| Governor Granholm Visits UA Local 174 | |
| Coopersville, August 25, 2006 – Governor Jennifer Granholm spoke on her Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow economic plan at UA Local 174. In highlighting her plan the Governor emphasized the recent alternative energy program through the 21st Century Jobs Fund as an example of growing high-tech Michigan businesses. She also spoke on the changes in Michigan high school graduation requirements, which includes a proposal to up the Merit Award Scholarship Program to $4,000 to students who complete two years of college. She also emphasized that much of the plan is to diversify Michigan’s economy through alternative energy, life sciences and homeland security initiatives.
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| She opened her presentation by recognizing many of the labor leaders, elected officials and employer representatives who were present and emphasized the importance of this fall’s |  |
| election.
She stated that national unfair trade policies have particularly hurt Michigan as well as the difficulties the big three automobile companies have faced. The Governor stated that the automobile industry will always be important to Michigan, but it’s also critical the State continue to increase the diversification of employment opportunities so the State is not so dependent on one particular industry. She went on to emphasize that nine ethanol or bio-diesel plants have announced they are open or are opening soon and how this new industry is important to the automobile industry as well as Michigan’s economy. She emphasized that the 21st Century Jobs Fund is based on the success model of the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor and other Technology Tri-Corridor initiatives. The Governor also spoke of the new high school graduation requirements where four years of math and English are required as well as three years of science and social science. She stated that Michigan needed to make these changes so that Michigan students will be capable of competing for future jobs. She emphasized that most well-paying jobs require more education and training than just what a high school diploma provides. Through her presentation, Governor Granholm engaged audience members who were either affected by the changes or had a keen interest in the topics that she outlined. After her presentation she answered audience questions. | |
