LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) has proposed a plan that will help keep the Great Lakes Boat Building School in business by allowing the school to sell its services or products.
"Career-training schools are vital to our state because they teach our students to be highly skilled workers," McDowell said. "Having these trained workers will help Michigan become a leader in the 21st century global economy. Receiving funding for services and products helps the schools offset operation costs, which is beneficial to the facility and the community."
McDowell's plan allows career schools to sell the goods and services that their students produce.
The Representative's plan specifically protects the Great Lakes Boat Building School. The school, which is located in Cedarville in the Les Cheneaux Islands, offers students the opportunity to master wooden boat building. It is the only school of its kind in the state. The school is accredited through North Central Michigan College.
McDowell's plan was previously passed in the House last legislative session, but died in the Senate.
"I am committed to retaining and protecting our jobs," McDowell said. "Losing the Great Lakes Boat Building School would be a huge blow to our state. We must come together on both sides of the aisle to protect our workers and the schools that prepare our students for good-paying jobs."