Governor Jennifer M. Granholm outlined her 7-point plan to grow Michigan’s economy and create new jobs for Michigan workers in her second State of the State Address before a joint session of the Michigan Legislature on Tuesday evening. 

 “The state of the state tonight is one of total determination,” said Granholm.  “Michigan will become an economic powerhouse state in the 21st century.  We will grow our economy by giving businesses the tools they need to succeed and by improving the quality of life for all of our citizens.  To be an economic powerhouse, you can’t have one without the other.”

In addition to growing the economy and improving our quality of life, the Governor also addressed the need to protect our citizens and their hard-earned dollars.

 Two key initiatives announced by Governor Granholm tonight to provide affordable health care options to Michigan citizens are the new Michigan Prescription Discount Card, or MI-RX, and the Third Share Partnership for health care benefits.  The MI-RX Card will allow as many as 200,000 senior citizens and working people without insurance to cut the cost of their prescription drugs by as much as 20 percent. 

The Third Share Partnership, modeled after successful programs in Muskegon and Wayne counties, will help small businesses offer health insurance to workers by dividing the cost of the health care premium between the employee, the employer and the state, with the state’s third share coming in the form of a tax credit to the business.

 “There are few things that affect the quality of our life and the quality of our work more than good health,” said Granholm.  “Our seniors, our uninsured workers, and our businesses are faced everyday with the impact of skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs.  These new programs will help our citizens take care of their families, and help our businesses remain productive and competitive.”

 To help businesses grow, Granholm called on the federal government to pursue international trade policies that level the playing field for Michigan and U.S. businesses.  In addition, she announced two initiatives to streamline permitting processes in Michigan.

 Granholm also announced three new venture capital funds to attract and grow businesses in Michigan.  The Emerging Business Fund, the Venture Michigan Fund, and the Small Business Growth Fund will leverage federal and private dollars to make more than half a billion dollars available for starting a new 21st century business.

 “New ideas can create entire new business almost overnight,” said Granholm.  “But our best new ideas in Michigan can also die in the research lab or in someone’s garage or migrate elsewhere if entrepreneurs don’t have access to capital.  These new funds will help businesses take root in Michigan and grow new jobs.”

 The Governor’s address, entitled “Our Determination, Our Destination: A 21st Century Economy,” also included initiatives to aid Michigan’s manufacturing sector, provide interest-free loans to engineering and technology students, curb the use of credit scoring and end predatory lending practices, and stiffen legal penalties for those who prey on our seniors and vulnerable citizens.

 “Tonight let us set out together, knowing that the road to educational excellence expands the road to good jobs,” said Granholm as she concluded her remarks.  “The road to a healthy people in a healthy land merges with the road to good jobs.  And the roads to a stronger business climate widen the highway to high quality jobs.  As it was said that all roads lead to Rome, let it be said of us that we have moved with focus and determination on the road our citizens need most – the road to high-quality jobs and a great quality of life.”

Editor’s Note: For a full text of Governor Granholm’s State of the State Address, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-23442_21981-84911--,00.html.