01.29.08

State of the State Address 2008

Governor Jennifer Granholm delivered her sixth State of the State Address to a full chamber of legislators and guests this evening.  She focused on Michigan transitioning into a new era, one of prosperity and security. 

 

To achieve such a goal, the Governor outlined four key components in her plan for Michigan in 2008.  Those areas are:

 

1.      A job for every worker – diversifying the economy.

2.      Affordable health care for every family.

3.      Safe place to live and work for all of us.

4.      Quality education for our citizens – kids and adults.

 

She also outlined current issues of importance to be dealt with by the Legislature.  These are: protecting the pocketbooks of homeowners with foreclosure protection laws; protecting the Great Lakes from water diversion; and marketing and advertising Michigan, its tourist potential, and its great history. 

 

The Governor introduced two new measures to assist with job creation.  The first is called the Michigan Job Creation Tax Credit, which gives a tax credit to companies who grow jobs in Michigan.  The second is the establishment of the Michigan Invests Fund, a fund to put Michigan money to work building Michigan’s economic future.

 

Governor Granholm cited a major future opportunity for Michigan is to become the center for development of alternative energy, which can create a significant number of new jobs in our state.  She stated that our unique geography qualifies Michigan to be the center of development for alternative energy.

 

The Governor identified the following key areas of legislation to protect our citizens:

§         Mortgage foreclosure legislation.

§         Gas pump price fixing investigations.

§         Drug company accountability.

§         Creation of Insurance Advocate to oversee Michigan’s fair insurance rates.

§         Expand state police force.

 

Karoub Associates will forward additional information on Governor Granholm’s new initiatives when it becomes available.

 

Click here for the complete speech:

http://michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192--184537--,00.html