Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Proposes New Department of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Sports
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democratic candidate for governor in Michigan, has put forward a proposal to establish a new department focusing on arts, culture, tourism, and sports. Benson believes that this initiative could not only provide an economic boost to the state but also enhance educational opportunities for students and make Michigan a more attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
During the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Benson unveiled her vision for the potential department, emphasizing the untapped potential of Michigan’s creative economy and tourism industry. She stated, “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.”
Benson also highlighted the importance of investing in arts and sports programs within schools, citing data that suggests such investments can cultivate leaders, creative thinkers, and problem solvers among students. She expressed confidence in being able to identify savings and efficiencies within the state budget to support the establishment of the new department.
While governors in Michigan have the authority to reorganize their cabinets and create new departments, there is a constitutional limit on the number of cabinet-level state departments, which currently stands at 20. Any appointments to lead the proposed department would be subject to approval by the state Senate.
As the gubernatorial race in Michigan unfolds, Benson’s proposal to establish a department dedicated to arts, culture, tourism, and sports has sparked discussions about the potential benefits of such a move and the impact it could have on the state’s economy and educational landscape.
