February 9, 2007

Governor outlines plan in State of the State Address, 2008 budget

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that Michigan urgently needs to invest in its citizens to grow the economy and create jobs. As jobs have been outsourced and trade agreements go un-enforced, Michigan businesses and workers need to be equipped to compete in the global economy.
 
"The bipartisan plan that we have set in motion is the most comprehensive in the nation," Granholm said.  "It's the right plan, but the pace of change in this global economy is speeding up - so we're going to put our plan into overdrive."

In her State of the State Address, Granholm proposed an extension of her "go anywhere, do anything" approach to bringing new jobs to Michigan. Granholm's approach is focused on cutting-edge industries and making investments in job training and education programs.

At the same time, Michigan is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, which would be resolved by Granholm's proposed 2008 budget. Granholm will once again cut spending programs, despite making cuts every year as governor and resolving more deficits that any previous governor. Granholm underscored that any permanent solution to the fiscal crisis requires a combination of cuts, government reform, and revenues.  The governor's proposed budget lays out a way to solve the crisis and make the key investments that will drive economic growth and create jobs.
 
"Together, my proposals will end our financial crisis, and they will allow us to grow our economy and create jobs," Granholm said.  "They will make Michigan a great place to live, learn and earn for all of us and for our children."

The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the 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.