LANSING – State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) today joined her House colleagues and approved a plan that will create more than 29,000 jobs for Michigan workers after strengthening a weaker version that was approved by the Senate. The economic stimulus plan that will pump more than $1.8 billion into Michigan's economy now goes back to the Senate for approval.
"The projects included in this plan will create jobs for our workers and attract 21st century job providers to our state," Valentine said. "This plan will create 120 local jobs help get our working families back on their feet now. In addition, its benefits will be realized for years to come."
The stimulus package will speed up funding for hundreds of construction projects around the state at universities, colleges, airports, military facilities and state parks. In addition to creating jobs now for Michigan's workers, the plan also will create new jobs in emerging fields by providing our colleges and universities with the facilities they need to train students for high-tech jobs in homeland security, life sciences and other cutting-edge fields.
Using a mix of state, federal and local funding, Muskegon County Airport will begin a
$2.6 million upgrade, creating 40 new jobs, and Muskegon Community College will build a
$5 million Student Services Building, creating 80 new jobs. These projects are just two of hundreds that will help
create jobs for Michigan's workers and strengthen our economy.
"In order to move Michigan forward we must invest in our workforce and in our communities," Valentine said. "Our residents can't afford to wait any longer. This stimulus package is far too important to be ignored. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to take action and pass our plan now."