June 2, 2006
Granholm underscores comprehensive plan at Mackinac Chamber Conference
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today reiterated that her comprehensive economic plan is already at work diversifying the economy and creating jobs for Michigan citizens. The governor made her comments during the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Policy Conference on Mackinac Island.
“We have the most comprehensive, aggressive jobs plan in the nation,” said Granholm. “It’s a six-point plan to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow and ensure that everyone in Michigan has the tools they need to be competitive. We’re putting that plan in motion and working it every day.”
Granholm also emphasized that while there is still much work to be done, her plan to transform Michigan’s economy is beginning to pay dividends. She cited a number of examples, including:
- Her two trade missions to Japan have resulted in more than $200 million of investment and have attracted more than 1,000 new jobs.
- Kellogg moved from Illinois to Michigan, creating more than 650 jobs in Battle Creek and Wyoming.
- Whirlpool is consolidating their administrative operation in Michigan, creating more than 400 jobs in Benton Harbor.
- United Solar Ovonics, an alternative energy company, is relocating to Greenville.
- Advanced Photonix, a California-based technology company, chose to move their offices to Ann Arbor.
- Hemlock Semiconductors is expanding in Saginaw.
- American Axle chose Detroit over Mexico.
“For too long, Michigan has been the victim of federal trade policies that have made outsourcing our jobs easy and affordable,” said Granholm. “That must end. While we wait for the Bush Administration to stand up for us, my administration will continue to go anywhere and do anything to bring jobs to Michigan.”
The Governor’s “Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow” economic plan targets:
- Improving the state’s business climate by eliminating more than $4 billion in budget deficits, cutting business taxes, including a $600 million tax cut for manufacturers, reducing permitting time for businesses and making permits available online, and spending state dollars with Michigan companies.
- Connecting workers to available jobs through the MI Opportunity Partnership. By partnering with businesses and community colleges, the program has already helped more than 100,000 people get jobs.
- Creating jobs today by accelerating ten years of public infrastructure projects into three years. More than 40,000 jobs will be created while our roads and bridges are improved, older nursing homes are modernized, and environmentally-contaminated land is made usable again.
- Preparing all students for success by increasing public education funding to a record high, pushing for and signing a new rigorous core curriculum for high schools, doubling the number of college graduates in ten years, and giving every child a $4,000 New Merit Award Scholarship.
- Diversifying Michigan’s economy through the 21st Century Jobs Fund, a $2 billion investment in alternative energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and homeland security/defense technology.
- Expanding access to affordable health care through the MiRx Card that cuts the cost of prescription drugs for those without coverage and the Michigan First Health Care Plan which will make affordable health care available to every Michigan citizen.
While at the Mackinac Policy Conference, the governor also participated in the launch of a new marketing campaign to encourage business leaders across the country that Michigan is the place to do business. A part of the 21st Century Jobs Fund, the campaign will feature Michigan actor Jeff Daniels and tell the stories of companies who have chosen to locate and expand in Michigan.
“Michigan has a lot to offer businesses, including a skilled workforce, a great quality of life, and incentives like the 21st Century Jobs Fund,” said Granholm. “There’s no better way to spread that message than for companies who have chosen Michigan to tell their stories.”
