During the last decade, Michigan was losing more people to other states than it was attracting new people to live and work here.

Part of what has helped our state to rebound so strongly from that economic downturn was focusing on empowering students for whom a traditional four-year college may not be the best option. This diversity in educating the next generation has been successful for both students and to the many employers seeking trained workers.

For the past 10 years, a program that I have long supported — the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program — has been effectively serving our state, assisting at-risk youth who need more guidance than an average student to graduate and become work-ready. Each local program is operated by an on-site specialist, who is usually a teacher at a school. The program works with employers to discuss workforce needs and guides participants in developing soft skills that employers look for in a quality employee, such as timeliness, teamwork, communication and other in-demand skills.

Last year in southwest Michigan, 308 students completed the program. On average, in our part of the state, 99 percent of participants graduate from high school, 71 percent get a job and 51 percent move on to obtain further education. Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates has been a huge success.

Historically, the program has received state funding through the budget. This funding has always received broad bipartisan support. This year’s budget was no different; $3.75 million was appropriated for at-risk youth. Unfortunately, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took every cent of that funding through a questionable administrative transfer process, leaving nearly 4,000 students and their teachers wondering what will happen.

With classes well underway, the program will run out of money sometime next month without this vital budget funding. If the money is not restored, programs will begin to close at locations throughout the state, including in much-needed areas like Benton Harbor, Flint and Detroit.

The governor’s choice to punish students, seniors, the vulnerable and veterans with her budget games is as sad as it is regrettable, because programs like Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates are changing lives for the better and keeping Michigan competitive.

If the governor’s senseless tactics anger you, I encourage you to contact her office and let her know by calling (517) 335-7858.