LANSING – Gov. Jennifer Granholm offered a state-run 401 (k) retirement savings plan for workers without that option and a call for increasing the minimum wage in her fourth State of the State address. The speech, emphasizing programs already in place to grow Michigan’s lagging economy, also includes a previously-announced health care proposal and more money for schools but no new initiatives on taxes.
Granholm took note of the hits the state has taken and said many fear that good life is slipping away in the face of what she called an unprecedented challenge to the economy.
“Tonight, I want you to know that our plan will meet that challenge because it, too, is unprecedented, both in detail and in scope,” she said in prepared remarks.
The economy, health care and education occupied the bulk of the governor’s attention as she drew attention to the Jobs Today/Jobs Tomorrow package already underway to jump start investments and target new and emerging businesses, including alternative energy.
Other major points include a program to promote healthy lifestyles, repeal of limits on stem cell research, after school programs for those in 6-8 grade, protections against identity theft, punishing as child abusers those who run methamphetamine labs around children, and a cap on “exorbitant” oil company profits.
Earlier released proposals included her plan to provide health care to about 500,000 persons and the proposed compromise for a revamped Merit Scholarship program.
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