Michigan

To: Interested Parties
Fr: White House Communications
Da: April 22, 2009
Re: The Obama-Biden economic plan: creating jobs, strengthening the economy for Michigan families

Facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, President Obama started his Presidency with decisive action -- proposing and quickly passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Since the bill went into effect, the ARRA has already helped put money back in the pockets of 95 percent of working Americans, created and saved jobs across the country and made key investments in our community to help kickstart the economy. To ensure that the funds are spent efficiently and effectively, President Obama tasked Vice President Biden with overseeing the implementation of ARRA, and projects have already begun to come in under budget across the country. As the President prepares to introduce the details of his budget and further plans to revitalize the economy, here’s a look at how his policies have impacted Michigan in the first three months of his administration.

IMPACT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ECONOMIC POLICIES ON MICHIGAN

Working Families:

Making Work Pay: The President’s tax-cut – which covers more Americans than any in history – is putting more than $1.9 billion back in the pockets of more than 3.7 million hard-working Michigan families.
$58,681,179 to support child care for working families.

Energy:

$76,601,500 in block grants to foster energy efficiency in building, transportation, and a wide range of other improvements.
$243,398,975 to support the weatherization of homes, including adding more insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment.
$82,035,000 to the State Energy Program, available for rebates to consumers for energy saving improvements; development of renewable energy projects; promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; and other innovative state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills.

Education:

$2,576,612,114 potentially available to Michigan to lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save thousands of teaching jobs at risk due to state and local budget cuts.

Health Care:

$2,600,000 to fund 2 new Community Health Centers, which will serve an estimated 13,890 patients and create a projected 105 jobs.
$8,586,711 to expand services at 29 existing Community Health Centers, which will expand service to an additional 53,749 patients and create or save a projected 152 jobs.
$3,153,580 to provide meals to low-income seniors.
$464,364,309 made available in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to protect health care for the families hit hard by the economic crisis and some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
$6,612,318 in vaccines and grants to ensure more underserved Americans receive the vaccines they need.

Transportation:

$847,204,834 in highway funds to help build and repair roads and bridges.
$134,956,466 to repair and build public transportation infrastructure.
$12.7 million to address airport safety and security, infrastructure, runway safety, increased capacity, and mitigation of environmental impacts.

Law Enforcement:

More than $67 million for state and local law enforcement assistance available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The JAG Program supports a variety of efforts such as hiring and support for law enforcement officers; multijurisdictional drug and gang task forces; crime prevention and domestic violence programs; and courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives.

REAL RESULTS IN MICHIGAN

Thanks to the Obama Administration’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, real impact is already being felt across the state.

Delphi Corp. Awarded $2.4 Million In Federal Stimulus Money To Develop And Test Fuel-Cell Technology. "Delphi Corp. has been awarded $2.4 million in federal stimulus money to develop and test fuel-cell technology. The Troy-based company's award is part of nearly $42 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for 13 fuel-cell projects nationwide. Delphi plans to develop a fuel-cell auxiliary power unit for heavy-duty commercial trucks. U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced Delphi's award Wednesday. They also said stimulus dollars will be allocated for two new research vessels in the Great Lakes. They will replace nearly 50-year-old U.S. Geological Survey vessels on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Michigan's Gogebic-Iron County Airport learned Wednesday it's getting $200,000 in stimulus dollars." [AP, 4/15/09]

Stimulus Projects Ready To Break Ground in Michigan, Where Governor Expects Up To 25,000 Construction Jobs. "Shovels will break ground on the first Michigan road project within two weeks after Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed a bill this morning authorizing the state to spend $873 million of federal recovery money for hundreds of road, bridge and transit projects. Dirt will fly soon on a construction project on Interstate 75 in the Grayling-Gaylord area, said Kirk Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation and the state will spend more than $400 million of the stimulus money by the end of June. Projects using the rest of the money will be bid by the end of the year, he said. "We want to take advantage of every single recovery act dollar to put people to work right now," Granholm said. She said the stimulus cash will mean employment for 25,000 construction workers." [Detroit News, 3/31/09]

