This has been a busy - and sometimes challenging - summer, and I want to take a moment to thank you for your hard work, your continued service, and your ongoing commitment to the people of Michigan.

First, let me thank you for your continuing efforts to save every penny in your respective departments.

Because of extraordinary cuts to our state budget, we expect to close this fiscal year "in the black." It's no secret, however, that there simply still isn't enough money coming into state government to do everything we want to do. I recognize that shrinking budgets and staffing levels make your work challenging - know that my administration continues to look for every savings to reduce the impact of continued budget cuts on all of you. We continue to reduce our dependence on costly personal service contracts, and we have expanded and are promoting the voluntary work schedule adjustment program with the use of Plan A.

I appreciate that your work may be made even more difficult by the public debate over our budget issues. In the days to come, there will be more headlines and more difficult choices about what is necessary to ensure a balanced budget next year. I will continue to work with your labor representatives toward that goal, but in the meantime, I want to thank you for your suggestions and input - they are critical to the success of these efforts.

Next, let me touch on some of the great work we've accomplished in these decidedly un-lazy summer days.

• First, as you know, along with our legislative colleagues, we crafted a balanced budget that protects Michigan's families and vulnerable citizens and is, perhaps, the most pro-education budget in the history of this state.
  
• In early August, a number of state departments partnered with the State's Surgeon General to unveil a plan to reduce the devastating effects of lead poisoning in our children.
  
• The departments represented in the Children's Action Network have been preparing to unveil school-based, "one stop service shops" for families of children attending the state's highest-priority elementary schools to help them attain their student learning goals.
  
• And just last week, the Land Use Leadership Council presented their recommendations for preserving our state's green spaces while fostering economic growth and strengthening our metropolitan areas.

Those planned achievements would have been more than enough for us to celebrate, but it was an unplanned event that truly let your contributions shine. even in the dark. The blackout of 2003 challenged businesses and individuals in extraordinary ways. Yet through the darkness, one thing was clear - the people of Michigan know how to take care of one another. While it's our job to serve the people of Michigan well - even in a crisis - in last month's darkness, I saw the best in Michigan illuminated by the best in public service.

At 11:00 p.m., DMB and DMA trucks were delivering water for Detroit-area hospitals. At midnight, Attorney General staff were reviewing final language for an Emergency Order. At 1:00 a.m., MSP personnel were monitoring an emergency at a Detroit-area refinery. At 2:00 a.m., DIT employees were reconfiguring email systems. For 50 hours, state employees responded to - and anticipated - the needs of Michigan citizens. Those who are cynical about the work that state employees do, or the depth of the pride they take in their work, needed only to step into the Emergency Operations Center to witness true excellence in service.

This weekend, I'll celebrate Labor Day by participating in my first walk across the Mackinac Bridge as Michigan's Governor. As much as it is a symbol of our state, the bridge is a testament to the skilled laborers who worked hard to build it, and to those who work throughout the year to operate and maintain it. As I walk across the bridge, I'll be celebrating the men and women who labor so hard to make our state work well for its citizens.you. Enjoy the holiday weekend.

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor