http://www.michigan.gov/ en Copyright 2009 - State Of Michigan Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:14:03 EST http://www.michigan.gov/podcast http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov225Full_302299_7.mp3 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time to feast and celebrate nature's bounty. However, for more than a million people in Michigan, it's a struggle just to put food on the table every day. Working families often have to choose between paying their bills, going to the doctor or buying food. Seniors sometimes are forced to choose between food and prescription drugs.
These are choices that shouldn't have to be made. One way we can help is by helping people get the food they need.
The Michigan Food Policy Council, created by executive order in 2005, is improving access to fresh and healthy food. There are many ways to do this. State government is involved in several initiatives, including promoting urban gardens where people can grow their own fruits and vegetables. Another is the Michigan Neighborhood Food Movers project in which vendors sell low-cost produce out of trucks in urban neighborhoods where it's hard to find fresh produce. Also, some people may qualify for federal food assistance, and can determine their eligibility by applying online through the state's Helping Hand Web site. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov225Full_302299_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov224Full_301371_7.mp3 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST A great race began in our country earlier this week - and I'm not talking about NASCAR. Rather, it's a race among the 50 states to develop the most innovative ways for educating our children to compete in a global economy.
Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, calls it the Race to the Top. And the winners in this race will win some significant prizes - perhaps as much as a half billion dollars in federal Recovery Act funds to improve schools will go to each of a small number of states that win this competition. Michigan must be one of them. To win the Race to the Top, we will have to put forward our best and boldest ideas for helping all Michigan students succeed in our K-12 schools, in our colleges and universities and ultimately in our workplaces. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov224Full_301371_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov223Full_300551_7.mp3 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST Promises should be kept, not broken. It's time for the Michigan Senate to take action and keep the Michigan Promise.
The Michigan Promise is the state's first universal college scholarship. It is a cornerstone of our administration's long-term economic plan for the state, a plan that includes doubling the number of college graduates. Starting with the high school seniors who graduated in 2007, every Michigan student who attends college or technical school is eligible for a $4,000 scholarship.
This year, 96,000 students and their parents banked on the Michigan Promise. They budgeted for the money promised to help them pay for school. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov223Full_300551_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov222Full_299878_7.mp3 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST Twenty-first century jobs require 21st century minds. If Michigan is to compete in the global economy, all our children have to have world-class education and skills.
That's why the news of Michigan being chosen for a new teaching fellowship program is so exciting. This program is going to train 240 new math and science teachers to teach in middle and high schools that desperately need teachers in these subjects ? math and science. Over a period of five years, almost 20,000 Michigan public school students will receive high-quality education in science, technology, engineering and math from these new teachers. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov222Full_299878_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov221Full_299185_7.mp3 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT At Michigan State University, the words "Go Green" now have a new meaning, as in "green economy."
For almost a century, the services provided by MSU Extension have concentrated on assisting farmers and our state's agricultural community. And now MSU Extension is transforming itself into a 21st century organization, one that will broaden its scope and help to grow Michigan's green economy.
This is a work in progress. MSU Extension has developed a vision and programs for supporting and promoting a green economy and is now seeking feedback from its external partners like state government. Structural changes in MSU Extension will be announced in the months ahead. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov221Full_299185_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov220Full_298373_7.mp3 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT Throughout my tenure as Michigan's governor, I have stressed how critical education is to our state's economic health and its future. We've made it our goal to have the best educated workforce on the planet, and we've expanded opportunities for Michigan citizens of all ages to go to college or get the technical training they need for good paying jobs.
This week, I took two actions to defend all the progress we've made in education from a serious threat - the Legislature's failure to fully fund the school aid budget. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov220Full_298373_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov219Full_297371_7.mp3 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT One-hundred thousand and counting. That's the number of people who have enrolled for job training through Michigan's No Worker Left Behind program. One-hundred thousand people.
We launched No Worker Left Behind in August of 2007 as part our plan to transform Michigan's economy. No Worker Left Behind provides qualifying participants two years of free tuition up to $10,000 at any Michigan community college or university or other approved training program.
People in the No Worker Left Behind program train for jobs in high demand and in emerging industries. These include jobs in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, health care and biotechnology. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov219Full_297371_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov218Full_296443_7.mp3 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT This week in Michigan, despite our difficulties over the budget, we've actually been walking on sunshine. And that's because there were three positive developments involving solar energy in our state.
On Tuesday we announced that two companies will build solar panel manufacturing facilities in Michigan. The first is Clairvoyant Energy which will invest $857 million to convert part of Ford's former Wixom Assembly plant in Oakland County to a solar panel plant. Clairvoyant plans to hire 750 people at Wixom.
The second company is Suniva. Suniva will invest $250 million in a new solar manufacturing facility in Saginaw County, and they will create 500 new jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov218Full_296443_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov217Full_294795_7.mp3 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT Early Thursday morning, the legislature took action on the state budget. It averted a government shutdown. The constitutional deadline for having a budget at the start of the new fiscal year was met, but the work on this budget is far from over. For while Michigan's constitution simply demands a balanced budget, Michigan's future demands more.
Michigan's future demands a budget that helps us diversify our economy, attract new investment, and create new jobs. Michigan's future demands a budget that keeps police officers and fire fighters on the job and on our streets. Michigan's future demands a budget that helps our children afford a college education and protects people at risk during these tough economic times. The budget that I proposed way back in February provides these essential things. The budget passed by the legislature does not, and that's why I'll continue fighting for the right budget for Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov217Full_294795_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov216Full_293467_7.mp3 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT "It begins with a slow dance of turning leaves, and crescendos in a trillion trees aflame. For the next several weeks, the curtain rises on nature's greatest show.
"As the 19 million acres of woods called Michigan slowly explode in a frenzy of color. The show plays along every stretch of highway and coastline, in every city and town. Admission is free, and great seats are available everywhere. This show is appropriate for all ages. This show is Pure Michigan."
Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm. What I just read are the words to a Pure Michigan commercial usually voiced much more beautifully by Tim Allen, but today I'm the one making the pitch for our great state.
Tourism is an important industry in Michigan, and that's why earlier this year we included, as part of our economic stimulus package, funding for a national Pure Michigan television campaign. This spring, Pure Michigan ads ran on 15 cable channels like CNN and HGTV throughout the country. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov216Full_293467_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov215Full_292599_7.mp3 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT Hello, this is Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, speaking today on behalf of Governor Jennifer Granholm.
Flu season has begun. The Department of Community Health has been working closely with federal and state agencies and local health departments to prepare for and respond to a flu pandemic. But we need your help to minimize the spread of the flu.
What's different about this flu season is that we're facing the H1N1 virus in addition to the typical seasonal flu. While it's always important to get the seasonal flu shot, it's crucial to get one this year because of H1N1. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov215Full_292599_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov214Full_291695_7.mp3 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT Today is the first-ever September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, the culmination of President Obama's United We Serve initiative. Volunteers across the country are serving their local communities in honor of the victims and heroes of the 9/11 tragedy.
A national day of service was sought by 9/11 family members and support groups as a way to honor those who died, and to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that followed the attacks.
September 11 was officially recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which passed with strong bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Obama in April. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov214Full_291695_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov213Full_291192_7.mp3 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EDT On Monday as Lt. Governor John Cherry walks in Detroit's Labor Day parade, my family and I will be doing the traditional walk across the Mackinac Bridge with thousands of other Michigan citizens.
The Mackinac Bridge is an apt symbol for Labor Day because unionized workers helped to build it, particularly the Iron Workers.
While Labor Day honors all American workers, the holiday's roots are in the labor movement. The first Labor Day was in 1882 when 10,000 union workers in New York marched to celebrate gains made in the workplace.
Many gains made by organized labor throughout the years are now enjoyed by all workers. They've become accepted norms, like the eight-hour work day and 40-hour work week, paid holidays, safe and healthy workplaces. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov213Full_291192_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov212Full_290378_7.mp3 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EDT When someone is in distress, you offer a helping hand. And that's the concept behind a new state resource.
Helping Hand is a new state Web site where people can easily find information about jobs and training, unemployment benefits, food assistance, health care and housing. But it's really more than that. It's the pooling of resources by the state and groups like the Michigan Association of United Ways and the Michigan Community Action Agency Association to help thousands of people facing economic hardship.
So you can find Helping Hand on the Internet at michigan.gov/helping hand. Here are just a few things you can do there.
You can file for unemployment benefits online. If you're facing foreclosure, you can contact a homeownership counselor for assistance. You can apply for food assistance online - you don't have to visit a Department of Human Services office. By answering a few questions, you can determine if you qualify for other assistance such as Medicaid. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov212Full_290378_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov211Full_289469_7.mp3 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EDT There's an old saying that "Getting there is half the fun." Well, if you could get from Detroit to Chicago in a couple of hours on a new, clean, high-tech passenger train traveling at a top speed of 110 miles per hour, well, that would be fun, wouldn't it?
That's our vision here in Michigan, and on Monday we'll take another step to turn our vision for high-speed rail in Michigan into a reality.
Back in July, I signed a memorandum of understanding that established a partnership among eight states ? including Illinois, Indiana and Ohio - to work cooperatively to fund the Midwest Corridor. The Midwest Corridor is a high-speed rail plan that's regional and will connect cities throughout the Midwest with frequent, reliable high-speed and conventional intercity rail service. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov211Full_289469_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov210Full_288904_7.mp3 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EDT This is Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, pinch hitting today for Governor Jennifer Granholm.
People today are eating healthier by including more fruits and vegetables in their diets. If you want the healthiest, freshest, best-tasting fruits and vegetables, you should buy ones grown right here in Michigan.
Locally-grown food is healthier than food shipped long distances, because many fruits and vegetables can lose up to half of their nutrients in just five days. And the best-tasting fruits and vegetables are the ones that ripen close to your home.
Select Michigan, a brand identification program to promote Michigan-grown food, can help you find food produced in our state. The Select Michigan logo can be found on Michigan food products sold at grocery stores, farmers markets and on individual farms. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov210Full_288904_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov209_Full_288228_7.mp3 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:00:00 EDT In this week's radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said the U.S. Department of Energy grants for a dozen Michigan projects announced Wednesday by Vice President Joe Biden will create thousands of new good-paying jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov209_Full_288228_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov208_Full_287444_7.mp3 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT In this week's radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that the month of August marks the two-year anniversary of Michigan's No Worker Left Behind job-training program, and enrollment in the program will soon top 100,000. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov208_Full_287444_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov207Full_286874_7.mp3 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT Expanding the number of MEGA tax credits will enable us to bring thousands of new jobs to Michigan, which we need right now obviously. I urge the state Senate to quickly pass House Bill 4922. With the competition for jobs so fierce, Michigan can't afford to be without one of its key economic development tools for very long. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov207Full_286874_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov206Full_286191_7.mp3 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT John F. Kennedy once said, "All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent."
