Snyder unveils MIDashboard rating program, supports new U.S.-Canada bridge in State of the State

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A new system to evaluate Michigan’s progress in different areas and plans to “reinvent” the state were the focus of Gov. Rick Snyder’s first State of the State address.

Snyder began his speech Wednesday night with a focus on jobs and the need to address the current economic climate.

“It is time to solve problems,” Snyder said.

He acknowledged there can be no quick fixes and fast solutions to the problems facing Michigan. It will take hard work and teamwork, he said.

The governor also introduced the new MIDashboard program to measure the state’s movement in 21 areas falling into five larger categories. The five major areas are economic growth, health and education, quality of life, public safety and value for government.

The information and data will be presented at each future State of the State address and will be viewable at michigan.gov.

“Essentially, this is his way of letting the people judge him and the job he’s doing,” said Bill Ballenger, former Griffin Endowed Chair and editor of Inside Michigan Politics. “It’s a pretty bold move.”

To the applause of many, Snyder said he wants to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax and replace it with a 6 percent income tax.

Snyder said he will have special messages on key issues. In March, he hopes to address government reform and in April, he plans to discuss Michigan’s education system.

The agricultural importance to Michigan’s economy was another topic for Snyder. He called for farmers to be “protected from unnecessary conditions and frivolous lawsuits.”

State Rep. Kevin Cotter, R-Mount Pleasant, was particularly pleased with the mention.

“It was a nice salute to our farmers to get the unneeded regulations out of the way and let them do what they do,” Cotter said. “We need to realize the value that they provide.”

Snyder also expressed his support for plans to build a new bridge connecting Detroit and Canada.

The Detroit River International Crossing project already has $550 million in pledged loans from Canada for construction. A deal with the Federal Highway Administration will allow Michigan to use the money as matching funds for road projects across the state.

Snyder said the opportunity is too good to pass up and would create jobs to stimulate the economy.

He also said none of the expenses incurred would fall on Michigan citizens.

John Tramontana, spokesman for The Michigan Democratic Party was pleased with the speech and Snyder’s plans for the DRIC, as well as his support for immigration, furthering education and urban development.

“If he is going to do those things, the Democrats are willing to work with him,” Tramontana said. “I see the biggest problem being within his own party.”

However, with the announcement of the proposed bridge, Ballenger said Snyder left much unsaid in other areas, specifically the budget.

“I think the bridge will get so much attention that people will give a pass for the time being on lack of specificity in the speech tonight,” he said. “Lots of the issues that he didn’t talk about he’s going to have to address, and they’ll likely come out in budget.”

Snyder said he plans to have the budget drafted to the legislature by mid-February –  one month before it is due.

He also wants to have the following year’s budget turned in.

“A two-year budget will force tough decisions,” he said. “We’re not going to play kick the can down the road until the next year.”

Snyder said he will strive to have the whole budget process completed by May 31.