Recovery Act Will Help Ypsilanti Freighthouse Reopen As Community Center. "It was a good Friday in Ypsilanti last week as Gov. Jennifer Granholm dropped off a $500,000 check for the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. The Freighthouse, built in 1878, was closed for public use in 2004 due to severe structural and other hazardous and code-related issues. However, the northeast corner of the building was packed on the chilly Friday morning as Granholm presented funds from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds will facilitate structural improvements to the foundation, floors, walls, pillars, roof and interior mechanical systems. ‘This is an example of what the federal recovery act is doing in communities all across America,’ Granholm said. ‘It's also going to put people to work. ‘I understand that it may put some heating in here,’ she said with a smile. ‘But but [sic] you need people to install that heating equipment.’ …The grant is part of $47.3 million in transportation enhancement funds given to the state through the federal Recovery Act…Bonnie Penet, co-chair of the Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, said the building, which is expected to be open to the public in October 2010, has ‘endless potential.’ ‘We envision in our business plan a full-time tourist information and hospitality center where neighbors, as well as commuters and visitors arriving or departing on the rails, can grab a bite or a cup of coffee,’ Penet said. ‘At the same time a yoga or children's movement class may be in progress in the great hall, giving way to a catered event in the evening.’" [Ypsilanti Courier, 4/16/09]

City of Lindon and Chamber of Commerce Educating Small Businesses How to Benefit from Stimulus. "The City of Linden and the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce are hosting a ‘stimulus workshop’ to educate small businesses about state and federal programs that could benefit them. City Manager Christopher Wren tells WHMI he developed the outreach program with the chamber to make sure they’re doing everything they can to ensure that small, local businesses know what’s out there for funding assistance. With all the talk of stimulus dollars, Wren says he wanted to make sure they provided a local conduit for information. A variety of speakers from Genesee County and the state will discuss existing programs as well as others that could be coming down the line with the stimulus dollars. The stimulus workshop will be held at Caretel Inns of Linden on April 24th from 8 to 10am. Anyone interested in attending is asked to register through the Fenton Chamber at (810) 629-5447 by the 22nd as space is being limited to the first 50 respondents." [WHMI News, 4/16/09]

Michigan Plans to Double Its Spending on Infrastructure Because of Incoming Stimulus Funds; All of Michigan’s Bridge and Road Projects Are Expected to Create 50,000 Jobs. "If Center Avenue construction has you seeking new routes around town, you should expect more of the same as projects branch out across the Bay and Northeast region in coming weeks. The state plans to nearly double the $900 million it had planned for 2009 road projects statewide, MDOT officials say, all because of an additional $847 million in federal stimulus money earmarked for Michigan construction projects. Taken together, the $1.75 billion for road and bridge infrastructure is expected to create some 50,000 jobs, state officials estimate. ‘That kind of money, and opportunity, doesn't come around often so we're getting in position to take full advantage of it,’ said Bob Felt, MDOT spokesman. [The Bay City Times, 4/20/09]

Stimulus Funds May Be Used To Balance Michigan’s State Budget. "The state may have to use all of the discretionary money it gets from its of the federal stimulus plan -- as much as $2 billion -- to balance the budget in the coming year, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said this morning. Even then, deeper spending cuts may be necessary, Granholm said. ‘I’m just saying we have to have this conversation to use every single dollar to fill the deficit, and you'd still have to cut a significant amount,’ Granholm told reporters. Granholm remarked after signing a bill to extend unemployment benefits by another seven weeks, up to a maximum 79 weeks. State unemployment officials estimate 200,000 laid-off Michigan workers will receive extended jobless benefits by the end of the year. Granholm said state tax revenues are falling so much faster than anticipated that it may require dipping into the stimulus money just to avoid deficit-spending. Just two months ago, the administration and others vowed to use the stimulus money largely to create jobs and solve the state's long-term spending imbalances. But state revenues are falling at the rate of $100 million a month below expectations in January. Even before the dropoff, the state faced a potential deficit of $1.6 billion by 2010. Also today, Granholm said bondholders and lien holders for General Motor's and Chrysler are playing ‘a game of chicken’ by not agreeing to reduce the companies' debts in an effort to avoid bankruptcy. She said in GM's case especially, bondholders would get a better deal if they negotiate reduced debt from the company to avert bankruptcy proceedings by June. ‘If they go through a quick bankruptcy, or a surgical bankruptcy as some call it, those who hold debt are not going to get near as much as if they had cut a deal before that happens,’ she said. She added, ‘The question is, are those debtholders going to be reasonable. If they are, then they can avoid bankruptcy." [Detroit Free Press, 4/13/09]

