October 21, 2005

State One Step Closer to Diversifying Economy, Creating Jobs

LANSING – In her weekly radio address Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today called on the House of Representatives to take the final step in passing legislation to create a new “21st Century Jobs for Michigan Fund,” diversifying the state’s economy and creating thousands of new jobs.  Despite bipartisan support in the Senate, and the House’s active involvement in crafting the legislation, the Speaker of the House indicated he will send the package to conference committee rather than voting to pass the legislation

 “This major investment in diversifying our economy is a key piece of the comprehensive jobs package I announced more than eight months ago,” Granholm said.  “The Fund will allow the state and the private sector to invest a combined $2 billion in Michigan’s economy to create thousands of new, high-paying jobs – jobs that will keep our kids in Michigan and that will never be outsourced to China, India or Mexico.”

Granholm said that in the wake of recent economic news, jobs can’t wait and applauded Senate Majority Leader Sikkema and Minority Leader Emerson for their leadership in passing the legislation. 

During recent discussions with citizens across the state Granholm heard from manufacturing workers, students, and small business owners, among others, all of whom spoke of an economic crisis that demands urgency. 

“Good government is government that is responsive to the citizens,” Granholm said.  “I hope that the House listens to them and takes a final vote on the Jobs for Michigan Fund – because each day that passes is a day lost in our work to turn Michigan’s economy around.”

The Governor’s weekly radio address is released each Friday at 10:00 a.m. and may be heard on broadcast stations across that 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.