Thursday

State Senator Gilda Jacobs
State Senator Gilda Jacobs represents the 14th Senate District, which includes Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, Southfield and Southfield Township.  She is the Minority Vice Chair of the Campaign & Election Oversight and the Families & Human Services subcommittee and a member of the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform; Health Policy; and Finance subcommittees.

The Legislative Talent Caucus

No, it’s not a new TV show called “Michigan Idol.”  And no, we’re not looking for tap dancers.  But we ARE looking for talent.  That talent may be in engineering, alternative energy, or computer technology.  It may be in research, advanced manufacturing, or the life sciences.  It may be product innovation or some other entrepreneurial effort.  And we are looking for these talented people to make them a part of the twenty-first century workforce in our state.

That’s why earlier this year I launched the Talent Caucus Speakers Series and Roundtable Forums.  The Talent Caucus is a bipartisan bicameral group of folks who care about Michigan’s future.  Our goal is to share the perspectives of Michigan leaders and talk about ways to identify, attract, develop, and retain this “talent,” this new class of twenty-first century workers.

My first guest was Lou Glazer, President, Michigan Future, Inc.  Michigan Future, Inc is a non-partisan, non-profit organization charged with generating new ideas on how Michigan’s people, enterprises, and communities can succeed in the Information Age.  Lou Glazer knows Michigan and knows Michigan business.  And Lou Glazer warned us that Michigan’s future depends on recruiting and retaining knowledge-based workers.  He says:  “The place with the most talent wins.”

I believe that our Talent Caucus effort is an idea whose time has come.  We’re more than ready to generate discussion and make the changes necessary to attract an educated and professional workforce.

My legislative colleagues in this effort include: Sen. Jason Allen, (R-Traverse City), Rep. Steve Tobocman, (D-Detroit), Rep. Ed Clemente, (D-Lincoln Park), and Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland).  

We’re all excited, enthusiastic, and eager to generate momentum for attracting and retaining these bright, educated, and creative twenty-first century workers.  Michigan’s future depends on it.

If you would like to learn more about Lou Glazer’s vision for Michigan, his recent report, “A New Agenda for a New Michigan,” outlines the changes necessary for Michigan to adapt and prosper in the changing New Economy.  The full report can be found at www.michiganfuture.org.