Rate drop to 3.6% signals effectiveness of legislative agenda
LANSING, Mich., July 20, 2023 — Michigan officials announced today that the state’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3.6%, the lowest it’s been in nearly a quarter-century. This brings Michigan’s rate below the national average and keeps it at a level seen only three times in the last 50 years.
“An investment in Michigan’s people is always a good bet, and today’s announcement proves that once again,” said Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “Our platform of fiscally responsible tax cuts, raising up local communities and making our state a welcoming place for everyone is showing that Michigan is the premiere place to find a job or start a business.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Democrats passing a budget that makes historic investments in Michigan’s people and places. Leveraging a multibillion-dollar surplus and available federal funding, Democrats are upgrading infrastructure, bolstering public education, protecting the environment and creating more economic opportunities.
“These unemployment numbers prove what Democrats have been saying for decades: When you invest in the things businesses want — reliable infrastructure, strong talent and safe communities — businesses will locate, grow and thrive,” said state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Our new budget expands the Michigan Reconnect program and invests heavily in workforce development, so while this low unemployment rate is good news, we’re just getting started.”
Central to House Democrats’ priorities this term are pro-worker and pro-freedom policies. Legislation passed so far protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination, repealed Michigan’s outdated criminal abortion ban, ensured family-sustaining wages on government construction projects, and restored the rights of workers to effectively bargain for better pay and benefits.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the work we’ve done this year to support Michigan’s working families, and setting yet another historically low unemployment rate demonstrates that we are on the right track,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek), chair of the House Labor Committee. “Today’s news should serve as a beacon for people in other states — Michigan is the best place in the nation to live, work and raise a family.”