Mascoma Announcement - (MP3- 3MB)

Granholm Says Mascoma Agreement Puts Michigan at Forefront of Next Generation Fuels Alternative Energy Agreement Puts Michigan at Forefront of Renewable Fuels; Paves Way for New Michigan Jobs Governor Granholm Says Water Package Marks Defining Moment in Michigan History Governor Granholm Requests Federal Disaster Assistance for Michigan Farmers Economy, Jobs Continue to be Top Priority Governor Granholm Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Manistee, Osceola, Ottawa and Wexford Counties Granholm Announces Legislation to Help Protect Consumers at the Pump Governor, Speaker Say State's Economic Stimulus Package is Urgent Reply to Jobless Rate Granholm Says State Working to Protect Consumers at the Pump by Continuing Pump Inspections Granholm Visits Growing Company MAHLE Engine Components USA Inc. in St. Johns Governor Granholm Authorizes National Guard to Assist Communities Under State of Emergency

The economy and creating jobs continue to be my top priority. In January, when I delivered my State of the State address, I asked the Legislature to take swift action on a series of measures that could promote economic growth and create the jobs we need in Michigan. Now, nearly five months later, we have made some real progress, and we have seen genuine bipartisan cooperation in Lansing. But we need to do more, and we need to do it now.

Every day that we delay enacting an economic stimulus package in Michigan is a day that is hurting Michigan families. Whenever we see an increase in the jobless rate in Michigan, we need to think of the hardship it can represent for our neighbors, our friends, and our relatives.

Already this year, my administration and state lawmakers have worked to enact the nation's most aggressive film incentive package, expand the state's business marketing and tourism promotion to their largest levels in state history, approved capital outlay funding for airport projects around the state, and enacted legislation to create Anchor Zones to encourage businesses to attract or expand their own supplier base – and the jobs they bring – in Michigan.

Recently, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced a series of new company incentives that brings the total number of jobs created this year to almost 22,000. And the state House approved legislation that establishes a loan program designed to allow Michigan to better compete with other states to bring new jobs here.

But we need to do more – relentlessly. And we need to get back to work to do all we can to bring more good-paying jobs to Michigan.

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