LANSING – House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) today praised the Governor's pledge to revive Michigan's struggling economy, saying the focus must be on creating good-paying jobs in high-growth fields such as renewable energy, increasing consumer protections to protect homeowners at risk of foreclosure, and establishing a more streamlined and less costly state government.
"We are facing extraordinary times in Michigan – it's going to take a lot of hard work and cooperation to get our state back on track," Dillon said. "My colleagues in the House and I are looking forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in both the House and the Senate to bring the change we need to Michigan. By focusing our energy on creating jobs and revitalizing our economy, we can leave the partisan bickering behind and give our residents what they deserve: a Legislature that is working together in harmony for the betterment of Michigan."
In her State of the State address, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm outlined her plans to rejuvenate Michigan's economy, reform state government, and use Michigan's strengths to capitalize on fast-growing fields such as renewable energy to create jobs and spur economic development.
House Democrats already are focused on finding solutions to the challenges facing Michigan. One plan that has been introduced will reward companies that hire Michigan workers and crack down on those who hire illegal immigrants. Another plan aims to cut state spending by slashing lawmakers' salaries. Other priorities include attracting businesses in emerging fields such as renewable energy to create good-paying jobs for Michigan workers and working to restore residents' confidence in our state by protecting working families from foreclosure.
"We need to bring real relief to our working families so that more of them don't get swept away in the foreclosure epidemic that is devastating our neighborhoods," Dillon said. "I will work to reform our tax code so that our working families and our businesses will be able to breathe easier and begin to get ahead again. By creating more good-paying jobs and fostering a more business-friendly environment in Michigan, I know we can turn Michigan around and make our great state a leader in the 21st century."