State Rep. Ron Robinson (R-Utica) this week testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in support of state funding for new training and education facilities for the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA).

Robinson sponsored the funding request and worked with several fellow Southeast Michigan state representatives who joined as co-sponsors. Robinson appeared before the committee alongside Deanna Morley, Vice President of SEMCA, Dave Staudt, Chief Financial Officer, and Marissa Downs, Director of Education.

SEMCA is requesting $8 million in state funding to support the purchase, construction, renovation, and equipment of new training and education facilities.

“Michigan is facing a serious housing shortage, and the reality is that homes don’t get built without skilled tradesmen,” said Robinson. “If we want to increase housing supply and bring down costs, we have to prioritize investment in career and technical education and apprenticeship programs that train the next generation of builders and trades professionals.

“An investment in SEMCA is an investment in Michigan’s workforce. Expanding training facilities will help address the skilled labor shortage, open the door to more job opportunities, and strengthen our local economy. SEMCA has already demonstrated tremendous success preparing people for careers in the trades, and this expansion would allow them to train even more workers to meet industry demand.

“Supporting our young people and developing homegrown talent is one of the smartest investments we can make. Career and technical education creates pathways to stable, well-paying careers without leaving students with massive debt payments. These programs give people the opportunity to buy a home, raise a family, and build their future right here in Michigan.”