LANSING — Tonight, Gov. Rick Snyder gave his final State of the State address. In response, state Rep. Leslie Love (D-Detroit), Democratic vice chairwoman of the House Workforce and Talent Development Committee, issued the following statement:

“One of our top priorities in the state must be to make sure we have enough talented workers to fill the jobs that are in demand. Whether they are in STEM fields or the skilled trades, we need to make smart investments in our people to compete with the nation for the best jobs. It’s imperative that we address attracting, retaining and preparing the workforce needed to keep Michigan competitive and vibrant; that includes a commitment to higher wages, supplying regional transportation and fixing broken roads and infrastructure.

“Of course, the foundation of all of this is our schools. We can’t prepare people to fill the best jobs, and we can’t prepare them to rebuild our infrastructure, if we don’t properly educate them, and that includes a real commitment and investment in our educators. The responsibility of our leaders is to stand up for Michigan students and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive not only in the classroom, but in the school of life. Study after study shows that the rhetoric used by the governor tonight doesn’t hold water — we are still woefully behind.”