That's the thrust behind federal and state efforts to give people greater access to college and job training.
On Tuesday at Macomb Community College in Warren, President Obama announced the American Graduation Initiative to strengthen our nation's community colleges. This $12 billion program seeks to help an additional five million Americans earn degrees and training certificates in the next decade. It also will offer grants to community colleges for programs that connect students looking for jobs with businesses looking to hire.
President Obama's commitment to prepare people for 21st century jobs supports our education and job training efforts in Michigan.
Five years ago, I asked Lt. Governor John Cherry to lead a Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth. The commission developed a comprehensive plan to double the number of Michigan college graduates and to create the expectation that all our students would continue their education past the 12th grade. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov206Full_286191_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov205Full_285577_7.mp3 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT With General Motors, Ford and Chrysler seemingly in the news every day, it's hard sometimes to look beyond today's headlines and envision those companies' future. Well, for Michigan's auto companies, the future looks green.
In Michigan, our auto industry is helping us lead a green industrial revolution. Here's just a few examples:
General Motors will invest up to $700 million to build its future small car at its plants in Orion Township and Pontiac, preserving about 1,400 jobs. There was intense competition among the states for these green jobs, but Michigan was the winner. We won because of our amazing workforce, our innovative and creative economic development tools, and strong involvement from the UAW and local communities.
GM will reach another milestone when it rolls out its new electric car, the Chevy Volt, next year. The Volt will run entirely on electricity from a giant battery pack. And to be on the cutting edge of battery research and development, GM last month unveiled its new Global Battery Systems Lab in Warren. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov205Full_285577_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov204Full_284718_7.mp3 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT Saturday is the Fourth of July, the day we celebrate our nation's independence. It's a day for fireworks and barbeques and parades. A day when our chests swell with patriotic pride.
Now there's a way you can demonstrate that patriotic pride all summer. It's by volunteering through United We Serve, a national call to service by President Obama. United We Serve is an opportunity for Americans to serve their country this summer by volunteering and creating positive change in their communities.
United We Serve challenges all Americans to join in our country's economic and social renewal by engaging in sustained, meaningful community service. This summer initiative has just begun and it'll conclude on a new National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11.
United We Serve is targeting four areas: education, health care, energy independence and community renewal. The president says while government is tackling all of these issues, government can't do the job alone. To rebuild our local communities, our state and our nation, volunteers are essential. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov204Full_284718_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov203Full_283950_7.mp3 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EDT "Imagination at Work" is the slogan of the General Electric Company. When GE was imagining where to locate its new advanced technology and training center, it came up with a wonderful idea: Michigan.
Friday morning I was proud to participate in GE's announcement that it'll open a new advanced technology and training center in Wayne County's Van Buren Township, about 25 miles outside of Detroit. The center will focus on developing advanced manufacturing technology, software and information technology. It'll employ 1,200 people and also create more than 1,600 indirect and spinoff jobs.
There was fierce competition among states for this center. So why did GE select Michigan over states like Ohio, New York and South Carolina? http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov203Full_283950_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov202Full_283174_7.mp3 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EDT Hello, this is First Gentleman Dan Mulhern.
This Sunday is Father's Day, a day to honor fatherhood and male parenting. The irony of Father's Day is that it was conceived by a woman listening to a church sermon about Mother's Day. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington rallied others to support a day for dads, and the first Father's Day was held June 19, 1910 in Spokane.
While Sunday is rightfully a day for fathers, consider a different perspective on this holiday. What is Father's Day like for boys and girls who don't have a dad? And what can be done to fill this void? One answer is a program that's helping thousands of Michigan children who get guidance and inspiration from an adult - Mentor Michigan.
Mentor Michigan supports more than 200 organizations around the state that are changing lives by linking youth with adult mentors. Mentor Michigan provides these organizations with training and research. It also fosters partnerships with businesses, faith-based and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and government to support mentoring. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov202Full_283174_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov201Full_282359_7.mp3 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EDT Hello, this is Lt. Governor John Cherry.
On Monday, there will be more clanking and rumbling of bulldozers and road graders in Kalamazoo County. That's the day construction is scheduled to begin on widening two miles of I-94 through Portage, including a new interchange at South Westnedge Avenue. Kalamazoo area residents have long wanted the swath of I-94 that stretches across the county to be widened. The I-94 corridor is extremely important to the Michigan economy, and the section through Kalamazoo County now carries more vehicles per day than any other four-lane freeway in the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov201Full_282359_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov200Full_281475_7.mp3 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EDT It's been a tough week for Michigan. General Motors filed for bankruptcy. Seven GM plants in Michigan will close or be idled, and thousands of workers will lose their jobs.
When companies in other states declare bankruptcy, it's generally not headline news. It's different for Michigan, because we're so tightly bound to the auto industry. If we don't work in the industry ourselves, we all have friends and family who do. For some families, generations have worked in the plants.
That's what makes this so painful. An era is ending. While many people will continue working in GM plants building the next generation of vehicles, others will be leaving. And for them, we will help however we can, from extended unemployment benefits to job retraining. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov200Full_281475_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov199Full_280725_7.mp3 Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:00 EDT For years, people have thought of Michigan as part of the old Rust Belt. Today, we're changing the color of rust to green. As in green energy, green vehicles and other green technology products. For Michigan, growing a green economy means realizing we can no longer depend on the industries that once were our bedrock. That was painfully demonstrated this week, with more auto suppliers declaring bankruptcy and the GM bankruptcy looming as well. To prosper again, we must change.
John F. Kennedy said, "Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." We are not going to miss the future here in Michigan. In fact, we're seizing it. Michigan is going to lead a green industrial revolution in our nation. We'll be a beacon that guides this country along the path to energy independence. Our state has the manufacturing infrastructure, the skilled workforce, the universities and the natural resources to do it. Michigan will design and manufacture fuel-efficient cars, advanced batteries for electric cars, wind turbines, solar panels and more. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov199Full_280725_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov198Full_279630_7.mp3 Fri, 22 May 2009 07:00:00 EDT Monday is Memorial Day. For many, this is just another long holiday weekend. But we must remember the meaning and importance of Memorial Day. It is a day to honor the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives to defend freedom, our country, our way of life.
In the year since we last commemorated Memorial Day, 11 more members of our armed forces who called Michigan home died in Iraq or Afghanistan. A total of 176 service men and women from Michigan have perished in these two wars.
Yesterday I welcomed to the governor's residence the families of Michigan service members who have died recently in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. This is the sixth year I have hosted this event. And every one has been touching and memorable.
When you speak with the families of these service members, there is great sadness, but there is also deep pride. Pride in their loved ones ? their heroes ? who sacrificed their lives overseas so we would not have to sacrifice our freedoms here at home.
It is difficult to find words for the family who has lost someone in war. Even Abraham Lincoln struggled with it. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov198Full_279630_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov197Full_278656_7.mp3 Fri, 15 May 2009 07:00:00 EDT Like dark storm clouds swirling on a spring day, foreclosures threaten the dreams of thousands of Michigan homeowners. But this week a ray of sunshine poked its way through the clouds.
A conference committee agreement on legislation between the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives will give homeowners facing foreclosure some breathing room, some hope, to save their homes and preserve their American Dream.
The legislation freezes foreclosure proceedings for 90 days for homeowners who commit to work with their lender on modifying their mortgage loan. As a first step, the lender will be required to notify the homeowner in writing why the mortgage is in default, and how to contact the mortgage holder.
For help in modifying the mortgage loan, the homeowner must contact a housing counselor. Housing counselors will be available through a state agency, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov197Full_278656_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov196Full_277719_7.mp3 Fri, 08 May 2009 07:00:00 EDT This week, President Barack's director of recovery for auto communities and workers came back to Michigan to hear about the economic turmoil we are experiencing from job losses and to discuss solutions. He expressed the federal government's commitment to helping us move through these tough times. On Monday, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will be here talking about a sector where jobs are growing. Solis will join Van Jones, the president's green jobs adviser, at Michigan's first-ever Green Today, Jobs Tomorrow conference. The president's plan to build a clean, renewable energy economy that will create jobs and break America's dependence on foreign oil presents enormous opportunities for Michigan. In fact, our green economy is already booming. According to a report being released Monday that was commissioned by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, Michigan businesses have already created at least 109,000 private sector green jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov196Full_277719_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov195Full_276854_7.mp3 Fri, 01 May 2009 07:00:00 EDT We've all heard that old saying - 'what a difference a day makes.' Well, that certainly was the case this week when months of uncertainty for Chrysler came to an end with an announcement by President Obama that a path has been cleared for the company to not only survive, but thrive. The agreement - which includes a global strategic alliance with the Italian automaker Fiat -- will keep the company open, preserve jobs, and bring new technologies and new products that will attract new customers. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov195Full_276854_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov194Full_276089_7.mp3 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EDT In today's challenging and rapidly changing economy, one thing is certain: education is the key to economic success for Michigan's citizens and for Michigan as a state. That's the reason behind my goal of doubling the number of college graduates in Michigan.
Next week, more than 600 leaders from communities across Michigan will come together at the Governor's Education Summit in Lansing to discuss ways to reach that goal by making higher education more accessible and more affordable. We want to make Michigan the best-educated state in the nation. We want to make Michigan's workforce so outstanding that our state is the only possible destination for high-tech companies in emerging fields - the kind of companies that provide good-paying jobs and diversify our economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov194Full_276089_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov193Full_275287_7.mp3 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EDT This week we received new unemployment numbers, another unfortunate reminder that our national recession is going to get worse before it gets better. To help our unemployed citizens through these tough times, I signed legislation to use federal recovery money to add seven weeks of unemployment benefits. That extends total eligibility for jobless citizens to 79 weeks, enabling jobless workers to support their families while seeking employment or training for new careers.
I'm pleased to say that we had some positive numbers this week, too: 7,700 jobs and 2 billion dollars ? that's what's being generated by 14 new projects we announced. These projects prove that we are making important strides in diversifying Michigan's economy. Creating all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people is key to fighting that unemployment rate and accelerating Michigan's recovery. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov193Full_275287_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov192_Full_274507_7.mp3 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EDT Michigan is the global center of automotive research and development and the state best positioned to lead the U.S. out of its dependence on foreign oil. And we are committed to making Michigan the advanced-battery capital of the world and the home of the next generation of green vehicles powered by them http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov192_Full_274507_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov191Full_273762_7.mp3 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EDT This week, President Obama made it clear he is committed to a strong domestic auto industry, recognizing as we do here in Michigan that a thriving auto industry is essential to America's economy and to our national security. He stands with us in fighting to help our American automakers and autoworkers make it through this recession, which has led car sales to plunge.
