LANSING, Mich., Nov. 22, 2023 — The newly created Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) was established by executive order in July 2023 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The new department is tasked with improving educational outcomes from preschool through postsecondary education. After a recent announcement, it was decided that the new Department’s budget will join the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Subcommittee, which will be renamed later. State Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity, issued the following statement in support of the decision:
“Improving Michigan’s education system is vital for our state’s growth, economy and the well-being of students, teachers and families across the state. Lifelong learning efforts synergize with the efforts already in LEO around workforce and economic development. As chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on LEO, I am already familiar with many of the programs and offices being moved to MiLEAP, and I am excited to learn more about the other great things that MiLEAP will do. I am pleased to take on the role of shaping this new department.”
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