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In the News Excerpts from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's State of the State Address February 3, 2010 Job providers are the critical architects and builders of the new Michigan. When they come to us with reasonable proposals about ways to make them grow, we must listen. I'd like you to make one final stop in the new Michigan economy with me. It's the home of Glenn Voisin, and it's in St. John's, just north of Lansing. Glenn is 43 and lives there with his wife Terrilynn and their three beautiful daughters. Three years ago, Glenn came home to tell his family that the auto supplier he worked for was closing its plant and moving his machining job to Mexico. Like all families in this situation, the Voisins faced some tough choices. How do you pay your bills today and still find a way that leads to a better tomorrow? But, thanks to job training made possible by No Worker Left Behind, Glenn had a chance to start over. He spent two years earning his associate's degree in alternative energy at Lansing Community College. He now works for a brand new energy company, CLEAResult, doing energy efficiency audits that grew out of the energy bill that we enacted together in 2008. In fact, because of that energy bill, CLEAResult, which started less than a year ago, now is employing 63 people. Glenn is making a good wage with benefits. He loves his job, and he has a sustainable future. And he's in the balcony tonight. Glenn, please stand, so we can recognize someone who has crossed over to the New Michigan. I asked Glenn to join us tonight, because his story is Michigan's story. Like Glenn, the world has changed all around us, and the things that once made us secure have disappeared. And so we are doing what Glenn has done. To read the entire speech, click here. |
