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LANSING – Representatives from Washtenaw Community College today presented Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) with an award honoring her efforts in promoting education.
           
"I'm truly honored to receive this award today," Byrnes said. "Community colleges are doing a fantastic job providing our residents with the education and training they need to compete for 21st century jobs. Businesses look to locate in areas with highly skilled workers – we can't overstate the importance of our higher education institutions in sustaining the world's best workforce which resides right here in Michigan."
           
Wendy Lawson, of the WCC foundation, and associate vice president development grants and government relations, expressed gratitude for Byrnes' efforts.
           
"Washtenaw Community College is indebted to Pam Byrnes for her support of both the college and our students," Lawson said.
           
Prior to serving as Speaker Pro Tempore, Byrnes served as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education for two years and has made protecting education funding one of her ongoing priorities.
           
"Every child deserves all available resources to reach their full potential and work for their piece of the American dream," Byrnes said. "It's becoming quite clear that in order to do that, and compete for jobs in the global marketplace, our students must have the tools necessary to pursue cutting-edge training and education."