September 15, 2006
September 15, 2006
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued the following statement regarding the acceleration of Ford Motor Company’s Way Forward Plan:
“My first thoughts today are with the workers and families who are most affected by today's announcement. This is a difficult situation, and my administration will do everything in our power to help the Ford workers who are affected by the company’s restructuring.
“Today's news reaffirms that my 21st Century Jobs Fund that will diversify Michigan's economy to make it less reliant on auto manufacturing alone is the right plan for Michigan's future. It also underscores the importance of the steps we have taken in Michigan to make our state more manufacturing friendly. The $600 million in tax cuts I signed into law for manufacturers and our economic development incentives have been instrumental in bringing Ford’s F-150 truck production to Dearborn and have positioned Michigan to be competitive in vying for production of Ford’s fuel efficient transmissions.
“While Ford Motor Company, Ford employees, and the state of Michigan are fighting to ensure the company's competitiveness in the global marketplace, it is clear that the Bush administration needs to do its part, too, by meeting immediately with the Big Three. The president should join our automotive leaders to implement immediate on-the-ground solutions to festering federal problems like unfair trade and health care reform that tilt the global playing field in favor of other countries.”
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