Federal Stimulus Funds Directed at Michigan Health Centers Will Create or Save 150 Jobs. "Federal stimulus money announced Friday will allow community health centers in Michigan to help more patients. President Barack Obama's administration announced that the state is getting $8.6 million for 29 federally-qualified health centers. The money is to be used over the next two years to create or keep about 150 health center jobs and to provide care for nearly 54,000 additional patients. The government money is targeted to give Michigan residents who've lost their jobs or health insurance, more opportunities for medical care." [WXYZ, 3/28/09]

Weatherization of 600+ Homes in Kalamazoo County "Will Not Only Create Jobs, But It Will Get Things Done In The Community." "Nearly 630 families in Kalamazoo County could get their homes braced for winter and see their heating bills dip now that county officials are expecting to receive at least $9 million from the federal economic stimulus package. County officials said Tuesday that several programs will get stimulus money for weatherizing homes, job training and funding public safety. ‘I think it will not only create jobs, but it will get things done in the community,’ said David Artley, the county's resource-development director and point person for tracking stimulus funding. The Community Action Bureau's weatherization program is expected to receive $4.4 million to spend on a projected 628 homes in three years. Weatherizing a home often includes adding insulation and installing energy-efficient doors and windows. ‘Communities have fought for years to get $2 million. Here, we're getting $4 (million),’ Artley said…Officials will continue tracking which programs qualify for stimulus dollars and how the money is spent. ‘It's recovery money,’ Artley said. ‘You have to be accountable. You have to do reporting.’" [Kalamazoo News, 4/8/09]

Community Transportation Projects Funded Through The Recovery Act Expected To Create Or Save 1,300 Jobs. "Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. today announced that 67 communities in 27 Michigan counties will benefit from a total of $47.3 million in transportation enhancement (TE) funding. This total includes 22 projects funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). The funding will complete 176 miles of bike paths and paved shoulders; enhance local roadways in communities statewide with lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, crosswalks and other improvements; preserve a historic bridge and two historic rail facilities. The projects are planned for the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons and will create or retain more than 1,300 jobs. ‘This is a positive step for Michigan’s economy,’ said Cherry. ‘These enhancement projects will create jobs and improve communities so they are more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors.’" [WMMT, 4/9/09]

Flint, MI Received $1.3 Million To Expand A Bike Trail and Create 70 Jobs. "It's part of a bigger plan to make it easier to get around the state. For years, supporters of the Flint River Trail have wanted to see an extension. Currently the trail runs from the UM-Flint campus to Mott Lake. Jack Minore is a member of Friends of the Flint River Trail…With more than a million dollars in federal stimulus money, a couple of more miles will be added. The plan is expected to create 70 jobs. ‘This project is really a great piece for Flint. It will put people to work,’ said State Rep. Lee Gonzales, (D) Flint…Lieutenant Governor John Cherry presented interim Flint mayor Mike Brown with a check for $1.3 million. ‘We can use that kind of shot in the arm right now, so it's our pleasure to present this check to the mayor,’ Cherry said." [ABC 12, 4/9/09]

Stimulus Funds Will Pay For Two New Great Lakes Research Vessels. "The Great Lakes will get two new research vessels, paid for by money out of the $787 billion economic stimulus package, Michigan's senators announced today. The research vessels will offer scientists state-of-the-art technology, gear and wet labs, and will use less fuel. They will replace two nearly 50-year-old vessels on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. ‘I am thrilled that this federal economic recovery funding will create construction jobs and put two much-needed vessels on the Great Lakes to continue their important work,’ said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit." [The Detroit News, 4/16/09]

A Multi-Use Recreational Trail Will Get an Upgrade With $4 million in Stimulus Money. "The portion of the 40-mile multi-use recreational trail that parallels the freeway in Canton and Plymouth townships will get an upgrade with $4 million in federal stimulus money. It's one of 22 projects being funded with $47.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The Michigan Department of Transportation will reconstruct portions of the non-motorized path from Hines Drive to Michigan Avenue, signing the trail and bringing it to Americans with Disability Act standards… The I-275 trail runs through or near some of the most populated communities in southeast Michigan, including Novi, Farmington Hills, Livonia, Plymouth, Northville Township, Canton Township and Monroe. Many sections are badly in need of repair, with some frequently under water and impassable to bicyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and walkers. Vegetation encroaches on the path and there is garbage strewn along the pathway." [The Observer, 4/16/09]