He's also standing with our Michigan communities and families who have been affected by the restructuring in the manufacturing sector, which has caused more job loss than any natural disaster in our nation's history. While Hurricane Katrina wiped out a quarter of a million jobs, we in Michigan will have lost more than three times that many jobs due to the economic storm surrounding our manufacturing base. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov191Full_273762_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov190Full_272682_7.mp3 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EDT This weekend basketball fans around Michigan and across the country will watch some of the nation's best college players - including the Michigan State University men and women - continue their march to the NCAA Final Four championships. I think you'll agree that at a time when the news of the nation's credit crisis and rising unemployment rates is so painful, the fun and frenzy of March Madness is a welcome diversion.
For those of us in Michigan the anticipation of the Final Four is magnified because for the first time, the men's championship will be played here in Michigan at Ford Field in Detroit. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov190Full_272682_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov189Full_271474_7.mp3 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EDT The are billions of dollars coming to the Michigan through the economic recovery plan that will help citizens and families in a variety of ways from putting people to work and ensuring that health care continues for the vulnerable, to making education more affordable and our communities safer.
But the state needs partners in this effort to accelerate the plan we are working to diversify our economy and create jobs today and jobs tomorrow. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov189Full_271474_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov188Full_270791_7.mp3 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EDT Across the nation, people are struggling to pay their medical bills, or worse yet, they're avoiding the doctor's office because it's just too expensive.
In the last eight years, health care premiums have grown four times faster than wages. The cost of health care now causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds.
The cost of health care was the focus of the nation's first regional White House Forum on Health Care Reform that was held right here in Michigan this week.
At that forum, doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, insurers, policy experts, working families, and health care advocates spoke of skyrocketing costs that are straining family budgets, crippling businesses, and consuming government budgets - and they offered ideas on how to reform the system. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov188Full_270791_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov187Full_269634_7.mp3 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST This week I joined Denmark's Minister of Climate and Energy Connie Hedegaard in signing a memorandum of understanding initiating a partnership between the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy and the state of Michigan. Together we are going to explore new development and share experiences in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and job creation.
Michigan's agreement with Denmark will strengthen our ability to collaborate with a country that has moved to the forefront of renewable energy technologies and put people to work in the process. If you're wondering why this is important to Michigan, consider these facts as reported by the Michigan Environmental Council: http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov187Full_269634_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov186Full_268702_7.mp3 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST February is Black History Month, and the story of African Americans in Michigan and across the nation is incredibly rich and complex. The struggle for freedom, civil rights and economic and social equality is woven into the history of American life.
To recognize and celebrate all of the cultures represented in America and all of the people who have contributed to its progress, it is important that we are aware and understand all of our history. And Black history is American history.
That history was enriched last month as people from all over the country lined up to be a part of the momentous Inauguration of the nation's first African American president ? Barack Obama http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov186Full_268702_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov185Full_267875_7.mp3 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST Earlier this week, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or the ARRA, which is the nation's most ambitious effort to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and help struggling American's provide for their families.
Our goal is simple: to move as quickly as possible to put these funds to work creating jobs and rebuilding our state's economy.
Many of the economic recovery funds that Michigan will receive will be distributed through existing formulas for programs such as Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and education. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov185Full_267875_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov184_Full_267199_7.mp3 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST This week I delivered my budget recommendation to state lawmakers for their consideration. My recommendation builds on the fact that our economy in Michigan is severely challenged and things are likely to get worse before they get better.
But we're committed to fighting for citizens who are hurting the most during this economic crisis and that's why my proposed budget does not cut a single person off health care.
The budget recommendations continue to make improvements in our unemployment insurance system to make sure families get the help that they need. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov184_Full_267199_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov183_Full_266336_7.mp3 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST Earlier this week, I gave my annual State of the State speech to outline Michigan's priorities for the year ahead.
I did not sugarcoat the realities we face. Michigan, like every state, faces serious economic challenges this year. And the reality is that things are likely to get worse before they get better.
But ... things will get better.
We will weather this economic storm because we will continue to focus relentlessly on the things that matter most in a time of economic crisis...creating jobs, training and educating our citizens for those jobs, and protecting our families. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov183_Full_266336_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov182_Full_265195_7.mp3 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST The on-going national recession continues to have an impact on Michigan. So our commitment to growing the state's economy, creating jobs and protecting Michigan families is all the more important.
And in my fight to help Michigan families keep more of the money they earn, I called for and signed into law the Michigan Earned Income tax credit.
This year is the first time Michigan citizens who qualify for a federal earned income tax credit will also be eligible to receive an additional income tax credit from the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov182_Full_265195_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov181_Full_264145_7.mp3 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST Like all of America, Michigan continues to struggle with economic recession and job loses. Obviously, Michigan is uniquely impacted because of the auto industry contraction.
And experts agree that the challenges of the national recession and the auto industry restructuring will continue to hit Michigan hard.
Earlier this week our December unemployment numbers were released, we went up one full point to 10.6.
Traditionally, December and early January are among the busiest times for the Unemployment Insurance Agency, or the UIA, with seasonal layoffs in the auto and supplier industries and retail trade. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov181_Full_264145_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov180_Full_263273_7.mp3 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST Next week, Americans from across the world will take a moment pause to reflect on the life of a man whose words inspired a nation and sparked a movement of civil rights that brought about significant social change - a man who had a dream for a new way of life, whose commitment to change is intertwined with the American experience... on Monday, we will reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King once said, "We must use time creatively and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do what is right.'' And the time is ripe, my friends - now, more than ever. Never has it been more important to come together in shared purpose to tackle the common challenges we face. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov180_Full_263273_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov179_Full_261960_7.mp3 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST When President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his first Inaugural Address in 1933, the nation had been suffering through the Great Depression for more than three years. Financial institutions were failing, homes and farms were being foreclosed, tens of thousands of citizens were losing their jobs each month. In that speech, President Roosevelt told Americans, "This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor should we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today." http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov179_Full_261960_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov178_Full_261251_7.mp3 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST This is First Gentleman Dan Mulhern speaking to you on behalf of my wife, Governor Jennifer Granholm, on an issue that is very dear to me: mentoring.
Being that January is Michigan Mentoring Month... Jennifer invited me to tell you a little bit about the mission I am on to spread the word about how mentoring transforms lives, two at a time.
I guess you could say that my family and I are all mentoring maniacs. We are all mentors - we know how blessed we have been, and we see children who could just use a champion in their corner, a listening ear, an encouraging word, a consistent friend. Many of our mentees have become like extended family. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov178_Full_261251_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov177_Full_260866_7.mp3 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST As 2008 draws to a close, I want to wish you and your family a joyful holiday season.
As we prepare to ring in 2009, it seems only right to reflect on some of the important events of this past year.
2008 will certainly be a year remembered for its challenges - from foreclosures to the credit crisis to the national economy to the severe struggles of the auto industry.
But the challenges of 2008 clearly reinforced the critical importance of the work we are doing here in Michigan to diversify the economy and create jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov177_Full_260866_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov176_Full_260459_7.mp3 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST Let me start by offering President Bush my appreciation on behalf of 10 million citizens who know the devastation that could have resulted had he refused to help our automakers.
President Bush, your offer of a bridge loan will save 3 million jobs and help ensure that this industry can once again be strong and viable - a leader in our fight for energy independence. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov176_Full_260459_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov175_Full_1_259583_7.mp3 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST In a time of extreme challenge for our auto industry and rising unemployment, Michigan got some great news this week. Michigan State University was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to be the new home of an important new center for scientific research known as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams This $550 million laboratory will be a cutting-edge research facility where scientists can work to better understand the behavior of nuclear isotopes and their impact on the world. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov175_Full_1_259583_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov174_Full_258808_7.mp3 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST This week, America's automakers returned to Washington with a clear set of plans for how these companies will address the economic challenges they face and in the process, help our nation become energy independent. The news that they delivered was sobering - without immediate help, GM and Chrysler could have to shut their doors before the years end. But they also made it clear that with access to the federal loans they're seeking, they are prepared to make the changes needed to deal with the tremendous challenges the industry is facing. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov174_Full_258808_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov173_Full_258178_7.mp3 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST It's been a rough couple of weeks for us here in Michigan as we continue to feel the effects of our challenged economy.
For families worried about layoffs or foreclosure, or wondering how to pay heating bills this winter or how to help their kids go to college, it can feel overwhelming. But even in this time of tremendous uncertainty, we certainly share many blessings. This holiday season is a time for us to remember those blessings and to share them with others. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov173_Full_258178_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov172_Full_257693_7.mp3 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST As this week began, I departed on my seventh overseas jobs and investment mission - this time to the Middle East.
It was a positive and encouraging trip. We met with companies who specialize in the same kinds of jobs and technologies that we are working to create here in Michigan - alternative energy, homeland security, medical technology and more. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov172_Full_257693_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov171_Full_256181_7.mp3 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST This week, I continue my commitment to go anywhere and do anything to create jobs for Michigan as I embark on my seventh international jobs and investment mission - this time to the Middle East.
With my economic team, I will be traveling to Israel and Jordan to meet with CEOs and leaders in alternative energy, homeland security, water preservation technology, advanced automotive research - industries that are primed to invest right here in Michigan. In total, our team will travel to 3 countries, where we'll hold 48 meetings, to meet with as many as 130 companies. My pitch to these companies is simple ? If you want a world-class workforce, flexible and extensive economic development incentives, a great business climate and outstanding quality of life, then Michigan is your place to invest. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov171_Full_256181_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov170_Full_255525_7.mp3 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST This Veterans Day, I hope all Michigan citizens will take a moment to recognize and thank Michigan's brave service men and women, past and present.
Serving in the armed forces is a great calling on behalf of our nation. From the Civil War to the World Wars to more recent conflicts across the globe, countless Michigan citizens have answered that call to duty. And today, thousands of Michigan soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen are answering that call in service to all of us. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov170_Full_255525_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov169_Full_254866_7.mp3 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT In just four days we will have the chance to vote in what will be the most important election of our lifetime.
On November 4th nearly five million Michiganians are expected to head into the voting booths and cast their ballot for the next President of the United States. Will you be one of them?
The challenges we face every day here in Michigan as well as abroad? our economy is in turmoil, energy prices are soaring, our soldiers are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan- all are good reasons to flood the polls so your voice can be heard.
In the words of President Lyndon Johnson, "voting is the first duty of democracy," and if you want your voice to be heard on the issues that are most important to you ? you must report for duty and vote on Tuesday. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov169_Full_254866_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov168_Full_254136_7.mp3 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT This week, a group of leaders gathered in Lansing to tackle one of the most challenging economic issues facing Michigan - finding ways to help all of our young people finish high school prepared for success in college and the workplace.
Too many Michigan students are dropping out of high school - nearly 1 out of every 6 students in the Class of 2007 dropped out along the way.
