June 8, 2005

GRAND RAPIDS – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited with researchers at the Van Andel Institute and reiterated her call for Republican lawmakers to support the Jobs for Michigan Fund she has proposed to reshape Michigan’s 21st century economy.

“Michigan’s economy demands 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 said the Jobs for Michigan Fund will invest $2 billion 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.

During a visit to the Van Andel Institute, Granholm met with Chairman and CEO David Van Andel and researchers to discuss some of the projects they have already under development.  The Institute, which is dedicated to impacting medical science world-wide, is working to identify new methods of detecting and treating cancer.

“In an increasingly knowledge-driven economy, research has become the essential component that drives our economic engine,” said Granholm.  “Whether it’s the medical research being done at the Van Andel Institute or the advanced automotive research that will produce the car of the future, Michigan is poised to be an economic powerhouse if we are willing to take action now.”

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 Administration 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, achieve consensus on reform of the Single Business Tax, pass remaining legislation to create jobs through new infrastructure projects, and initiate a new Merit Scholarship that makes a college education possible for all.

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