AP HEADLINE: Stimulus Likely To Boost Michigan Food Business. "The federal stimulus package soon could give a boost to Michigan's agriculture and food processing industry. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed a budget bill that will allow the state to spend about $1.9 billion in federal stimulus money for a wide variety of programs including education, worker training, public safety and weatherization. The legislation also includes more than $9 million in community development block grants planned to help communities improve water facilities for food companies. Some examples of projects that could eventually be funded include facilities in Allegan, Charlevoix and Ottawa counties." [Associated Press, 4/7/09]

Stimulus Money Will Be Used to Fund Repairs to I-94. "The Michigan Department of Transportation will receive $24.4 million of federal economic stimulus money to resurface I-94 between the Jackson County line and Parker Road in Washtenaw County, Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, announced Friday. The work will take place this summer and next. Another pot of stimulus money will pay for the complete rebuilding of I-94 between Sargent Road near Jackson and the Washtenaw County line next year. MDOT spokeswoman Kari Arend said the nighttime resurfacing this year will take place between the Jackson County line and Freer Road, which runs along the east side of Chelsea. There also will be some road shoulder rebuilding between Freer and Parker roads this summer in preparation for resurfacing next year, Arend said." [The Ann Arbor News, 3/28/09]

Stimulus Package Will Bring State Employers A Temporary Break From Higher Unemployment Taxes. "The federal economic stimulus package will bring state employers a temporary break from higher unemployment taxes. The package includes a waiver of interest payments on the state’s federal unemployment debt, lasting through 2010, and legislation is on a fast track to lift a recently imposed corresponding state tax. House Bill 4239, passed Thursday, lifts a tax that would hit up to 34,000 employers and cost them about $40 million this year. The bill now moves to the Senate." [Crain's Detroit Business, 3/1/09]

Detroit News (Deb Price) "Health clinics in Inkster, Lansing to get $2.6 million from White House": Community health clinics in Inkster and Lansing will received $2.6 million in federal grants to expand health care services to low-income residents, the White House announced Monday. The grants will go to the Western Wayne Family Health Center in Inkster, which also serves residents of Romulus and Taylor, and the Ingham County Health Department in Lansing, which has seven clinics. "This is really important," said spokesman Marcus Cheatham of the Ingham County Health Department. LINK

AP (staff written) "2 Mich. health clinics to get stimulus money": Health centers in Lansing and Inkster will benefit from the latest round of federal stimulus money. The Ingham County Health Department and the Western Wayne Family Health Center will share $2.6 million in grants. The White House says the money should allow the centers to serve nearly 14,000 additional patients, and could help create 105 jobs. The health centers primarily serve low-income patients, many of them uninsured. They offer primary and preventive health care services and immunizations. Charges are based on income. The federal government already provides partial funding for the two centers. LINK

Jackson County Schools Are In Line For $10.2 Million In Federal Stimulus Funds; School Spokesman Said "The Population We Serve Can Certainly Use It.""Jackson County schools are in line for $10.2 million in federal stimulus funding for low-income students and students with disabilities…Jackson Public Schools is in line for an additional $2.4 million in Title I-A funds for low-income students and $2.4 million in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funds, nearly half the county's total. ‘We're happy, of course, to have the increase,’ said A'Lynne Robinson, spokeswoman for Jackson Public Schools. ‘The population we serve can certainly use it.’ For weeks, school officials have been getting estimates on the funds they would receive and trying to get clarification on exactly what that money can be used for. Robinson said district officials hope to come up with a plan for the funds in about a month. ‘Once we have the numbers locked down we'll move forward as quickly as we can,’ she said…The Jackson County Intermediate School District will help districts come up with plans for using the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funds. Richard Rendell, the ISD's director of special education, said the stimulus funds will help make up for historic shortfalls in special-education funding…Northwest is in line for an additional $296,489 for low-income students and $838,000 for students with disabilities. Western will receive an additional $174,511 for low-income students and $479,000 for students with disabilities…Northwest Superintendent Emily Kress and Western Superintendent William Coale both said their districts are considering using the funds to offer summer school and after-school programs for elementary students. Still, they are waiting for clarification on how the funds can be spent. East Jackson is in line for $218,276 for low-income students and $311,000 for students with disabilities. Superintendent Bruce Van Eyck said his district is considering using the funds to hire a reading or math coach and expand its half-day kindergarten to all-day kindergarten. ‘Anything is helpful in this tough economic time,’ Van Eyck said." [Jackson Citizen-Patriot, 4/3/09]

