Live from the State of the State: Analysis

It is no surprise that Governor Granholm's final State of the State address was filled with optimism and success stories from around Michigan.

However, what did the substance mean for the citizens of Michigan and the natural resources we cherish?

The amount of time the Governor spent touting clean energy entreprenuers and the importance of that economic sector to the future of Michigan is incredibly encouraging. In addition, as it relates to the politics of Lansing, new initiatives specifically related to clean energy in the auto industry (in advanced battery technology and beyond) are more likely to garner bipartisan support than many other clean energy initiatives. We must remain hopeful and dedicated to ensuring that the same support for clean energy efforts in the auto industry transfer to large scale energy production.

The Governor made a point to emphasize that the wind energy sector is going to be the next critical industry to take Michigan into the future. However, considerable opposition to wind power development already exists and will not subside without public pressure and education. This is an encouraging sentiment to hear from the Governor, but it is up to the citizens of Michigan, advocates and voters, to make this concept a reality.

So, in the end, what is the score for the environment? If our lawmakers put the same emphasis and enthusiasm in the develpoment of diversifying opportunities in the clean energy economy as the Governor did tonight, we might be headed in the right direction. However, don't be fooled, a "jobs at all costs" mantra could take over, neglecting the environmental impacts of certain industries and shortchanging long-term environmental damage for the sake of short term profit. For example, the Governor mentioned Marathon Oil as she excitedly listed off companies creating jobs in Michigan. This operation has negatively affected a community in Detroit for years (read the story here). While we must be aggressive as we continue to move Michigan forward, we must also be responsbile and consider the effects of our actions on future generations of Michiganders and the natural resources, public health, and quality of life they deserve to enjoy.

Submitted by Michigan LCV on Wed, 02/03/2010 - 20:05

If there was one message tonight from the Governor on how to fix Michigan, it was this: diversify our economy.

"We have not arrived at the new Michigan"

In the context of many success stories, the Governor stressed that we have not arrived at the new Michigan, but that we must listen to the job creators and entrepreneurs that are taking us to the future.

After thanking her family and staff for their strength and dedication, she told the story of a St. John's man, Glen, who lost his job when his employer relocated to Mexico. Moving through the No Worker Left Behind retraining program, she told Glen's story as a symbol of how to move into the new Michigan. Glen is now employed at a clean energy company that was created in part due to incentives in the 2008 energy reform package.

The Governor spoke of the difficulty of the last eight years, but ended by highlighting the hope and optimism of the people of Michigan that will take us forward to a "better future."

Submitted by Michigan LCV on Wed, 02/03/2010 - 19:55

Citing hunderds of success stories, the Governor stated she would like to take listeners on a tour of every success story in the state, but focused on 9 stories from across the state.Referring to cases ranging from advanced battery manufacturing to solar technology to educational centers, the Governor highlighted stories of success from Battle Creek to Holland to the U.P. to the Saginaw Valley.

The Governor described how bipartisan efforts in the last few years have created a favorable environment for businesses to locate their operations here in Michigan.

Highlighting advances in auto technology, the Governor said that those who believe the auto industry in Michigan has seen its best days will be surprised this year, referring to the mass production of the Chevy Volt, the electrifying of some of Ford's fleet, and new production plants opening across southeast Michigan.

Submitted by Michigan LCV on Wed, 02/03/2010 - 19:45

Looking to the future, the Governor highlighted the need for Michigan to reinvent itself by utilizing existing infrastructure for new businesses. From filmmaking, to clean energy, to advanced manufacturing, the Governor spoke of the need for tax breaks to entrepreneurs and emerging industries in order to revitalize our economy.

Highlighting the Ford Wixom Plant and other projects reusing existing infrastructure, the Governor talked about the need for the state to support citizens that are willing to innovate.

The Governor said some of her most important trips this year will be to Washington D.C. to win federal support for grants that will spur investment and growth in shuttered auto plants. Dubbed project Phoenix, she is seeking to gain as much federal support for this initiative as possible.

Submitted by Michigan LCV on Wed, 02/03/2010 - 19:32

The Governor suggested that the state government take some advice from her mother, who is in attendance from California, and focus on common sense in the budget process.Governor Granholm introduced her mother, noting she was a republican (to the applause of half the chamber), and outlined three areas of focus: sustained support for the Pure Michigan campaign, better state investment in transportation to levy federal match dollars, and a focus on investing in education.

She called for legislative support of a ballot initiative to require the legislature and administration to pass a budget by July 1, or lose their pay for everyday it is late. She announced that her budget will be delivered by February 12th and asked that the legislature return it to her by July 1st, calling the current budget process a disaster.

Emphasizing the need for compromise, she stated that her budget will require courage to pass, citing specific components such as incentives for early retirement for state employees.

She also lauded the House for passing a bill to end lifetime health care benefits for lawmakers, and urged the Senate to do the same.

Submitted by Michigan LCV on Wed, 02/03/2010 - 19:19

The Governor has arrived in the State House to address a joint session of state Representatives, Senators, constitutional officers, Appeals and State Supreme Court justices. (7:07 pm)The Governor opened with an extended thank you to Lt. Governor John Cherry for his career of service, as well as a moment of silence for our men and women from Michigan who have given their lives in service of our state and country.

"Our Competitive Advantage"

The Governor stressed the fact the old Michigan economy is gone, and we must embrace the new Michigan economy, specifically six sectors:

-clean energy, life sciences, homeland security and defense, advanced manufacturing, film, and tourism.

The Governor stressed that "no one has what we have", referring to natural resources, and our manufacturing workforce.

Submitted by Michigan LCV on Wed, 02/03/2010 - 15:39

Michigan LCV Campaigns Director, Bill Kirk, will be blogging live from the Capitol tonight as Governor Granholm delivers her final State of the State address, beginning at 7:00pm.The Governor is expected to lay out ideas for reforming state government to address structural budget deficits, as well as highlight plans for encouraging job growth in emerging industries.

The Lansing State Journal will be streaming her speech live on their website, www.lansingstatejournal.com. Stay tuned to MichiganLCV.org/connect-us/blog for live updates and commentary.