GRANHOLM - Governor Granholm Signs Portions of Jobs Today Initiative

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed into law today portions of her Jobs Today Initiative that are critical to putting thousands of Michigan residents to work this year. House Bill 4308 and Senate Bill 235 authorize funding for projects for institutions of higher learning, environmental cleanup, and state infrastructure reinvestment – among others.

“We are putting tens of thousands of citizens to work and making Michigan more attractive to current and future job providers,” said Granholm. “But, today is just the beginning. I am hopeful that the Legislature will move quickly on the remaining portions of the Jobs Today Initiative in order to create even more jobs and grow our economy.”

Senate Bill 235 authorizes accelerated construction projects for 11 universities and 13 community colleges, totaling $200 million. It also allows for $70 million for state infrastructure reinvestment into buildings throughout the state.

House Bill 4308, the supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2005, represents an integral part of the efforts to balance the state budget. The portion of the Governor’s Jobs Today Initiative in the bill includes $37.6 million for Clean Michigan Initiative bonds proceeds. The pollution cleanup funding will go toward 47 imminent and substantial endangerment sites across the state.

While not specifically part of Governor Granholm’s Jobs Today Initiative, House Bill 4308 also includes other Capitol Outlay projects that will help put people to work. The legislation contains $7.5 million for farmland and open space preservation; $62.8 million for military and veterans affairs projects; $12.5 million in natural resources projects for state park and waterway boating facilities; and $202 million for local airport improvement projects.

Finally, House Bill 4308 allows colleges and universities first call on any unanticipated revenues – up to $30 million – during the remainder of the 2005 fiscal year.

“The Jobs Today Initiative makes an unprecedented investment in Michigan’s economic future,” said Granholm. “But, we must continue to put our resources to work. We must continue to get the jumpstart we need to put workers on the job and paychecks in their pockets.”

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