December 2, 2009
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is in Washington, D.C. today and tomorrow along with other Democratic governors to advocate for policy changes and job-creation strategies that can be especially powerful for states like Michigan that have been hardest hit by the nation's economic crisis. The governor's trip comes as President Obama prepares to convene a White House Jobs Summit and Congress continues to debate job-creation strategies.
Granholm is scheduled to meet with senior White House officials and congressional leaders to talk about ways in which Washington can craft job-creation plans that prevent further job loss and spur new job creation in Michigan. She also plans to meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to discuss the job-creating potential of a Midwest high-speed rail corridor currently under consideration as part of the Recovery Act's competitive funding.
"As Washington explores more ways to create jobs, it's imperative that it hears from governors about what we're seeing on the ground," Granholm said. "We need to be even more aggressive about stimulating new job creation in states across the country and that we're really doing all we can to ensure that the new, green products and technologies this nation needs are made in America by American workers."
The governor will discuss job-creation strategies under consideration in Washington, including tax policy changes that could create new jobs, additional investments in infrastructure, and extending credit to small businesses and manufacturers to diversify their operations.
Granholm also said that as the Obama administration focuses on driving an economic recovery, it must not lose sight that state budget challenges could impede any national recovery.
"Our country's ongoing economic challenges translate at the state level into budget crises that threaten existing jobs for local police officers, fire fighters and school teachers," Granholm said. "Layoffs of people who provide essential services harm our communities and are a drag on national recovery efforts."
To help ease the strain on state budgets, the governor also will discuss with federal officials waiving the requirement that states provide matching funds for federal projects such as road and bridge construction.
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