A week ago in my radio address, I called on the House of Representatives to pass legislation to create a new “21st Century Jobs for Michigan Fund” that will diversify the state’s economy and create thousands of new jobs.  I continue to urge the legislature to pass my plan and do what is right for the people of the state of Michigan. 

This major investment in diversifying our economy is a key piece of the comprehensive jobs package I announced more than eight months ago.  The Fund will allow the state and the private sector to invest a combined $2 billion in Michigan’s economy to create thousands of new, high-paying jobs – jobs that will keep our kids in Michigan and that will never be outsourced to China, India, or Mexico. 

During recent discussions with citizens throughout the state, I heard from manufacturing workers, students, and small business owners, among others, all of whom spoke of an economic crisis that demands urgency.  In light of recent economic news, we can’t wait any longer. 

My plan includes:

•  restructuring business taxes in Michigan by providing a job-creating tax cut for business taxpayers, new tax credits for manufacturers and R&D companies, and a rate cut for small businesses;
 
•  legislation needed to complete the Jobs Today Initiative, providing new tools that will facilitate the upgrading of schools, downtowns, and nursing homes;
 
•  making college accessible to all by guaranteeing every Michigan student the opportunity to attend college.  Every child who graduates from high school and successfully completes two years of college, community college, or apprenticeship training will be guaranteed a $4,000 scholarship.
 
Education is the key to Michigan’s future as well as the nation’s.  Now that we are a step closer to creating the types of knowledge-based jobs that can’t be outsourced, we need to ensure that Michigan citizens have the education and training needed to fill those jobs.

Good government is government that is responsive to the citizens, and each day that passes without passing my “21st Century Jobs for Michigan Fund” is a day lost in our work to turn Michigan’s economy around.  Click here to read more.