That's unacceptable.
For those kids, we have a moral obligation to solve this problem. And for our state, it is an economic imperative. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov168_Full_254136_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov167_Full_253445_7.mp3 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT Michigan is committed to leading the nation in alternative energy research, development and production and we are working our plan every day to create jobs in this growing industry.
We've created incentives to bring companies to Michigan and to help them grow here. And we now require that 10% of Michigan's future energy needs come from renewable sources like solar and wind power.
And we've had a number of recent announcements to celebrate: http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov167_Full_253445_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov_166_Full_252486_7.mp3 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT It's been another challenging week for the national economy and while we are monitoring the situation closely for its impact on the state of Michigan, we have not slowed down efforts to diversify our economy and create jobs.
And this week, those efforts brought good news for Michigan.
Michigan is committed to leading the nation in alternative energy production so we were pleased the federal Department of Energy joined with us in supporting Mascoma, a company building the nation's first commercial cellulosic ethanol plant in the Upper Peninsula. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov_166_Full_252486_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov165_Full_251511_7.mp3 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EDT Since becoming Governor, I have signed more than 2,400 bills into law. On Monday, I will sign perhaps the most important legislation to create jobs and diversify Michigan's economy that has crossed my desk.
By requiring that 10% of Michigan's energy needs come from renewable sources like solar and wind power, this legislation will create jobs and make sure that this growing industry sets up shop in Michigan.
No one questions that renewable energy is the future. Our nation needs it-both to protect our pocketbooks and to protect the planet from climate change. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov165_Full_251511_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov164_Full_250743_7.mp3 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT This year we have the chance to vote in what may be the most important election of our lifetime. You know about the challenges we face every day - our soldiers are fighting in Iraq, energy prices are soaring, and our economy is in turmoil - all good reasons to vote.
But you can't vote unless you are registered and the deadline for registering is October 6. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov164_Full_250743_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov163_Full_250285_7.mp3 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT This is Governor Jennifer Granholm reporting to you from Japan, where I am completing my sixth overseas investment mission to bring jobs and investment back to Michigan.
As positive as this mission has been, this was a difficult week to be so far from Michigan. The turmoil in the economy that resulted in the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the sale of Merrill Lynch ? and the bailout of insurance giant AIG -- reinforced that we were prudent last year in redoubling our special efforts to keep Michigan's fiscal house in order. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov163_Full_250285_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov162_Full_249215_7.mp3 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT As I have said many times, my commitment is to go anywhere and do anything to bring jobs to Michigan.
So Monday, I am headed to Japan once again to meet with business and industry leaders about all that Michigan is doing to diversify our economy and attract good jobs in fast-growing industries.
So during three whirlwind days, I'll meet with 22 Japanese companies that are considering investment in Michigan. This is the sixth time I have led a jobs mission overseas. Our previous trips to Germany, Austria, Japan, and Sweden have resulted in 37 companies announcing more than $826 million in new investment in Michigan and that has resulted in more than 9,000 good paying jobs right here. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov162_Full_249215_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov161_Full_247876_7.mp3 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT This week we ended a painful chapter in Michigan's history.
On Thursday, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick resigned as part of a plea agreement with the Wayne County Prosecutor, just one day after I began a hearing on the Detroit City Council's request that I remove him from office.
This crisis has taken its toll on our state, and made it harder for us to focus on our most important issue?getting the good paying jobs we need in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov161_Full_247876_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov160_Full_247236_7.mp3 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT This Labor Day, my family and I will join thousands of Michigan citizens who will run and walk across the Mackinac Bridge for the annual Bridge Walk event. We'll be celebrating the importance of fitness for Michigan families, and we'll be thinking about Michigan workers who have helped define our state and lead the labor movement across the country.
The Mackinac Bridge is - for me - a symbol of a great Michigan value: the value of hard work. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov160_Full_247236_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov159_Full_246375_7.mp3 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT If you've seen or heard our ads featuring Jeff Daniels you know Michigan has great business success stories to share. But here's something more - these ads are generating new jobs for Michigan.
Just this week, a New York-based data management company, Business Intelligence Associates, chose Michigan for its newest location, committing $8 million that will create nearly 600 jobs here including 251 directly with the company. They http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov159_Full_246375_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov158_Full_245551_7.mp3 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT There used to be Today, Michigan faces a nursing shortage, a shortage that is expected to grow to some 18,000 nurses by 2015. And yet last year, 44 hundred qualified applicants were turned away from nursing programs in Michigan simply because there wasn't enough room for them.
And while thousands wait to enroll, hundreds more enter nursing programs only to encounter delays while they wait for an opportunity to complete their clinical requirements.
The Michigan Nursing Corps purpose is to train new nurses and faculty. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov158_Full_245551_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov157_Full_244681_7.mp3 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT Education in Michigan took a big step forward this week when I signed into law the new budget for our K-12 schools. Even in a year when we are making cuts in many areas of our state budget we were able to make new investments in education.
We know that investment in education pays dividends for everyone because it strengthens our economy and helps create the new jobs we need in Michigan.
That's why I am proud are increasing per pupil funding in our schools by up to $112 per student, with the biggest increases going to the schools that have been making do with less for years. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov157_Full_244681_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov156_Full_243894_7.mp3 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT Almost six months ago in my State of the State address, I outlined how I will continue to go anywhere and do anything to bring jobs to Michigan. Our economic plan includes both short-term and long-term strategies, many of which we have already implemented thanks to bipartisan cooperation in Lansing.
For example, we have put in place the nation's most aggressive film incentive program to bring the movie-making industry and its good-paying jobs to Michigan; I have signed into law record funding for business marketing and tourism promotion; we now have a number of new and greater incentives to attract job-creating businesses ? just to name a few.
So this week, we moved forward on another of our plans to grow business and create jobs by announcing Invest Michigan! - a fund that will use $300 million, a large amount of capital but a small portion of our state pension fund, we're going to use this money to invest in businesses that create the jobs we need in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov156_Full_243894_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov155_Full_243011_7.mp3 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT One year ago, my administration launched the No Worker Left Behind program to give 100,000 workers who have been hit hard by our changing economy the opportunity to get the college degree or job training they need to get new, good-paying jobs. So here's how it works: for three years only, free training is available for workers who have lost their jobs or who are ready to advance beyond low-skill jobs. It's first come, first served. With training and certification through No Worker Left Behind, Michigan workers can get good-paying jobs and fill existing job openings in high-demand fields like nursing, or accounting, or auto mechanics.
http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov155_Full_243011_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov154_Edit_242545_7.mp3 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EDT Following months of hard work and great efforts by our economic development team, Dow Chemical, a great Michigan company of Midland, and Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait announced that they have chosen Michigan to locate the headquarters of their joint venture, K-Dow Petrochemicals, bringing 800 hundred jobs to our state.
This is going to be an $11 billion world-wide company. The fact that it will be headquartered here is terrific news for Michigan.
Along with Dow's decision to locate its new joint venture here, we were thrilled to announce ? 18 new jobs projects across Michigan that will create over 6,900 new jobs and involve over $231.2 million in new investment. A quick scan of these investments shows these new jobs are in our targeted 21st century hi-tech sectors including: alternative energy, life sciences, homeland security and defense, and advanced automotive manufacturing. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov154_Edit_242545_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov153_Full_241939_7.mp3 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EDT It's not every week that we make history in Michigan . . . it's not every day that we do something so monumental that it will be remembered for generations to come.
But this was one of those weeks and Wednesday was one of those days. Overlooking the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan, I signed into law historic new protections for the Great Lakes that mark a defining moment in our state's history and establishes Michigan as the nation's leader in the scientific management of water. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov153_Full_241939_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov152_Full_240972_7.mp3 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EDT For more than five years, we have been focused on doing what we can to help citizens save money.
We were the first state in the nation to establish a prescription drug purchasing pool to help us get more for our money and offer citizens the MiRx card so they can get a discount on prescriptions, too..
We've sold state planes, we've reduced the number of vehicles in the state fleet, limited state employee travel, and eliminated bonuses. We've reduced energy consumption in state government, we've ended no-bid contracts ? all to ensure that we are being as frugal with your tax dollars as possible. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov152_Full_240972_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov151_Full_239550_7.mp3 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT Long before the current run-up in gas prices, we declared Michigan's intention to lead the nation in alternative energy production. We know alternative energy is good not only for our environment - it can also reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. But most importantly for us, alternative energy will result in jobs for Michigan workers and is at the heart of our strategic plan to diversify and grow our state's economy.
That's why this week's announcement by the Massachusetts-based Mascoma Corporation that it will build one of the nation's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants in the Upper Peninsula near Sault Ste. Marie was greeted with such excitement. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov151_Full_239550_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov150_Full_238807_7.mp3 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EDT You may have heard earlier this week that Michigan's unemployment rate took a big jump in the month of May. As new job seekers - many of them young people - entered the work force, they weren't able to find the jobs they were looking for, pushing our unemployment rate to over 8 percent. While any increase in the unemployment rate is unacceptable, Michigan can't escape the effects of $4-a-gallon gas, contraction in the automotive sector, and the sub-prime lending crisis that's battering the national economy. The national jobless rate also soared in May, increasing by more in a single month than any time in more than 20 years. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov150_Full_238807_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov149_Full_237934_7.mp3 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EDT Hi, I'm Dan Mulhern, First Gentleman of the State of Michigan, speaking to you on behalf of my wife, Governor Jennifer Granholm.
We're taking time out to recognize an important calendar milestone this Sunday. Throughout the nation - we celebrate Father's Day.
I often chuckle when I hear that great fatherhood quote by Mark Twain, who once said, "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he'd learned in seven years." http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov149_Full_237934_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov148_Full_237010_7.mp3 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EDT Next week I will join with governors from around the country at a symposium in North Carolina organized by that state's former Governor, James Hunt, who remains a leader among the nation's governors for pioneering the direct link between education and economic growth.
Over the last five years we've taken that connection to heart and set an important goal: To bring new investment and new jobs to Michigan, we are going to double the number of college graduates in Michigan in just ten years. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov148_Full_237010_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov147_Full_236294_7.mp3 Fri, 30 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT This weekend I had a chance to speak to business and civic leaders from southeast Michigan who gather each year at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual policy conference on Mackinac Island.
In my remarks, I encouraged these leaders to be actively involved in three of the most critical issues we face in state government today---Diversifying our economy and creating jobs, educating and training our students and workers and lowering the cost of government in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov147_Full_236294_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov146_Full_235613_7.mp3 Fri, 23 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT Today, more than 1,700 of our fellow Michigan citizens woke up in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world as they serve in the Michigan Army and Air National Guard. Countless others are serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. We can never thank them enough for their service and their sacrifice. This Memorial Day weekend we pay tribute to 22 of these brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice this year ? losing their lives while on active duty. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov146_Full_235613_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov145_Full_234634_7.mp3 Fri, 16 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT This is Lt. Governor John Cherry speaking to you this week on behalf of Governor Jennifer Granholm about an issue that is at the core of our plan to grow Michigan's economy and create jobs: alternative energy.
