On this episode of the ABC of Michigan podcast, Jeff sits down with Jonathan Bonaiuto and Margrit Allen from the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). CEO is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and assisting former inmates of the corrections system by helping them start a new path and create a better life for themselves. Their office in Detroit is one of several throughout the country that work tirelessly every day to give people a second chance.

The 12th episode of the ABC of Michigan Podcast is here! Inside today's episode:

Jeff talks to ABC National's Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development, Greg Sizemore, about the nation's construction labor shortage.

They also discuss the construction industry's vast "earn while you learn" opportunities, as well as the most effective strategies to promote and maintain a culture of safety within a company.

On this episode of today's podcast we talk about the recently signed alliance between MIOSHA and all four entities of ABC in Michigan which will provide ABC members with continued access to MIOSHA’s Education, Resources, and Training.

We discuss the current gridlock in appropriations between Republicans and the Governor's office. The parties are debating the annual Michigan Department of Transportation or MDOT budget.

Also included in the episode, Jeff breaks down the recent task force created by Governor Whitmer aimed at examining alternative energy sources to Enbridge’s Line 5 natural gas option in the Upper Peninsula.

On this episode of the podcast, we take another look at the recently signed Auto No-Fault Reform bill.

Jeff also touches on the recent name change of the Talent and Economic Development department (TED) to the Labor and Economic Opportunity department, and what this name change may indicate for the trades.

Also included in this podcast is our first major campaign announcement for 2020, John James will be running for U.S. Senate against Gary Peters.

On this episode of the podcast, we take a look at the Auto No Fault reform legislation that made its way out of the House and Senate, making it likely that a concurrence vote next week will put it on the Governor's desk.

Jeff also provides an update on the Merit Curriculum reform package entitled "21st Century Skills" that was approved by the House Education Committee and moves forward in the legislative process.

We'll also check in on a situation in Muskegon County where a recent Board of Commissioners decision removed a prevailing wage provision from the project to build a new convention center, leaving those opposed to fair and open competition clamoring for the archaic government mandate to be reinstated.

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with the Charlie Owens, State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Michigan. We take a deep dive into some of the issues facing the small business community across the state of Michigan, as well as some of the top news from the past week in Michigan government.

In this episode of the ABC of Michigan podcast, we'll provide you a breakdown of the opinion just handed down from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals declaring Michigan's legislative and congressional district lines unconstitutional. We'll also touch on a package of bills receiving a hearing in the House Education Committee that would expand choices for students in high school to pursue more classes in Career Technical Education.

Our interview this week is with State Representative Brandt Iden, representing the 61st State House district. Rep. Iden chairs the newly created House Ways and Means committee and he'll share exactly what the committee is tasked with accomplishing.

In this episode of the ABC of Michigan podcast, we'll provide you with yet another update on Michigan's new Paid Medical Leave Act that is now (3/29/2019) in effect. We also review the ABC National Convention that was held in Long Beach, California this past week, where many ABC members from Michigan were recognized for their commitment to excellence and safety.

Our interview this week comes from a segment of Michigan's Big Show, hosted by Michael Patrick Shiels. Jeff and MPS talk about a recent IBEW-funded poll addressing local public construction bids, and their incorrect narrative that the repeal of Michigan's prevailing wage law equates to mandating the lowest bid be taken on a project.

Paid Medical Leave Act FAQ: www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-15…91049---,00.html

Michigan's Big Show w/ Michael Patrick Shiels: https://www.mibigshow.com

In this episode of the ABC of Michigan podcast, we'll provide you with an update on Michigan's new Paid Medical Leave Act that is now (3/29/2019) in effect. We also saw an interesting twist in the debate to reform Michigan's auto no fault insurance law and what it could mean for the future of the law.

Our special guest this week is former State Representative, House Appropriations Chair, and State Budget Director under Governor Rick Snyder, Al Pscholka. Al is now the VP of Government Relations at Kinexus Group, a non-profit that, among many other things, is assisting in the training of the next generation of skilled trades workers. Jeff ventured on down to Michigan's great Southwest to chat with him and one of the students that utilized their YouthBuild Program.

Paid Medical Leave Act FAQ: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-59886_91049---,00.html

Kinexus' YouthBuild Program: https://kinexus.org/kinexus-youthbuild-building-projects-and-confidence/

In this episode of the ABC of Michigan podcast, we follow up on two developing legal disputes stemming from the last legislative session regarding the new Paid Medical Leave Act, as well as the proposed tunnel that would be built around the controversial Enbridge Line 5 oil and gas pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. Michigan is also one step closer to more transparency, as the House of Representatives is exploring a new disclosure law that would apply to their offices, as well as the Governor’s office.

We also sit down with Debbie Starke, owner of La Femina Trucking Inc. and a member of the ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter. We talk skilled trades training, advice to potential trade apprentices, and touch on a few other hot topics.