Friday, Aug. 7, 2009

There has not been a lot of good news out of Michigan when it comes to jobs and the economy lately, but the state is positioning itself to be a player in the renewable energy market.

We applaud the efforts of Gov. Jennifer Granholm as she continues to try and draw jobs to the state.

In Detroit on Thursday talking on WJR, Granholm said that Michigan should be a leader when it comes to alternative energy.

She wants the state to turn its attention to advanced battery manufacturing.
Vice President Joe Biden announced recently that Michigan will receive more than $1 billion in grants to boost such an industry.

That’s good news for a state that is struggling with job loss and a poor economic outlook.
Granholm also said that she believes that the United States should not let Asia take control of this market.

We couldn’t agree more.

Americans have for too long stood by and watched other markets swoop in and take away production that should have stayed without our borders.

In these uncertain economic times, Americans should be standing up and shouting at the top of their lungs to keep production of products here at home.

Granholm has been an aggressive leader in this department.

She has been working to bring jobs to Michigan and keep them here.

Early in 2009 she signed a $700 million commitment to tax credits for companies which develop and produce products in Michigan and another $45 million to the state’s Centers of Energy Excellence to create new jobs in the arena of alternative energy.

Too many politicians talk a good game about making changes.

Granholm has put her money where her mouth is.

Michigan is trying to step up to the plate and deliver.

Let’s get behind our governor and see just what Michigan can do.