Michigan is the state that put the world on wheels, and we can be the state that leads the way in using alternative energy sources to fuel our cars and power our homes. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov145_Full_234634_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov144_Full_233878_7.mp3 Fri, 09 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT Typically, this time each week is my opportunity to talk with you about important events happening in our state. In fact, I expected to be reporting to you today on the exciting possibilities for new jobs in Michigan resulting from my investment mission to the Middle East. But that trip had to be postponed last week when I had unexpected surgery. So instead of giving you a progress report on job, this week I simply want to say thank you. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov144_Full_233878_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov143_Full_233079_7.mp3 Fri, 02 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT Lt. Governor Cherry
As spring is upon us and the school year begins to wind down, thousands of Michigan high school seniors are beginning to look forward to the next phase of their educational journey. And when they take those critical first steps toward a higher education, they will have a revolutionary new scholarship to handle the costs. The $4,000 Michigan Promise Scholarship is available to every student who continues their education after high school. That's the equivalent of two years of community college tuition that a student can put toward a technical certificate, or part of a university degree, or a community college program. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov143_Full_233079_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov142_Full_232464_7.mp3 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EDT This week, I had the pleasure of announcing nearly a half a billion in investments around Michigan, including one of the largest life sciences investments in Michigan's history. MPI Research Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive preclinical research and development services, will invest in Mattawan and Kalamazoo. Other projects include BAE Systems in Sterling Heights, Von Weise Inc. in Eaton Rapids, and two brownfield redevelopment projects in Grand Rapids and Huron Township. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov142_Full_232464_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov141_Full_231858_7.mp3 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EDT We are in the early stages of a green industrial revolution. Everywhere across this nation and the globe, companies are racing to meet the demand for products that save energy and reduce our use of foreign oil. This is a unique opportunity for Michigan, and it couldn't come at a better time, given the challenges our manufacturing sector has faced. That's why I am working hard to make sure that Michigan is ready to capitalize on it. Thanks to all of our great W's - wind, wood, water, workforce, wheels, and even waste - Michigan is better positioned than perhaps any other state to turn our nation's need to preserve the environment and reduce energy costs into jobs and economic growth. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov141_Full_231858_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov140_Full_231237_7.mp3 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EDT This week, I signed into law the most aggressive film incentive program in the nation, part of an overall economic stimulus package I unveiled in my State of the State address less than three months ago.
Without a doubt, we're going to see more productions filmed on location in Michigan. However, what we have done is set the stage for hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment that will grow industry activities that support film production, create jobs, and train workers for those jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov140_Full_231237_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov139_Full_230526_7.mp3 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EDT Across the country, many business leaders, economists and scientists are coming to a very important conclusion - to create the workforce of the 21st century, we must begin in the earliest years of life. In 2005, I created the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, also known as ECIC, to assure that every child in Michigan arrives at kindergarten healthy, safe and ready to succeed. ECIC is working to identify ways to invest smarter in the crucial first five years of a child's life, and it's working to end the achievement gap that prevents us from realizing the potential of far too many children. ECIC supports a network of local public-private partnerships; those are known as Great Start collaboratives. From the day I took office I have stressed that investment in early childhood education and care is critical for the economic viability of our state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov139_Full_230526_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov138_Full_229558_7.mp3 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EDT Hardly a day goes by that we're not confronted by more bad news about the mortgage crisis and the impact it's having on the lives of families and the nation's economy as a whole. While the crisis has led to the downfall of some on Wall Street, it is also affecting Main Street with too many citizens facing the unthinkable: the loss of their home.
That's why last fall I proposed Save the Dream legislation to help preserve home ownership for thousands of Michigan families threatened by foreclosure. I am pleased to report that thanks to bipartisan support in the legislature those bills have been sent to my desk and I will sign them into law next week. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov138_Full_229558_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov137_Full_228720_7.mp3 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EDT There was an important victory in Lansing last week for Michigan workers and for all of us who want to see bi-partisan cooperation in government. And it dealt with the most important issue we face in Michigan today and that's jobs. We all know that there are too many people in Michigan today who are unemployed. But, what's less well known is that there are also tens of thousands of jobs in our state that are going unfilled. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov137_Full_228720_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov136_Full_228107_7.mp3 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EDT Last month, I submitted a budget to the Legislature that would make important new investments in education in Michigan. Not only are these investments important to our children and their future, they are critical to Michigan's economic recovery.
The businesses we want to grow in Michigan have one thing in common - they want an educated, skilled workforce.
That's why we are now giving all high school graduates in our state the opportunity to earn a $4,000 Michigan Promise scholarship when they go on to college or get technical training. And that's why we want all Michigan students to take the rigorous courses in high school they need to succeed in college and the workplace. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov136_Full_228107_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov135_Full_227405_7.mp3 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST We recently announced that we're creating jobs today and jobs tomorrow through my economic stimulus package that will help to jumpstart our state's economy by fast forwarding 34 road projects across the state, putting 2,100 people to work right now. And this week, I am pleased to tell you that not only are we continuing to fight to create jobs, but there is exciting news to report on our efforts to ensure that we're doing all that we can to protect citizen's pocketbooks. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov135_Full_227405_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov134_Full_226681_7.mp3 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST Last month, in my State of the State Address, I unveiled an economic stimulus package to help jumpstart our state's economy. It's part of an aggressive and comprehensive plan to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow. I'm pleased to report that we're making progress on both fronts.
This week, I announced we're fast-forwarding 34 road projects across the state - projects that originally were scheduled for the 2009 construction season. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov134_Full_226681_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov133_Full_225653_7.mp3 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST We've heard a lot about Michigan's economy being uniquely challenged due to the impact of globalization and the ongoing restructuring of our manufacturing sector.
But this week, there is plenty of encouraging news in Michigan filled with signs that an economic transformation is starting.
With our assistance, companies across the state announced that they are expanding or locating their operations here in Michigan, creating a total of 2,225 jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov133_Full_225653_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov132_Full_224989_7.mp3 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST Nestled along the shores of the Pere Marquette River, among the trees of the Manistee National Forest is the resort community of Idlewild. Founded in 1912 and dubbed -- Black Eden -- Idlewild attracted tens of thousands of African American visitors from every corner of the country. Among them were some of the most influential figures in the African American narrative - among them, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who performed the first successful open-heart surgery in the United States, and Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, the towering intellectual who co-founded the NAACP. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov132_Full_224989_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov131_Full_224219_7.mp3 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST This week I delivered a proposed budget to state lawmakers for their consideration and approval. The budget I've outlined builds on the difficult work of the last five years to get Michigan's fiscal house in order and continues to invest in the things that Michigan needs to be competitive. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov131_Full_224219_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov130_Full_223365_7.mp3 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST Earlier this week, I stood before a joint session of the Michigan Legislature to give my annual State of the State speech outlining my priorities for the year ahead.
I said that in these tough times, government cannot be all things to all people. That is why we will focus on four things - a job for every worker, affordable health care for every family, safe places to live and work for all of us, and quality education for our citizens, kids and adults.
These are the right priorities to ensure that we can maintain our Michigan way of life today and in the future - and the right priorities to ensure that Michigan can successfully transition to the 21st century economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov130_Full_223365_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov129_Full_222622_7.mp3 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST In just a few days, I'll step to a podium in the State Capitol and deliver my sixth State of the State address. Every year, the words are different and the initiatives I outline are new, but over these six years, the central message has been consistent: this administration is focused on reshaping and building Michigan's economy in the face of the harsh realities of globalization. We are working to make Michigan one of the best places in the nation to live, learn and earn. Not just for ourselves, but for our children and our grandchildren, too.
Each address is built on the year before?and each has focused on the next steps we will take to diversify Michigan's economy and ensure that our state and all of our citizens get the education and training they need to succeed in the future. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov129_Full_222622_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov128_Full_221979_7.mp3 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST I've spent a lot of time talking about our comprehensive plan to diversify Michigan's economy - especially our "Go Anywhere Do Anything" approach to attracting and growing good-paying jobs in fields like life sciences, homeland security and alternative energy. Well, I want to tell you that one of the things that we're also doing as part of our plan is to build on our past successes in the auto industry to create a new advanced automotive industry right here in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov128_Full_221979_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov127Full_221369_7.mp3 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST Home ownership is the American Dream. It's the very foundation of our communities. It's having that special place where you can raise a family. Owning a house means owning a special place that belongs to you -- a special place that's home.
But as you know, our nation is facing a severe housing crisis. It's throwing the stock market and the U.S. economy into turmoil. And few are feeling the pain more than we are. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov127Full_221369_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov126_Full_220242_7.mp3 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST Hi, this is Dan Mulhern. As Michigan's First Gentleman, I'm on a mission to spread the word about how mentoring transforms lives.
January is Michigan Mentoring month... and so Jennifer invited me to tell you a little bit about mentoring ...
Way back in college I mentored Wilfredo Torres for 4 years, and I loved it. When Jennifer was Attorney General she mentored and our family came to love Britney. Jennifer's example inspired me to jump back in. Maybe you, too, have thought that "to whom much has been given, much is expected." It was time for me to give back, and I was matched with a great young guy named Chrissean Davis. I was saddened when his mom moved the family to Indiana two years later. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov126_Full_220242_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov125_Full_219489_7.mp3 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST As the year draws to a close, I want to wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a safe, and a happy New Year. As we prepare to ring in the New Year it seems only appropriate that we reflect back on all that we worked to accomplish in 2007. While there's no question that we faced more than our share of challenges we spent the year working hard to create jobs, ensure a quality education for every child, provide affordable health care for every family and ensure safe places for all Michiganians to live and play.
In these challenging, but productive months:
We replaced the state's Single Business Tax with the fairer Michigan Business Tax and included incentives for research and job creation.
I continued to go anywhere and do anything to attract and retain good paying jobs. My investment missions to Sweden and Germany this year have already created or retained more than 1,000 jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov125_Full_219489_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov124_Full_219431_7.mp3 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST This is a wonderful season -- a time of year when we celebrate those things that are most important in our lives: faith, family, friends. It's a time to re-kindle old friendships and just maybe, a time to rest and rejuvenate ourselves for the year that lies ahead. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov124_Full_219431_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov123_Full_218556_7.mp3 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST If you're like me, you're rushing around, trying to get all of your holiday shopping done and searching for the perfect gifts for all the special people in your life.
