Granholm stresses technology, green jobs on CMU Public TV's Capitol Report
Gov. Jennifer Granholm addressed select areas of Michigan on Tuesday, stressing her desire to position Michigan as a leader in an economy focused on technology and "green" industries.
"There is a great desire on the part of the federal government, and in Michigan, to be a leader," Granholm said.
Granholm was this week's featured politician on CMU Public Television's Capitol Report, hosted by WCMU News Director David Nicholas.
Before the state can take the lead, the governor said this would be a hard year, bound to get worse before it gets better. She added Michigan has not seen the peak of unemployment numbers.
Granholm hopes to combat the high unemployment rate with short- and long-term fixes, courtesy of the federal stimulus package. Michigan is eligible for $853 million, the equivalent of 25,000 jobs, according to Granholm.
Short-term employment options would include shovel-ready projects like construction and road building, Granholm said.
However, temporary positions are not enough to pull Michigan out of this economic black hole. Granholm said spending federal stimulus dollars on job re-training is another aspect of rebuilding.
In particular, focusing on the emerging energy and green industries, positioning the state for future success in cutting edge industry changes.
Granholm said she has worked to find a continuous stream of funding for those industries, with training for long-term jobs provided by federal stimulus dollars.
All projects must be proposed to the federal government and approved for funding. Granholm said having plans in place gives Michigan an advantage, since many projects must commence within 120 days of receiving funding.
Granholm said Michigan could present the first supplemental budget proposals next week.
Despite a bleak immediate future, Granholm looks forward to what stimulus money and Michigan innovation will create.
"We have tremendous bones," she said. "When this recession is over, (we) can emerge stronger than ever before."
Granholm's term ends in 2010. Because she is term-limited, her name won't be on the ballot, but a potential constitutional re-write will be.
The option of a Constitutional Convention is offered on every state election ballot. Granholm said many proposed changes have been brought to the table.
The state constitution has not been revised since it was approved by voters in 1963.
Capitol Report airs next on March 24 with Michigan Congressman Dave Camp, who represents Michigan's 4th District.
metro@cm-life.com
