LANSING – House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) today praised Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm for striking a chord of bipartisanship and her continued commitment to rebuild Michigan by diversifying our economy, expanding our stake in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy, offering significant tax incentives for emerging businesses and creating thousands of new jobs for our workers.
"The governor's aggressive plan to diversify our economy and create thousands of new jobs for our workers makes this an exciting time to live in Michigan," Dillon said. "The renewable energy industry stands to make Michigan a leader in the 21st century global economy and create new opportunities for our workers to get ahead. My colleagues in the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle can move past the partisan gridlock to achieve the one thing that we all want to do – build a brighter future for Michigan."
In her State of the State address, Granholm outlined her plan to rebuild Michigan's economy by staking a claim in the renewable energy industry, creating tens of thousands of new jobs, and protecting our residents' special quality of life. The House has already introduced and/or passed several packages that will create jobs and make Granholm's vision a reality, including:
- Securing the state's position as a powerhouse of alternative energy by creating a Renewable Portfolio Standard.
- Creating more good-paying jobs for our workers and retraining those who have lost their jobs to outsourcing and downsizing for the jobs of the 21st century global economy.
- Fighting the epidemic of foreclosures by establishing aggressive programs to protect at-risk homeowners from losing their homes.
- Strengthening education to give our students the tools they need to compete in the 21st century global economy.
House Democrats also are committed to helping residents who are struggling in Michigan's tough economy by ensuring that more workers have access to job-training programs such as "No Worker Left Behind."
"We are poised to begin a whole new chapter in Michigan's history," Dillon said. "Michigan is well-positioned to secure a leading role in the new global economy. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to restore our residents' confidence in Michigan and make our state an even better place to live, work and raise a family."