Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Proposes New Department to Boost Economy and Culture
In a bid to invigorate Michigan’s economy and cultural landscape, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has proposed the establishment of a new department focused on arts, culture, tourism, and sports. This initiative, part of her gubernatorial campaign, aims to enhance educational opportunities and make the state more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
Speaking at the Mackinac Policy Conference hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber on Mackinac Island, Benson emphasized the economic potential of this initiative: “A department on arts, culture, tourism and sports will help us leverage the economic advantages that building a creative economy can bring to our state, leverage our tourism industry in a way that, I think when we look at the beauty around us, we’ve really underutilized in a way that leaves a lot of money on the table.”
She highlighted the benefits of investing in arts and sports within educational institutions, noting that such investments foster leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students. Benson believes that by reallocating resources and finding efficiencies, the funding necessary for this new department can be secured.
The structure of the executive branch in Michigan allows governors significant flexibility in organizing their cabinets, including the creation or restructuring of departments. However, as per the Michigan Constitution, there is a limit of no more than 20 cabinet-level state departments. Any new department director appointments would require approval from the state Senate.
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