(Source: MIRS.news, Published 02/28/2025) Helping every student find their place in life after high school is the guiding principle this term for Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland), who chairs the House Education and Workforce Committee. 

While the goal is broad and ambitious, DeBoer said it boils down to a few things: Expanding career technical education programs (CTE), making the Michigan Merit curriculum flexible, and increasing the state’s literacy test scores and results. 

The committee passed HB 4060 in its first meeting, which allows school districts to raise money through a millage to contract with another school district to benefit from their CTE programs. 

In Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address, she said she wants to pass legislation that would require school districts to implement certain phone bans or restrictions. 

DeBoer said she knows that students learn better when their attention isn’t divided, but she knows the opinions of the chamber are all over the map when it comes to a statewide ban. 

Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester) sponsored HB 4141, and DeBoer is a co-sponsor. The bill was awaiting movement in her committee. 

On Wednesday, following the State of the State, a few Republican lawmakers expressed concern over a statewide policy being used in response to the issue. 

The committee seems to be absorbing the role that the previous House Labor Committee played. DeBoer said she has good relationships with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, the State Board of Education and the Department of Education, but she has yet to talk with labor groups about their involvement or influence on the committee.