Two Michigan Health Centers Will Receive $2.6 Million in Stimulus Funding, Allowing Them to Serve Nearly 14,000 Additional Patients and Create 105 Jobs."Health centers in Lansing and Inkster will benefit from the latest round of federal stimulus money being released. The White House said Monday that the $2.6 million going to the Ingham County Health Department and the Western Wayne Family Health Center should allow the two centers to serve nearly 14,000 additional patients. The health centers primarily serve low-income patients, many of them uninsured. They offer primary and preventative health care services and immunizations. Charges for services are set on a sliding scale according to income. The White House estimates the stimulus package grants could help the state create 105 jobs." [AP,3/2/09]

Nearly $8 Million In Funding To Upgrade Three Army National Guard In Michigan; Local Congressman Said That Funding For Ft. Custer "Will Mean Relief" For The Area’s Construction Industry. "The Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta is set to receive $2.25 million in stimulus money to upgrade its utility systems. Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced the funding Wednesday as part of nearly $8 million going to three Army National Guard facilities in Michigan. At Fort Custer, the money will help modernize water, sewer and electrical systems…The two other awards were $3.8 million for various facility improvements at the Camp Grayling Military Training Center in Grayling and $1.8 million for energy efficiency improvements to three buildings at the Reserve Forces Support Center and Joint Forces Headquarters in Lansing…Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Bedford Township, said the money being directed to Fort Custer will help the area's struggling construction industry, which is facing staggering unemployment. ‘There are contractors and skilled trades people in our community that can't find work here,’ Schauer said. ‘This will mean relief for those individuals in those companies.’" [Battle Creek Enquirer, 3/5/09]

Ingham County Health Department Expects To Hire 21 New Employees With $1.3 Million In Stimulus Funding. "The Ingham County Health Department will receive $1.3 million in federal stimulus funds to help it deal with rising caseloads being fueled by the state's troubled economy. Marcus Cheatham, the department's assistant deputy health officer, said the addition to the department's $30 million annual budget will help it deal with longer wait times at its seven clinics and higher numbers of residents seeking services because they lack health insurance. ‘It's desperately needed because people are losing their health insurance and are trying to find the health care they need,’ Cheatham said…The department will use the money to expand primary care, dental and mental health services for people in the county. Specifically, officials said, the money would be used to hire 21 new employees, including a family practice physician, a pediatrician, two dentists and two mental health professionals, along with support staff." [Lansing State Journal, 3/4/09]

Genesse County (MI) Community Action Resource Department Will Use Federal Stimulus Funds To Weatherize 1,600 Homes In Next 18 Months, Hire An Additional 3 People. "The federal stimulus money will help weatherize 1,600 Genesee County homes over the next 18 months. Steve Walker, executive director of the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department, said the department expects to have the money Tuesday and to begin the work by April. The department has done weatherization for more than 40 years, Walker said, but never on this level. ‘In a normal year, we're weatherizing 150 to 200 homes,’ Walker said…Since her home was weatherized by GCCARD in November, Elizabeth Norman of Flint has saved hundreds of dollars on her energy bill. Norman has seen her bill decrease from about $380 a month to less than $300…Mary Gust, spokeswoman for Consumers Energy, said the company is estimating average monthly heating bills to be about $160 a month for its natural gas customers…Walker said the department will hire about 12 staff members to assess homes, determine eligibility and serve as team leaders for weatherization crews. About three additional people will be hired to weatherize homes, he said." [Flint Journal, 3/9/09]

Crystal Falls Police Dept Requested COPS Grant to Hire Another Officer. "Police Chief Bob Sherwin approached the City Council with a request to apply for COPS grant, which would pay the salary and benefits for one officer for three years. The city would then pay the salary and benefits the fourth year of the program. Sherwin noted the city wouldn’t have to hire part-time officers, for a savings of about $87,000 over four years. The cost to the city that fourth year would be about $65,000. The council approved the request." [Iron County Reporter, 4/22/09]

Michigan Will Receive $7.3 Million For Foster Care And Adoption Programs. "Michigan will get $7.3 million for foster care and adoption assistance programs through the federal economic stimulus bill. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said nearly $187 million will be distributed nationwide to support states' adoption, foster care and guardianship assistance programs. Michigan has more than 4,100 children eligible for adoption because their parents' rights have been terminated, part of the more than 6,000 legal orphans in Michigan." [Detroit Free Press, 3/17/09]

