January 26, 2007

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that in the face of the current budget crisis, Michigan must aggressively work to diversify its economy and invest in growing the talent and skills of our citizens.
 
"Michigan's economic plan is the most aggressive in the nation, and it's the right plan to move our state forward," Granholm said.  "By investing in the things that make us competitive as a state - such as our workers and our students - we are creating opportunity for all Michigan citizens."
 
Granholm said three announcements made this week - one by Pfizer, one by AquaBioChip, and one about Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) scores - highlight the path the state must take to be successful in a global economy.

- Michigan citizens must have tools for success.  Pfizer's elimination of 2,400 jobs in Michigan this week sent a reminder that in today's global marketplace, change is a constant.  That is why Granholm's economic plan is working across the state to provide citizens with the tools they need to succeed in Michigan.

- Michigan must attract and grow high-tech companies.  On the same day of the Pfizer announcement, AquaBioChip, a small high-tech company, left Michigan State University where it began, and opened a new office in Lansing.  The company was aided by the 21st Century Jobs Fund and is the latest in a growing roster of companies that are creating jobs and developing new technologies in Michigan.

- Michigan must invest in schools.  This week, the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) data was released showing an increase in scores across the state, especially in reading and math.  Granholm has continued to invest more in schools and revamped expectations of students by standardizing and strengthening the content taught to students in grades K-8.

"In the coming days, there will be a lot of conversation about where our state is headed and how Michigan will fare in the face of an economic hurricane," Granholm said.  "We will weather the storm and keep moving forward."

The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  The address will also be available on the Governor's website on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers. 

Broadcasters Note: Governor Granholm's radio address can be accessed through Sunday evening exclusively through the Members Only page of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website. 

Publishers Note: The text of today's address is attached.