August 18, 2006

Governor committed to fighting for Michigan citizens

LANSING – In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today underscored that her economic plan to diversify Michigan’s economy puts people first and is the right plan for Michigan.
 
“I have developed and am implementing the most comprehensive economic plan of any state in the country,” Granholm said.  “My economic plan invests in the things that matter – in our schools, in our health care, and in diversifying Michigan’s economy.”
 
With the $4,000 new Merit Award scholarship Granholm’s plan is the right plan for parents worrying about paying for college.  It’s the right plan for workers receiving training through MI Opportunity Partnership, or for farmers whose crops are now producing ethanol at the local plant.

Granholm said diversifying the economy is important because as a manufacturing state Michigan is especially challenged by today’s global economy.  It’s close connection to the struggling automotive industry and the impact of trade policies that force workers to compete on an uneven playing field have pushed unemployment higher in Michigan, even as companies like Avon Automotive, Martinrea, and Gestamp US Hardtech are choosing Michigan.
 
That’s why Governor Granholm will continue to call on President Bush to negotiate trade agreements that are fair and enforceable and to develop a uniquely American solution to the health care burden that prevents our manufacturers from being truly competitive.
 
Next week the governor will be on the road talking to workers, parents, and families about the challenges and hope Michigan faces.
 
“I’ll share my plan with them and my commitment to fight for them, to fight for their pocketbooks, and to fight for their children’s future,” Granholm said.

The Governor’s weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  The address will also be available on the Governor’s website on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.

Broadcasters Note: Governor Granholm’s radio address can be accessed through Sunday evening exclusively through the Members Only page of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website.

Publishers Note: The text of today’s address is attached.