In addition to components of my Jobs Today Initiative already at work creating jobs, I have introduced legislation which will:

•  amend the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Tax Increment Expansion Zone (DEZ) to the existing district and to use tax increment revenues from captured state and local property taxes to pay for improvements in the DEZ. Improvements can be used to attract or retain business, improve housing, halt property deterioration or enhance economic development.
 
•  convert the School Bond Loan Fund (SBLF) to a self-sustaining, revolving fund. School districts that have long overdue construction and renovation projects could obtain zero interest loans for five years from the SBLF to help finance these projects. School districts can also obtain loans to fund the creation of small high schools and enjoy the same five-year interest free deferment. A total of $500 million in qualified bonds would be available for these projects. Six bills were introduced in both the House and Senate to make these changes.
 
•  amend the State Building Authority Act to allow financing of special maintenance projects at Michigan’s universities and community colleges, which will create thousands of jobs and improve campus facilities.
 
Passage of my Jobs Today Initiative is critical to putting thousands of Michigan residents to work right now. I have joined with legislative sponsors in calling for immediate legislative action on the Jobs Today package. The infusion of public and private investment in Michigan over the next three years will jumpstart the state's economy and have dust flying at construction sites all across the state. This legislation cannot wait.