Well if so, I've got a tip for making those perfect gifts even better. Make them Michigan products
That's what I'm doing, and let me tell you - there are some great reasons to keep your holiday spending close to home. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov123_Full_218556_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov122_Full_217822_7.mp3 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST Take a look around your house. If you're like a lot of people, you might have a box of cereal from Kellogg's, or maybe a dishwasher from Whirlpool?or maybe some items made with plastic from Dow. In your fridge, there's some leftover pizza from Little Caesar's?and in the garage, of course, maybe a car from Ford or General Motors or Chrysler. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov122_Full_217822_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov121_Full_217013_7.mp3 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST Throughout November, I have been traveling the state with my economic development team, meeting with alternative energy leaders and looking at what we can do to make sure our state is the national leader in this growing industry. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov121_Full_217013_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov120_Full_216109_7.mp3 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST As the holiday season begins, our thoughts turn to gift giving - and one thing that life has taught me is that the most important gift we can give is our own time... .
With people in Michigan facing so many tough challenges, there are an awful lot of our fellow citizens who could benefit from a helping hand. So, this Thanksgiving, I am particularly thankful for all the selfless Michigan citizens who have reached out to help a friend, a neighbor, or a fellow community member. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov120_Full_216109_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov119_Full_215697_7.mp3 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST This is Lt. Governor John Cherry speaking to you this week on behalf of Governor Jennifer Granholm.
The governor and I have spent the last five years working hard to implement an economic plan that will produce good-paying jobs and make Michigan a better place for all our citizens to live, learn and earn. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov119_Full_215697_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov118_Full_215099_7.mp3 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST This Veterans Day weekend, every Michigan citizen should take a moment to recognize and thank our brave Michigan service men and women, past and present. Michigan citizens who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere around the world are in our prayers. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov118_Full_215099_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov117_Full_214432_7.mp3 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EDT This is Governor Jennifer Granholm. This month, I'll be traveling around the state with my economic development team to talk to local business leaders who are growing a new industry right here in our backyard. We'll be visiting cities where the alternative energy sector is growing jobs and helping to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov117_Full_214432_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov116_Full_213610_7.mp3 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EDT At the start of this month, I reached an historic agreement with legislators to solve Michigan's budget crisis with a combination of cuts, reforms and new revenues. The new revenues were put into place and some reforms were passed into law, but there's more to do, and now the Legislature is finishing up the budget bills with the cuts for this year. The Legislature has until October 31 to act on these final budget bills, and they are making good progress. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov116_Full_213610_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov115_Full_212659_7.mp3 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:00:00 EDT This weekend, thousands of runners from around the world will be heading to downtown Detroit to compete in the 30th annual Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Marathon. And thousands more people will be on hand to cheer... It's a great celebration of Detroit!
But it's not the only marathon giving Detroit a boost... Earlier this week, the state approved a tax credit to help Marathon Petroleum Company invest $1.5 billion in southwest Detroit, creating 135 new permanent jobs. And we made more great jobs announcements this week as well: Camshaft Machine Company, Chrysler and NEAPCO Driveline Company were also awarded tax credits to help them grow jobs. Together with Marathon and a community redevelopment project in Detroit, these companies can create and retain over 3,000 Michigan jobs! http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov115_Full_212659_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov114_Full_212123_7.mp3 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EDT Earlier this week, I joined Senator Debbie Stabenow at a community roundtable on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which in Michigan is known as MiChild. I sat for an hour with health care professionals and child advocates, who shared their first-hand experience with how important it is for our children to have health care coverage. We heard heart wrenching stories about what happens when kids don't have access to preventative treatment. We heard about a child who died from an asthma attack because he couldn't see a regular doctor. And about an earache that went untreated and led to permanent hearing loss. And a tooth infection that led to death. Insurance and preventative care would have made a difference in all of these cases. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov114_Full_212123_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov113_Full_211240_7.mp3 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EDT Last week, the Michigan Legislature agreed to a combination of cuts, reforms and new revenues that ended a brief government shutdown. This agreement puts Michigan on solid fiscal footing, it prevents massive cuts to health care, education and public safety, and it will allow us to move forward aggressively with our jobs plan to diversify and transform Michigan's economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov113_Full_211240_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/GovSpeech_210385_7.mp3 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:00:00 EDT In an address to the state Thursday evening, feature as this week's special edition radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm cited progress in recent budget negotiations and said that she remains committed to working with lawmakers to avert a partial shutdown of state government. Negotiations are expected to be ongoing until a comprehensive budget agreement is reached. In the absence of an agreement, a partial shutdown of the government will take place effective at midnight on Sunday, September 30. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/GovSpeech_210385_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov109_Full_207769_7.mp3 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 08:00:00 EDT This fall, we're beginning a great new chapter for Michigan's economic future, and for public education in Michigan. Across the state, we're opening five new schools that are called "early college high schools." These new high schools are formed directly in partnership with local hospitals and health care providers. The hospitals help to write the curriculum, and then they hire the kids once they graduate.
Early college high schools are something that students in my generation may never have imagined? but they make so much sense, especially for our kids who need to be prepared for this increasingly competitive global economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov109_Full_207769_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov107_Full_206491_7.mp3 Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EDT Hello from Germany!
I've spent the week here and in Sweden helping businesses in these two countries see that Michigan is the place to invest and grow jobs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov107_Full_206491_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov107_Full_206491_7.mp3 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EDT As I've said many times before, I'd go anywhere and do anything to bring jobs to Michigan. And this week, that means going back overseas. I'll be in Sweden and Germany talking to business leaders to attract great companies and new jobs - in cutting edge industries - to Michigan. My previous overseas ... http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov107_Full_206491_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov105_Full_205318_7.mp3 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EDT On Tuesday, Michigan's economy will take another green step forward... In Adrian, I'm taking part in the ribbon cutting for Michigan's largest biodiesel manufacturing facility. Biodiesel is a type of clean-burning fuel that's created from plants like soybeans. The Adrian facility - which is known as NextDiesel - will draw on cutting-edge technologies, and Michigan's vast agricultural resources, and our talented work force to produce up to 100 million gallons of biodiesel fuel each year. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov105_Full_205318_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov104_Full_204722_7.mp3 Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EDT With globalization gripping our state's economy, we've set in motion a comprehensive plan to transform Michigan into a 21st century economic powerhouse. Our No Worker Left Behind initiative, which I announced this week in Traverse City, is putting our worker training efforts into overdrive. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov104_Full_204722_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov103_Full_204028_7.mp3 Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:00:00 EDT This weekend, Michigan is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge - back in 1957, the Might Mac opened for the first time, connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time it was built, a record that would hold for more than thirty years.
The Bridge was an enormous challenge at a critical juncture in Michigan's history. But proponents believed it could fuel economic growth for the state. Despite initial skepticism, which persisted even after the span was completed, the bridge proved to be a smart investment, and became a symbol of Michigan's strength and ingenuity.
Michigan Governor Mennen Williams described it at the time as "the manifestation of the spirit of Michigan - a spirit adventurous, unafraid, respectful of the past, but eager to meet the future."
In the global economy of the 21st century, the challenges to our economic future are no longer as concrete as figuring out how to span a vast channel. But the spirit that Governor Williams described fifty years ago still fits Michigan citizens. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov103_Full_204028_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov102_Full_203383_7.mp3 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm states that she is eager to welcome governors from across the nation to discuss plans and policies for the future at this weekend's National Governors Association Annual Meeting in Traverse City. This year's meeting, with the theme Innovation America, will focus on using innovation to drive economic growth and success in a global economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov102_Full_203383_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov101_Full_202660_7.mp3 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm previews events next weekend in Traverse City where governors from across the country will come together to discuss plans and policies for the future http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov101_Full_202660_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov100_Full_201597_7.mp3 Mon, 09 Jul 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm praises Michigan legislators' recent approval of the new Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and underscored her commitment to attracting new businesses to Michigan. Granholm said a simple, fair, competitive tax structure is critical to bringing jobs to the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov100_Full_201597_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov99_Full_200975_7.mp3 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm reminds Michigan citizens that a higher state minimum wage went into effect Sunday, July 1, as the result of legislation she called for and signed into law last year. The increase will result in a raise for more than half a million Michigan workers. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov99_Full_200975_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov98_Full_200090_7.mp3 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm says it is critical to invest in our people and continue to focus on innovation in order for Michigan to thrive and overcome today's challenging economic times.
