Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005
Contact: Dan Farough
Phone: (517) 373-2093
LANSING - Detroit Democrats today applauded Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for signing a package of bills Monday that will invest more than $2 billion to create thousands of new jobs in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, alternative energy and homeland security, and diversify the state's economy. The Governor also vetoed two bills that would have cut taxes for corporations and shifted the burden to taxpayers.
"We need a plan to get Detroit and Michigan back to work again and the Governor's package will do just that," Rep. LaMar Lemmons III said. "We worked long and hard on this plan and I'm excited to see that it has finally come together for the greater good of the people."
The jobs plan signed by the Governor aims to create good-paying, high-tech jobs that can't be outsourced. It also will create:
* Up to $450 million to help start-up companies succeed in Michigan.
* New tax incentives to encourage investment in business operations in our state.
* An improved business climate with lower fees and less red tape for new businesses in Michigan.
* New incentives to encourage life sciences companies to use Michigan suppliers and services.
"This plan is a catalyst that will give Michigan and its workers the tools needed to be successful in the 21st century," said Rep. Gabe Leland (D-Detroit).
In her 2005 State of the State address, Granholm unveiled a proposal to move Michigan toward robust economic recovery by creating 21st Century Jobs in research and innovation, focusing on competitive edge technologies, life sciences and commercialization. The bills signed into law Monday will start Michigan along that road.
"Not only will this plan get people back to work, but it will diversify our economy and provide more job opportunities," Rep. LaMar Lemmons Jr. said. "After hearing about GM cutting 30,000 jobs, we need a plan that will help our workers find jobs in other sectors."
Granholm also signed targeted tax cuts that would help existing manufacturers keep jobs and facilities in Michigan, encourage consolidation of their out-of-state operations in the state and help small businesses by reducing their tax rate. However, Granholm vetoed two bills that created new loopholes for wealthy corporations and would have shifted a greater tax burden for such services as health care and education onto Michigan citizens.
The jobs bills take immediate effect.
"While this plan will provide jobs, it's also good to see that our state has committed $450 million to help start-up companies succeed," Rep. Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) said. "It's important to help companies that want to employ our workers and help diversify our state's economy."
"We've worked really hard to create this jobs package and now the people of Michigan can reap the benefits," Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit) said. "Yes, GM is cutting jobs but we now a plan to create jobs and increase opportunities for workers."
"Our state will be in a position to become a stronger force in the global economy," Rep. Marsha Cheeks (D-Detroit) said. "With this plan in place it should lead us into a bright and promising future."