From: Hernandez, Angelita (GOV)
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 5:01 PM
Subject: What the Governor's Talking about Today

Importance: High

What the Governor’s Talking about Today

Monday, January 11, 2010

 

Ford to Invest $450 Million in Vehicle Electrification Initiatives in Michigan

Today the governor announced that Ford plans to invest an additional $450 million in electrification initiatives in Michigan, including moving future battery pack assembly for hybrid vehicles from Mexico to Michigan.

 

In May, Ford announced plans to invest $550 million to convert the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, which previously manufactured large-body vehicles such as the Expedition and Navigator, into a flexible manufacturing facility that will produce smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

 

Ford’s investment was enabled by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approving today Phase II incremental job retention credits valued at $110 million and battery pack tax credits valued at $78 million for a total incentive package valued at $188 million.  

 

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Governor Announces Five Michigan Companies Receive Department of Energy Grants

Five Michigan companies will receive more than $56.6 million in U.S. Department of Energy grants to develop and demonstrate new technologies to boost automotive fuel efficiency, the governor announced today.

 

“As the world turns its gaze to the North American International Auto Show, Detroit’s auto industry is showing the path to a fuel-efficient future,” the governor said.  “Detroit automakers are making great strides in producing new, more fuel-efficient engines, and in vehicle electrification.  And today the Department of Energy announced it will award five of nine Recovery Act-funded grants to demonstrate new fuel-saving technologies to Michigan automakers and suppliers.  These investments in Michigan companies will help revitalize the nation’s auto industry and create new jobs for Michigan workers.”

 

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Governor Says $127 Per Pupil Proration for K-12 Education No Longer Necessary

The governor announced today that the $127 per pupil proration for K-12 schools will not be necessary given higher than expected carry-forward from the 2009 fiscal year and a decline in 2010 expenditure estimates from the School Aid Fund.  The announcement does not eliminate the difficult decisions school districts face in the current year as a result of the $165 per pupil and other reductions contained in the fiscal year 2010 budget passed by the legislature.

 

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