and other local Michigan Works! leaders today to meet with Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, to discuss key workforce priorities, including the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Congressman Walberg represents residents of Monroe County, which SEMCA Michigan Works! serves along with Wayne County, excluding the city of Detroit. As a key workforce partner in the district, SEMCA Michigan Works! provides businesses with critical talent solutions and supports job seekers with career services that help them gain the skills needed for in-demand jobs. These efforts contribute to a stronger workforce and a thriving local economy.
Greg Pitoniak, CEO of SEMCA Michigan Works!, participated in the discussion alongside Todd Gustafson of Kinexus Group, Jakki Bungart-Bibb of Michigan Works! Southwest, and Shamar Herron of Michigan Works! Southeast. Together, they highlighted the critical role Michigan Works! agencies play in connecting employers with qualified talent and assisting residents in securing meaningful employment and career growth opportunities.
“Congressman Walberg was very engaging and attentive to our concerns,” said Pitoniak. “The Chairman demonstrated he understands how important training and upskilling workers is to employers, workers, and our economy. We appreciate the time and insights he provided to us.”
During the meeting, leaders also emphasized the importance of WIOA and the urgent need for its reauthorization at the federal level.
“WIOA has been instrumental in strengthening workforce development nationwide since its passage in 2014,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association, which helped organize the meeting. “With its authorization having expired in 2020, reauthorization is critical to sustaining workforce programs that support Michigan’s businesses, workers, and communities.”
The conversation also covered the local workforce initiatives and challenges Michigan Works! agencies navigate to address the evolving needs of job seekers and employers. Michigan Works! agencies provide essential services such as customized job training, career counseling, and employer engagement, ensuring both urban and rural communities have access to a strong workforce pipeline.
“Michigan Works! agencies, including SEMCA, are dedicated to helping businesses find qualified workers and ensuring job seekers have access to the resources they need to succeed,” Pitoniak added. “Collaborating with our federal and state partners is essential to sustaining these programs and keeping Michigan’s workforce strong.”
SEMCA Michigan Works! remains committed to working with policymakers to advance workforce initiatives that support economic growth. Reauthorizing WIOA is a necessary step to maintaining a workforce system that effectively serves businesses and job seekers across Monroe and Wayne counties.
