Michigan

March 19, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued the following statement on the Obama administration's announcement today that up to $5 billion will be provided to support ailing auto suppliers:    » read more »

Investments total more than $177 million; four IT companies choose Michigan

March 17, 2009 --
LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping nine companies grow in Michigan and is backing two brownfield redevelopment projects. Combined, the 11 projects are expected to create and retain 2,755 jobs (146 jobs retained) and generate over $177.8 million in new investment in the state.    » read more »

New Analysis Ranks "Filthy 15" States by Coal Ash Produced by Proposed Plants

Washington, D.C. (March 12, 2009) -- Proposed coal plants across the United States would produce nearly 18 million tons of dangerous waste, including toxic metals, each year. Nearly 130 million tons of coal waste from existing plants is being produced annually, most of which is disposed of in largely unregulated landfills, ponds and other locations, posing serious public health and environmental risks.

According to a new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the 15 states that would be the biggest polluters -- the “Filthy 15” -- have proposals for 54 coal plants and would create nearly 14 million tons of dangerous waste.    » read more »

March 12, 2009 -- DEARBORN, MI – Today, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle co-hosted the first Regional White House Forum on Health Reform with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Melody Barnes, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. As a leader in making health care affordable and available to all, Governor Doyle was invited to lead the forum. This discussion is the beginning of a process of determining how to lower costs, improve quality for everyone, and expand coverage to all Americans.    » read more »

Federal funds will add up to 76 volunteers to state

March 12, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan will receive $966,875 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) for Michigan's AmeriCorps program, allowing Michigan organizations to put up to 76 additional AmeriCorps members to work weatherizing homes, tutoring students, and helping Michigan citizens access adequate housing and health care.    » read more »

March 11th, 2009 -- The news on the economic front is still grim, but already the recovery package is saving and creating those jobs in towns across the country, stemming losses and spurring growth in ways that affect real families and communities. Here are just a few stories plucked from the local news over the past few days.

California [U.S. News and World Report, 3/9/09]:    » read more »

March 11, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) President and CEO James C. Epolito today announced that the MEDC will receive nearly $2.5 million in federal funding to build upon work launched through Michigan's Centers of Energy Excellence (COEE) program.

"The Centers of Energy Excellence program is a powerful tool in our mission to help break our nation's dependence on foreign oil and make Michigan a leader in the renewable energy sector," Granholm said. "Thanks to Senator Carl Levin and Senator Debbie Stabenow, as well as Representative Dale Kildee and Representative Bart Stupak; these critically needed funds will help advance our overall strategy to diversify our economy and create new jobs."    » read more »

Granholm applauds state Legislature for quick action to help protect businesses

March 11, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that will protect some 34,000 Michigan businesses from having to pay as much as $43 million this year in the form of a "solvency tax." The tax was imposed by the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to cover interest payments on money the state has borrowed from the federal government to fund unemployment benefits.    » read more »

March 9, 2009 -- Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued the following statement on President's Obama's announcement on federal funding for stem cell research :

"I applaud President Obama for lifting the restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research. Last fall, Michigan citizens voted to lift state restrictions, because they believe stem cell research has the potential to save lives and prevent disease.

"Today's announcement is particularly important to the University of Michigan, a world leader in adult stem cell research, which announced it is launching a major new embryonic stem cell initiative in its effort to find cures for spinal cord injuries and diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes, and even some forms of cancer."    » read more »

California, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina and Vermont to host regional forums to continue discussion about bringing down health care costs, expanding coverage for all Americans

March 6, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Building on Thursday’s White House Forum on Health Care Reform, President Obama announced a series of Regional White House Forums on Health Reform that will bring the conversation about health care reform directly to communities across the country. In keeping with the Obama administration’s commitment to a transparent, accountable government, the forums will be an opportunity for Americans from all over the country to voice their concerns and ideas about reforming our health care system.    » read more »

Radio address highlights partnership that will help diversify state's economy

March 6, 2009 -- LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today highlighted a partnership with Denmark that will allow Michigan to explore new development and share experiences in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and job creation.

Granholm said that Michigan's agreement with Denmark will strengthen our ability to collaborate with a country that has moved to the forefront of renewable energy technologies and put people to work in the process.    » read more »

$67 million will help curb violent, drug-related crime

March 6, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the state of Michigan, as well as counties and communities throughout the state, are eligible to apply for more than $67 million in federal recovery act funds to enhance law enforcement efforts to fight drug-related and violent crime.

"Michigan law enforcement agencies will make good use of these federal crime-fighting dollars," said Granholm. "These extra resources will help us put violent criminals behind bars and fund proven crime-prevention strategies, making our cities and neighborhoods safer for Michigan families."    » read more »

Initiates partnership on renewable energy and job creation

March 5, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined Denmark's Minister of Climate and Energy Connie Hedegaard in signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), initiating a partnership between the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy and the state of Michigan to explore development and share experiences in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and job creation.    » read more »

Recovery Act dollars will fund maintenance, energy efficiency upgrades at three Army National Guard bases in Michigan

March 4, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that three of Michigan's Army National Guard facilities will receive $7.85 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal economic recovery plan designed to create jobs and stimulate the nation's economy.

The recovery dollars will fund infrastructure improvements, facilities maintenance, and operational costs at three Army National Guard training and support centers in Michigan. All recovery plan funds announced today will be in addition to the annual federal appropriation for maintenance of National Guard facilities in Michigan.    » read more »

Deadline for 2010 funding requests approaching

March 4, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that communities that submitted sewer and drinking water infrastructure projects last spring and summer in anticipation of receiving low-interest loans for repairs this year will be among the first eligible to receive funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The ARRA is expected to provide $168.5 million and $67.5 million respectively for sewer upgrades and drinking water improvements in Michigan this year.    » read more »