Stimulus Will Create Up To 23,000 Construction Jobs In Michigan. "When it comes to creating jobs in Michigan, the nearly $800-billion federal economic-stimulus package is expected to significantly help one industry in particular: the state's long-suffering construction companies and their workers. Under the spending plan, Michigan is expected to receive about $850 million for projects designed to fix or improve its roads, highways and bridges. The timing couldn't be better. Thanks to the severe downturn in the state's construction industry, there are more than enough workers to fill the 20,000 to 23,000 jobs expected to be created. About 17,350 unionized laborers, carpenters, operating engineers and bricklayers and finishers are out of work in Michigan, in addition to a similar number of nonunion workers in these fields, according to Glenn Bukoski, vice president of engineering services for the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, the state's construction trade group." [Detroit Free Press, 3/17/09]

Angelo Iafrate Construction, Central Asphalt, Among Companies that Would Be Able to Put Construction Industry Employees To Work Immediately Thanks to Stimulus Funds. "When it comes to creating jobs in Michigan, the nearly $800-billion federal economic-stimulus package is expected to significantly help one industry in particular: the state's long-suffering construction companies and their workers. Under the spending plan, Michigan is expected to receive about $850 million for projects designed to fix or improve its roads, highways and bridges. The timing couldn't be better. Thanks to the severe downturn in the state's construction industry, there are more than enough workers to fill the 20,000 to 23,000 jobs expected to be created… ‘We're excited it's going to happen,’ said Bob Adcock, executive vice president at Angelo Iafrate Construction Co. in Warren. His company and other construction firms have endured a softening in their business in recent years as state spending on roads and bridges has declined. ‘It's not a total answer for the funding problems in Michigan,’ said Vance Johnson, president of Central Asphalt Inc. in Mt. Pleasant. ‘But it will put a Band-Aid on it for a year or two.’… Altogether, the economic-stimulus plan is supposed to create or save 109,000 jobs in Michigan, but so far there are few details on where else besides construction these jobs will come from. Construction-related unions in southeastern Michigan have long lists of unemployed members eager for work… said William Bass, business manager of Pontiac-based Local 1076 of the Michigan Laborers Union. ‘We're always ready to go.’ Bill Shreck, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the projects should help Michigan retain its pool of skilled construction workers until the economy recovers." [Detroit Free Press, 3/14/09]

Stem Cell Authorization Will Bring At Least 8000 Jobs to Michigan. President Barack Obama's executive order restoring federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, coupled with voter approval of Proposal 2 last November, which legalized embryonic stem cell research in Michigan, means that new jobs can come to the state as the research gets under way. The University of Michigan has already formed an embryonic stem cell research consortium, with other studies being undertaken at Wayne State University. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been allocated $10.4 billion under the stimulus program, with much of it likely to go to embryonic stem cell research. Supporters of Proposal 2 have estimated that embryonic stem cell research could create at least 8,000 jobs in a state with the nation’s highest unemployment rate… Obama's executive order reversed former President George W. Bush's 2001 executive order that restricted federal funds to stem cell lines that had already been created. In the intervening eight years, the U.S. has fallen behind the developed world in stem cell research. Obama has also directed that ideology will no longer trump science when it comes to making federal policy. It is a win-win situation all the way around. Embryonic stem cell research creates new hope for treatments and cures for millions of Americans, while new jobs will come to Michigan's world class scientific research institutions." [Detroit Examiner, 3/10/09]

Jackson Police Chief Said Stimulus Would Save 4 Jobs. "Jackson Police Chief Matt Heins said Monday in a phone interview that federal stimulus grants announced last week will help him save four positions in his department. The money, released by the White House, was part of the Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program administered by the Justice Department. Heins said he had planned on eliminating four posts — one that was currently empty and three that were currently filled. But with the money from JAG, the police chief said he will be able to protect those positions from elimination. Jackson, Heins said, is facing a $2 million budget shortfall, and because public safety comprises a majority of the city budget, officials are looking to both the police and fire departments for cuts… Does he think the stimulus money is helping? ‘Absolutely,’ Heins replied when asked. ‘We need it.’" [Michigan Messenger, 3/9/09]