State Representatives Rylee Linting and Jamie Thompson are advocating for funding to support career technical education in the Downriver community. They have proposed a budget allocation of $5.89 million for the Downriver Career Technical Consortium (DCTC). This funding, if approved, would finalize the construction of a new center for DCTC and cover its operating costs for three years.
The DCTC is a collaborative program serving nine school districts in the Downriver area, offering over two dozen courses that provide students with career options and experience in skilled trades. Representative Linting emphasized the need for updated facilities: “Many of the facilities that are currently being used for these programs are dated or barely operational,” she said. The absence of a central location has also led to increased transportation costs for participating school districts.
Career technical programs offer pathways to postsecondary education or direct entry into the workforce. These programs enable students to engage in hands-on learning and internships across various fields such as computer science, construction, and healthcare—industries where demand exceeds supply.
Previously, funds were allocated to purchase and renovate the Trenton Athletic Center into a career tech hub. However, rising construction costs have necessitated additional funding. Without county-wide financial support through a millage, school districts must use general funds to operate these programs; state funding would help alleviate this burden.
Representative Thompson highlighted legislative efforts: “Making sure kids across Downriver and the state have resources they need to thrive and prepare for their futures is a top priority in the Legislature.” She noted her personal connection to DCTC through her son’s experience with its welding program at Flat Rock High School.
Thompson stated that career tech programs provide significant advantages: “Career tech programs will give many students in our communities a huge leg up.” She emphasized this investment’s importance for future generations.
For transparency, every request for dedicated funding has been publicly submitted with full details available online. The House received over 800 budget submissions totaling more than $4 billion, all accessible at house.mi.gov/LegislativelyDirectedSpendingItems.
