June 3, 2005
MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today told conferees at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Policy Conference that Michigan’s ailing economy cannot wait for action and called on Republican lawmakers to support the Jobs for Michigan Fund she has proposed to reshape Michigan’s future.
Laying out the five-point economic plan first unveiled in her State of the State Address, Granholm explained that the $2 billion bond proposal – the Jobs for Michigan Fund – is a critical step to turn Michigan’s economic tide. She said state lawmakers must take action on this and other legislation central to invigorating Michigan’s economy before their summer recess.
“Michigan’s economy demands that we take bold action,” Granholm said. “The Jobs for Michigan Fund will ensure our economic greatness in the 21st century by making a bold investment that will diversify our economy, keep our kids in Michigan, and create 72,000 jobs – all without raising taxes.”
Granholm’s plan will grow Michigan’s economy by reforming business taxes so major job providers will keep jobs in Michigan; train thousands of unemployed workers for in-demand jobs; create thousands of jobs today by accelerating infrastructure projects; and, make college accessible and affordable to all through a new Merit Scholarship. It would also transform and diversify Michigan’s economy, creating 72,000 jobs for people from all walks of life through the Jobs for Michigan Fund.
“In an increasingly knowledge-driven economy, research has become the essential automotive strength if our state is going to thrive in the 21st century.”
Granholm said the Jobs for Michigan Fund will invest in competitive-edge technologies where Michigan already has a leg up: the life sciences, alternative energy, advanced automotive, and homeland security sectors. The fund will help generate explosive growth in these industries, speeding up research and development and helping to commercialize new products.
To ensure that investments through the Jobs for Michigan Fund are made by experts, not bureaucrats, the fund will be outside the realm of politicking and audited by a transparent, independent source. Unlike a counter proposal offered by Senate Republicans, the Granholm has proposed legislation that specifically prohibits the Jobs for Michigan Fund from levying or raising any taxes.
“This is a critical investment in Michigan’s future,” Granholm said. “Today, Michigan’s biggest export is our talent and our young people. Tomorrow, through this fund, we’ll create jobs that won’t be outsourced overseas and that will encourage young people to make Michigan their home in the 21st century.”
Granholm said the Republican-controlled Legislature can send a message to the world that Michigan is “open for business” by quickly passing several essential items of business, particularly legislation that would allow voters to approve the Jobs for Michigan Fund this November.
In addition, before the Legislature adjourns for the summer recess, the Governor said she expects lawmakers to adopt a balanced budget, achieved consensus on reform of the Single Business Tax, passed remaining legislation to create jobs through new infrastructure projects, and initiated a new Merit Scholarship that gives more money to more students.
“My door is open,” said Granholm. “Let’s sit down and get to work.”
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