"The signs are all around us - when Michigan innovates, it pays off," Granholm said. "We are creating jobs, growing our economy, and taking the first steps towards a vibrant, diversified future." http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov98_Full_200090_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov97_Full_199346_7.mp3 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm says the new Michigan Business Tax (MBT), which she and Legislative leaders agreed upon earlier in the week, will encourage job creation and make Michigan more competitive for businesses. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov97_Full_199346_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov96_Full_198772_7.mp3 Mon, 11 Jun 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm marks the conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year by highlighting exciting new improvements to the state's school system and stressing the importance of education to securing a bright future for Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov96_Full_198772_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov95_Full_198191_7.mp3 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm notes recent progress on the state's 2007 budget, saying lawmakers must adopt a four-part, comprehensive solution to the ongoing budget crisis, combining spending cuts, government reforms, new revenues, and a new business tax structure. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov95_Full_198191_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov94_Full_197684_7.mp3 Wed, 30 May 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm praises the bravery of thousands of Michigan citizens serving in the armed forces. Earlier this week, Granholm met with families of Michigan soldiers who have died while on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is the fourth year the governor has hosted the memorial to honor Michigan's fallen soldiers and their families. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov94_Full_197684_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov93_Full_196995_7.mp3 Thu, 24 May 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm highlights the Harbor Shores community redevelopment project in the Benton Harbor and the grand opening of Google's new headquarters in Ann Arbor as prime examples of investments that will help revitalize Michigan's economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov93_Full_196995_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov92_Full_196182_7.mp3 Mon, 14 May 2007 01:00:00 EDT "Innovation is something at which private industry in Michigan has excelled, and it is something we in state government are working hard to foster," Granholm said. "Even as I speak, Michigan citizens at companies like Google and Hemlock Semiconductor are doing cutting-edge innovating." http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov92_Full_196182_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov91_Full_195351_7.mp3 Mon, 07 May 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm highlights a recent investment announcement by Hemlock Semiconductor and urged that the state continue to invest in Michigan citizens and Michigan's economic future. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov91_Full_195351_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov90_Full_194401_7.mp3 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm touts the opportunities for job creation and economic growth if Michigan adopts a plan to move to renewable energy sources and continues to pursue investments in alternative energy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov90_Full_194401_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov89_Full_193710_7.mp3 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm endorsed bills introduced by Representative Andy Meisner that will update Michigan laws to allow potentially life-saving stem cell research in the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov89_Full_193710_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov88_Full_193145_7.mp3 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm previews the upcoming Society of Automotive Engineers 2007 World Congress next week in Detroit http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov88_Full_193145_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov87_Full_192502_7.mp3 Mon, 09 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EDT "This week, I've been working the phones and talking to business leaders from across the country about all the things that make Michigan a great place for them to invest and grow," Granholm said. "It's the same sales pitch I gave businesses last month during my jobs mission to Germany when a number of companies announced they are investing $20 million to create and retain over 700 Michigan jobs." http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov87_Full_192502_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov86_Full_191565_7.mp3 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EDT "In this season of renewal and hope, Michigan continues to grapple with tough economic times," Granholm said. "But we're pushing forward with our comprehensive economic plan every day, and we are beginning to see results." http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov86_Full_191565_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov85_Full_190888_7.mp3 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm discusses her upcoming appearance at the annual Governor's Education Summit. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov85_Full_190888_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov84_Full_190337_7.mp3 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm highlights her efforts to create new jobs in Michigan right now and make investments in Michigan that will continue to pay off in the future. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov84_Full_190337_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov83_Full_189443_7.mp3 Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm discusses the common ground found with citizens from across the state in a series of town hall meetings this week. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov83_Full_189443_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov82_Full_188580_7.mp3 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EST "Companies that are growing and innovating across the world won't wait for Michigan to catch up. And they won't invest in a place where workers don't have the skills that the 21st century economy demands," Granholm said. "Innovation and investment in people are beginning to come together to help revitalize our economy." http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov82_Full_188580_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov81_Full_187899_7.mp3 Tue, 27 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm states that investments in education, worker training, and economic diversification are critical for revitalizing Michigan's economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov81_Full_187899_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov80_Full_187237_7.mp3 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm celebrateS Black History Month by highlighting some of the great African American figures in Michigan history, and pointing to diversity as a key to success in the global marketplace. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov80_Full_187237_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov79_Full_186570_7.mp3 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST Michigan urgently needs to invest in its citizens to grow the economy and create jobs. As jobs have been outsourced and trade agreements go un-enforced, Michigan businesses and workers need to be equipped to compete in the global economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov79_Full_186570_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov78_Full_185680_7.mp3 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm says that the work of the Emergency Financial Advisory Panel, a bipartisan group led by former Governors Bill Milliken and Jim Blanchard, underscores the need for Michigan to find a comprehensive solution to put the state on stable fiscal ground. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov78_Full_185680_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov77_Full_184859_7.mp3 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm says that in the face of the current budget crisis, Michigan must aggressively work to diversify its economy and invest in growing the talent and skills of our citizens. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov77_Full_184859_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov76_Full_183765_7.mp3 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm says that Michigan's budget shortfall is at a crisis level as a result of declining revenue and greater human need across the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov76_Full_183765_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov75_Full_183109_7.mp3 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm encourages citizens to visit the 100th North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. While there, visitors can see firsthand some of the exciting advances being made in the automotive industry that are playing a role in transforming Michigan's economy. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov75_Full_183109_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov74_Full_182467_7.mp3 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today echoed her inaugural address pledging her commitment to transform the state and provide opportunity to all citizens in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov74_Full_182467_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov73Full_182076_7.mp3 Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm highlights important steps taken in 2006 to grow Michigan's economy and invest in the issues that matter to Michigan citizens.
"As 2006 comes to a close, I am proud to look back on a year of planning and execution, lots of travel, and a whole lot of hard work and see the progress we've made despite the economic challenges our state is facing," Granholm said. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov73Full_182076_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov72_Full_181748_7.mp3 Sat, 23 Dec 2006 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm asks citizens to remember the gift of service as they gather with family and friends during the holiday season. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov72_Full_181748_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov71_Full_180954_7.mp3 Mon, 18 Dec 2006 01:00:00 EST Granholm tells students education after high school critical, within their reach http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov71_Full_180954_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov70_Full_180217_7.mp3 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 01:00:00 EST $4,000 new merit scholarship sends right message to Michigan students Governor Granholm says the new Merit Award scholarship, approved yesterday by the Michigan House of Representatives and now called the Michigan Promise, is the most important issue for Michigan families and the state's economy addressed by lawmakers in the lame-duck session. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov70_Full_180217_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov69_Full_179586_7.mp3 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 01:00:00 EST Governor urges Legislature to pass tax before end of year http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov69_Full_179586_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov68Full_178910_7.mp3 Mon, 27 Nov 2006 01:00:00 EST Governor delivers Thanksgiving message http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov68Full_178910_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov67_Full_178396_7.mp3 Mon, 20 Nov 2006 01:00:00 EST Special guest Rebecca Humphries, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), kicked-off the opening of firearm deer season in Michigan by discussing the important role hunting plays in Michigan's heritage and economy. Director Humphries also highlighted recent legislation signed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm that will help ensure the next generation of conservationists is introduced to the sport. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov67_Full_178396_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov66_Full_177954_7.mp3 Wed, 15 Nov 2006 01:00:00 EST It is estimated that more than 788,000 veterans are living in Michigan; from men who are in their late 70s and 80s who saw their world completely change on December 7, 1941, to the men and women who currently serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov66_Full_177954_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov66_Full_177954_7.mp3 Wed, 15 Nov 2006 01:00:00 EST It is estimated that more than 788,000 veterans are living in Michigan; from men who are in their late 70s and 80s who saw their world completely change on December 7, 1941, to the men and women who currently serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov66_Full_177954_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov65Full_177484_7.mp3 Mon, 06 Nov 2006 01:00:00 EST Granholm recounts individuals throughout history who fought for a voice in government, including early patriots like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; also, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who fought for the rights of women at the ballot box and Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks who fought for the rights of African Americans. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov65Full_177484_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/_Gov64_Edit_176567_7.mp3 Mon, 30 Oct 2006 01:00:00 EST http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/_Gov64_Edit_176567_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov63_Full_175943_7.mp3 Mon, 23 Oct 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm says that recent announcements, including one from earlier this week announcing eight company expansions, are a signal that Michigan's economic transformation is beginning to take hold. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov63_Full_175943_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov62Full_175366_7.mp3 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm reiterates her commitment to "go anywhere and do anything" to transform Michigan's economy. Granholm highlighted the opening of a second Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee as an example of how a new economy and new ways of doing business are already taking hold in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov62Full_175366_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov61_Full_174579_7.mp3 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm urges the Michigan Legislature to pass two bills that would lift the decades-old restrictions placed on embryonic stem cell research in the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov61_Full_174579_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov60_Full_173941_7.mp3 Mon, 02 Oct 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm celebrates the first of three raises that Michigan workers will receive over the next two years. On Sunday, the state's minimum wage increased from $5.15 an hour to $6.95 an hour. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov60_Full_173941_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov59full_173169_7.mp3 Heidi Watson Mon, 25 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EDT In her weekly radio address, Governor Granholm announces that she has signed legislation that will create an Earned Income Tax Credit for working families in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov59full_173169_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov58Full_172356_7.mp3 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm highlights the work being done to provide universal access to affordable health care in Michigan, including the two-year anniversary of the MiRx prescription drug discount card, and continued negotiations with federal government to implement the MI First Health Care Plan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/gov/Gov58Full_172356_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov57Full_171611_7.mp3 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor cites United Solar Ovonic and Toyota Technical Center as further evidence her economic plan is working
http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov57Full_171611_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov56Full_171010_7.mp3 Mon, 04 Sep 2006 08:00:00 EDT Labor Day is a day to salute the labor contributions of Michigan's workforce and to honor the great Michigan value of hard work symbolized by the Mackinac Bridge. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov56Full_171010_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov55Full_169907_7.mp3 Mon, 28 Aug 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm today says economic plan is already working to grow Michigan's economy and create jobs, and that a study released this week by the W.E. Upjohn Institute confirmed her plan is the right plan for the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov55Full_169907_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov54Full_169124_7.mp3 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm today underscores 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." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov54Full_169124_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov53Full_167979_7.mp3 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm says the promise of a higher education must become a reality for every child in Michigan if the state is to succeed in a global economy. Granholm is committed to making education beyond high school more affordable and more accessible for every student. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov53Full_167979_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov52Full_167085_7.mp3 Thu, 10 Aug 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm stresses the importance of keeping Michigan children safe and highlighted her administration?s actions to do just that. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov52Full_167085_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov51Full_166415_7.mp3 Wed, 02 Aug 2006 01:00:00 EDT MI First Health Care Plan will make health care accessible, affordable
Governor Granholm underscores the importance of providing accessible and affordable health care for every person in Michigan. Granholm will travel around the state next week to meet with citizens to discuss the impact of rising health care costs. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov51Full_166415_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov50Full_165630_7.mp3 Thu, 27 Jul 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm calls on the Bush administration to take action against excessive oil profits in the face of record high gas prices and said Michigan will be the state that makes the nation independent of foreign oil. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov50Full_165630_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov49Full_165142_7.mp3 Mon, 17 Jul 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm said Google and other companies growing in Michigan are evidence that her work to grow the economy is beginning to pay dividends. This week, Granholm joined officials from Internet-giant Google to announce the company chose Michigan for the headquarters of their new Internet project, AdWords. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov49Full_165142_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov48Full_164604_7.mp3 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm announces she has signed a package of legislation that will, for the first time, create incentives for consumers who buy alternative fuel vehicles and service stations that make ethanol and biodiesel available to their customers. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov48Full_164604_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov48Full_164604_7.mp3 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 01:00:00 EDT "As the automotive capital of the world, Michigan is a logical choice to be the center of alternative energy research and production." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov48Full_164604_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov47_Full_164259_7.mp3 Mon, 03 Jul 2006 08:00:00 EDT Governor emphasizes that tourism is a critical component of Michigan?s economy. Granholm said doubling the state's investment in promoting Michigan as an outstanding travel destination will help to bring more visitors, additional revenue, and new jobs to the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov47_Full_164259_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov46Full_163644_7.mp3 Mon, 26 Jun 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm underscores that her comprehensive economic plan is encouraging companies across Michigan to locate here, to expand here, and to create jobs here. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov46Full_163644_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov45Full_162710_7.mp3 Tue, 20 Jun 2006 01:00:00 EDT "If we want the jobs of tomorrow in Michigan, we need to make this commitment to our young people today," Granholm said. "If we expect them all to get education or training after high school, we?ve got to help all of them pay for it. It is that simple." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov45Full_162710_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov44Full_161884_7.mp3 Mon, 12 Jun 2006 01:00:00 EDT In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said Michigan cannot afford to lose more manufacturing jobs as the result of unfair trade with South Korea. She is pressing the Bush Administration to negotiate a free and fair trade agreement with the country during current talks that began this week. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov44Full_161884_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov43Full_161105_7.mp3 Mon, 05 Jun 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm highlights the new business marketing campaign being launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to convince employers across the country to choose Michigan for their job growth. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov43Full_161105_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov42Full_160580_7.mp3 Tue, 30 May 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today highlighted her actions to protect consumers at the pump and once again called on President Bush to take action to bring down the cost of fuel across the nation. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov42Full_160580_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov41Full_159705_7.mp3 Mon, 22 May 2006 01:00:00 EDT After three days of meetings with executives and business leaders at major Japanese companies, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today highlighted the success of her investment mission with the state's economic development team to Japan in her weekly radio address. Granholm returned to Michigan with commitments from 12 companies to create more than 400 jobs and over $84 million in new investments in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov41Full_159705_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov40Full_158979_7.mp3 Mon, 15 May 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm today stresses that Michigan's comprehensive jobs plan is helping to convince businesses from around the world to come to Michigan. Next week, Granholm will travel with economic development officers to Japan to meet with 19 companies that have the potential to help expand and diversify Michigan's economic horizons. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov40Full_158979_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov39Full_158243_7.mp3 Mon, 08 May 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm highlights the need to cover uninsured citizens in Michigan and the steps being taken to provide affordable health care to every citizen in the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov39Full_158243_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Appreciation_157861_7.mp3 Wed, 03 May 2006 06:00:00 EDT Our team is strong because of the individual contributions you make, and I appreciate ... http://www.mi.gov/documents/Appreciation_157861_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/april_157413_7.mp3 Mon, 01 May 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm says the recent rise in gas prices is unacceptable and called on the president to stand up for working people across the nation by calling on oil companies to lower their prices at a time when they are raking in record profits. http://www.mi.gov/documents/april_157413_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/april_156763_7.mp3 Mon, 24 Apr 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm states that while Michigan continues to feel the effects of the manufacturing crisis in America, the state is experiencing some encouraging signs of job creation in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/april_156763_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov35Full_155621_7.mp3 Mon, 10 Apr 2006 01:00:00 EDT Governor Granholm restates her commitment to crisscross the country and work the phones to attract new jobs to Michigan.
