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Reflecting on the State of the State
- — January 30, 2008
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- transcript
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In her remarks tonight, Governor Granholm focused on four priorities, jobs, education, health care and safe places to live and work.
Jobs was the main focus of tonight's speech. We must also take immediate steps to preserve and expand job opportunities for Michigan's citizens, by hiring Michigan workers and buying Michigan products first. The Governor called tonight for the state to 'Hire Michigan First,' and I think she is moving in the right direction. Getting the best value when spending taxpayer's money is important, but we must recognize that the public's interest can sometimes be better served by promoting the local economy and supporting Michigan jobs rather than outsourcing them to other states. I recently introduced House Bill 5639, legislation that will allow schools to give a disregard up to 10% of a bid on construction costs. This will put Michigan's workers and their families first. Why should we pay pennies less to an out-of-state firm when there are construction and maintenance crews right here at home, poised and ready to invest in the local community?
The governor also spoke about renewable fuels. She said that Michigan gave birth to the auto industry, and we now can pave the way for the renewable energy economy. I agree, in fact, Lenawee County has already taken the lead in moving Michigan toward being a world leader in the production of renewable energy and I am pleased to see that the rest of the state has taken our lead.