From: Hernandez, Angelita (GOV)
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 4:39 PM
Subject: What the Governor's Talking about Today

What the Governor’s Talking about Today

Thursday, March 11, 2010

 

Granholm Joins Other Governors in Supporting President Obama’s Funding Request for Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Governor Granholm and 17 other governors are supporting President Obama’s funding request for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) in the 2011 fiscal year.  MEP is the only public-private program dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.

 

In a letter to congressional appropriations leaders, the bipartisan group of governors requested that MEP be funded at $129.7 million for the 2011 fiscal year, the level of support requested by the president.    

 

“We strongly believe that this nation needs to continue its leadership in the global manufacturing economy,” the governors wrote.  “The MEP program is an essential part of the effort to restore this leadership.  Working through centers in every state and Puerto Rico, MEP professionals extend objective consultation to thousands of small manufacturers across America to keep our industrial base competitive and retain high-wage manufacturing jobs with strong benefits.”

 

In their letter the governors noted that the economic downturn has increased pressure on state budgets and diminished the ability of states to share the costs of the program.

 

“Without strong federal support, the MEP will be unable to maintain its mission of serving small manufacturers’ increasing needs,” the governors wrote.  “At a time when economic recovery is the national priority, we believe the MEP continues to be a wise investment.”

 

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership has proven highly effective in creating and retaining jobs, increasing investment and sales, and realizing cost savings for companies in Michigan:  

 

 

Governor Applauds Introduction of Employee Retirement Legislation

The governor today applauded the introduction of legislation that will save hundreds of millions of dollars by reforming the state employee and public school employee retirement systems and, in the process, encourage approximately 47,000 eligible public employees to retire this year.  The changes are part of 29 government reforms outlined by the governor in January to transform Michigan government.

 

Separate bills were introduced today in the Michigan Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives.  The state employee retirement reform bills are Senate Bill 1226, introduced by State Senator Mark Jansen, R-Grand Rapids, and House Bill 5954, introduced by State Rep. Chuck Moss, R-Birmingham.  The public school employee retirement reform bills are Senate Bill 1227, introduced by State Senator Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, and House Bill 5953, introduced by State Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Brighton. 

 

The governor said final legislative action is needed on the bills by April 1 to accommodate the retirement application window outlined in the bills.

 

Details on the bills can be found in the press release that will be posted later today on the governor’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/gov.           

 

Key messages:

 

 

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