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MiMfg Magazine
November 2019
2019 MFG Legislative Excellence
Senator Mike Shirkey
Senate Majority Leader • Clarklake
In an era of increased political divisiveness where
terms like left and right and Democrat and Republican
stir up deep emotions, Senator Mike Shirkey is
exactly the type of public servant we should all hope
to have representing us. The epitome of what a
legislative champion should be, Senator Shirkey
works in service to Michigan without resorting to
mudslinging or stooping to insult or attack. He is
able to elevate conversations about emotional and
difficult issues and focus on the legislative solutions
to best serve his constituents, the state and its
manufacturing community.
Through a career spent in and around the industry,
Senator Shirkey is well aware of manufacturing’s
history as a driving force for the state economy.
“We receive many forms of recognition as legislators,
but this award is significant for me because it comes
from my peers: my fellow engineers and manufacturers,”
said Senator Shirkey. “I identify as an engineer and I
use my skills as an engineer to solve problems and
tackle major issues.”
With so many of his colleagues coming from
non-manufacturing backgrounds, Senator Shirkey
has always effectively spoken on manufacturing’s
important role in a better, brighter Michigan. He
understands the challenges facing manufacturers because
he comes from it and has led the charge on critical
competitiveness issues including the elimination of
Michigan’s Health Insurance Claims Assessment
(HICA) tax and the industry’s pervasive challenge
of career readiness and talent recruitment, training
and retention.
Through his leadership, manufacturing has seen
conversations surrounding skilled trades training,
competitiveness and awareness of available careers
take center stage at the Capitol.
“We now recognize that preparing students for a
career path and the education and training necessary
to accomplish their career goals is more important
than a ‘one size fits all’ approach to education,”
Senator Shirkey explained. “We have made strides to
support diverse education paths through adjustments
in curriculum expectations, more funding for technical
training, more robust support for school choice
and more flexibility for schools to offer challenging
course work.”
Just as important as his own willingness to highlight
manufacturing is the Senator’s understanding that
elected officials should open their doors to local
employers that invest in Michigan communities.
The MMA is one of a very loud, diverse set of
interests but, through Senator Shirkey’s support,
it has always been looked to for advice and has had
a seat at the table on any number of policy issues
affecting its members.
Regardless of the complex and expansive agenda
he oversees — including securing auto insurance
reform, pulling together all sides in annual budget
discussions and finding consensus in the funding
of Michigan roads — manufacturers know Senator
Shirkey will set aside the time to hear them and
help them because he is one of them.
When you hear Senator Shirkey speak about
manufacturing, even the most ardent opposition can
hear his passion. Through his voice, he has helped
to turn many of his colleagues around on complex
issues by highlighting how Michigan’s leading
employers and their employees and families will
be affected now and into the future.
“The manufacturing industry is at a critical
point in its history,” reminds Shirkey. “Technology
is forcing us to be nimble and to adapt. Michigan
has one of the best and most skilled workforces in
the world because of the manufacturing sector. We
must be aware of the marketplace and be willing to
adjust our operations in order to remain relevant
and necessary as the manufacturing industry
transforms over the next decade.”
It cannot be understated how Michigan and
its manufacturing industry is stronger for the role
Mike Shirkey plays as Senate Majority Leader and
as a public servant for his state. MMA and its
membership are proud to celebrate his hard work,
impeccable integrity and service to the industry.
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