November 21, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued the following statement:

“My first thoughts today are for the families and communities who are most directly affected by these announcements and who are inevitably feeling uncertain for their futures. 

“I have spoken with both Rick Wagoner and Ron Gettlefinger and assured them that Michigan will not give up the fight to keep manufacturing jobs in our state, nor will we relent in our efforts to diversify Michigan's economy, adding both new jobs and new industries to augment our manufacturing base.  I have also spoken with the mayors of the affected communities in our state and assured them that we will be working with them to develop aggressive "Consolidate in Michigan" strategies."

“Today's announcement was not unexpected.  Just as the manufacturing sector continues to change to position itself to win in the face of new global business pressures, Michigan will continue to diversify our economy so that we can win in the next century, too. 

“The General Motors (GM) announcement today underscores the need for urgent action both in Lansing and in Washington.  In Lansing, we need to give our manufacturers the tax relief they need without hurting our families.  At the same time, we must diversify our economy by creating jobs that won’t be outsourced in new industries here in Michigan.  Our federal government has to realize there is a manufacturing crisis in this country and that federal inaction on the high cost of health care and enforcement of trade laws is making it worse. 

“The fact that GM’s moves will not involve layoffs will soften the impact on working families in Michigan.  But we will have to redouble our efforts to create new jobs so that these communities and Michigan’s economy can emerge from this challenge stronger and more diversified.

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