"From the 21st Century Jobs Fund to our pursuit of employers in other states and on other continents, we have an aggressive, comprehensive plan to grow our economy in Michigan," Granholm said. "There is nothing I won't do and no distance I won't travel to bring new jobs to our great state." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov35Full_155621_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov34Full_154995_7.mp3 Tue, 04 Apr 2006 01:00:00 EDT "This is a tremendous victory for our working families and for all of Michigan," Granholm said. "Without those citizens who overwhelmingly support this increase, it wouldn't have been possible. I want to thank all those Michiganians who have repeatedly and loudly called for Lansing to take action." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov34Full_154995_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov33Full_154241_7.mp3 Thu, 30 Mar 2006 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm highlights three company expansions that will bring more than 700 jobs to the state and help pave the way for Michigan's economic future. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov33Full_154241_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov32Full_153786_7.mp3 Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm says nothing is more important to securing Michigan's future than giving all of our children a world-class education, and critical to that education is making sure every school is a safe, positive learning environment. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov32Full_153786_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov31_Full_153005_7.mp3 Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:00:00 EST Governor Granholm highlights a new initiative that would use state dollars to help cities, counties, and local transit agencies across Michigan improve local roads and create thousands of jobs across the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov31_Full_153005_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov30Full_152061_7.mp3 Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:00:00 EST "By working creatively with Charter One, we expect as many as 5,000 new jobs will be created by small and mid-size employers all across Michigan," Granholm said. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov30Full_152061_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov29_Full_151324_7.mp3 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 01:00:00 EST "From gasoline for your car to natural gas and heating oil for your home, we all know that costs for energy have been steadily rising - and the higher they go this winter, the harder my administration is working to make sure all our citizens can afford to stay warm," Granholm said. "Our goal is to make sure that no Michigan household has to choose between heating and eating." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov29_Full_151324_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov28_Full_150645_7.mp3 Fri, 24 Feb 2006 04:00:00 EST Governor Granholm repeats her call to the Legislature to act on recommendations from the State Board of Education for a rigorous high school curriculum in Michigan. This proposal is an essential step in the administration's long-term goal of building a stronger Michigan and a diverse economy that will keep kids in the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov28_Full_150645_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov27_Full_150007_7.mp3 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 04:00:00 EST Governor Granholm reiterates her commitment to working her plan to secure Michigan's future, while fighting cuts in the president's budget that would hurt Michigan citizens. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov27_Full_150007_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov26_Full_149502_7.mp3 Fri, 03 Feb 2006 04:00:00 EST Governor's commended Detroit on work done to revitalize city for Super Bowl XL http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov26_Full_149502_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov25_Full_147771_7.mp3 Mon, 23 Jan 2006 09:00:00 EST Governor Granholm highlights a two-week informational tour being held around Michigan to tell businesses about the $2 billion 21st Century Jobs Fund she recently signed into law. The Jobs Fund will help business leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs conduct new research, develop new technology, and create new jobs in Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov25_Full_147771_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov24_Full_147350_7.mp3 Thu, 19 Jan 2006 04:00:00 EST Governor Granholm said that while automakers are exhibiting their latest designs at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, Michigan is showcasing its dedication to remain at the center of the auto industry and remain a manufacturing powerhouse for decades to come http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov24_Full_147350_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov23_Full_146759_7.mp3 Mon, 09 Jan 2006 04:00:00 EST Granholm Says Nothing More Important than Safety of Our Children
The laws are aimed at protecting children from sexual predators while at school or day care and strengthening reporting requirements for convicted sex offenders. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov23_Full_146759_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov22_Full_146113_7.mp3 Tue, 03 Jan 2006 04:00:00 EST "This New Year, my resolution to the people of Michigan is this: I'll continue to go anywhere and do anything to grow our economy and bring jobs here," Granholm said. "I am totally resolved to pursue the economic plan we've put in place over the past 12 months, because it's a plan that is already working to diversify our economy and create jobs in our state today." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov22_Full_146113_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov21_Full_145735_7.mp3 Thu, 29 Dec 2005 04:00:00 EST Governor Granholm encourages citizens across the state to reflect on one of the most precious gifts anyone will receive this year: the gift of service from our men and women in uniform. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov21_Full_145735_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov20_Full_145167_7.mp3 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 04:00:00 EST "I signed the Jobs for Michigan Fund into law in November, and now in December, we are turning the ignition on this new economic engine," Granholm said. "We intend that the Jobs Fund will give companies the financial boost to create exciting new products that will lead to thousands of jobs in Michigan, jobs for all kinds of workers wearing everything from blue collars to lab coats to white collars and suit coats." http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov20_Full_145167_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov19_Full_144424_7.mp3 Mon, 12 Dec 2005 04:00:00 EST Governor Granholm expresses her disappointment with the Bush Administration for telling Michigan's auto manufacturers they are on their own when it comes to unfair trade practices and the high cost of pensions and health care. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov19_Full_144424_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov18_Full_143705_7.mp3 Mon, 05 Dec 2005 04:00:00 EST 25 RSAs Giving Workers, Businesses a Competative Edge
David Hollister, director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, made the announcement on the Governor's weekly radio address. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov18_Full_143705_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov17_Full_143089_7.mp3 Mon, 28 Nov 2005 04:00:00 EST In her weekly radio address Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today marked the beginning of the holiday season to thank Michigan citizens for their outstanding commitment to service, and encouraged families across the state to give the gift of their time to those in need across the state. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov17_Full_143089_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov16_Full_142519_7.mp3 Mon, 21 Nov 2005 01:00:00 EST In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced a new wave of job creation in Michigan, highlighting her administration's efforts to attract new businesses, retain existing jobs, and create new jobs across Michigan. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov16_Full_142519_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov15_Full_142100_7.mp3 Mon, 14 Nov 2005 04:00:00 EST In her weekly radio address, Governor Granholm today called on Legislative leaders to pass the bipartisan jobs package they recently announced with the Governor, but have since walked away from. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov15_Full_142100_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov14_Full_141356_7.mp3 Mon, 07 Nov 2005 04:00:00 EST Governor Granholm proclaims the month of November "Return to Learn" month in Michigan. In her weekly radio address, which airs on radio stations across the state November 4th, the Governor said college and university campuses across the state are opening their doors to invite Michigan citizens to return to the classroom to finish higher education degrees. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov14_Full_141356_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov13_Full_140429_7.mp3 Mon, 31 Oct 2005 09:00:00 EST Governor Signs Emergency Rules to Help with Heating Costs
Renewed Call for Cap on Oil, Gas Company Profits http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov13_Full_140429_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov12B_Full_139933_7.mp3 Mon, 24 Oct 2005 04:00:00 EDT Governor Calls on House to Pass Legislation Creating Jobs for Michigan Fund
State One Step Closer to Diversifying Economy, Creating Jobs http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov12B_Full_139933_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov11Full_139436_7.mp3 Mon, 17 Oct 2005 04:00:00 EDT "Securing the future for Michigan citizens starts with their financial security - from the availability of good paying jobs to pocketbook issues, like making sure families can afford gasoline and other essentials," Granholm said. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov11Full_139436_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov10_Full_138752_7.mp3 Mon, 10 Oct 2005 04:00:00 EDT Gov. Granholm highlights her administration's work to create a government that works better for citizens while spending taxpayer dollars more efficiently. http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov10_Full_138752_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov8Full_137586_7.mp3 Mon, 03 Oct 2005 04:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov8Full_137586_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov8Full_137586_7.mp3 Mon, 26 Sep 2005 09:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov8Full_137586_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov7_136768_7.mp3 Mon, 19 Sep 2005 09:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov7_136768_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov6_full_136232_7.mp3 Mon, 12 Sep 2005 04:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov6_full_136232_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov5_Full_135768_7.mp3 Mon, 05 Sep 2005 07:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/Gov5_Full_135768_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Katraina_135767_7.mp3 Thu, 01 Sep 2005 19:00:00 EDT Special announcement from Governor Granholm http://www.mi.gov/documents/Katraina_135767_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/G4_full_135042_7.mp3 Mon, 29 Aug 2005 01:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/G4_full_135042_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/G3_full_134458_7.mp3 Mon, 22 Aug 2005 01:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/G3_full_134458_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/8_12_Full_133212_7.mp3 Mon, 15 Aug 2005 04:00:00 EDT http://www.mi.gov/documents/8_12_Full_133212_7.mp3 http://www.mi.gov/documents/Full_132703_7.mp3 Mon, 08 Aug 2005 08:00:00 EDT MP3 file http://www.mi.gov/documents/Full_132703_7.mp3