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Editorial: Legislative action needed for 2015

Posted at 10:48 AM, Sep 11, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-11 10:48:30-04

Almost 8 months ago, Governor Rick Snyder laid out his 2015 "reinvention" agenda for Michigan.  And as always, he said our success as a state should be measured by dashboards!  It's been a busy year of ups and downs.  We are now approaching the final quarter of 2015.  Let us remind our elected state leaders that they have little time left to complete their goals!

On the positive side, Michigan's automotive, agricultural and tourism industry continues to thrive.  Job creation is up and the unemployment rate is dropping.  The state is even on the front line for taking advantage of new economic opportunities in Asia, Europe and even Cuba.  Pure Michigan is working on several fronts!

The Governor’s continued push to move Michigan forward on early childhood education, the skilled trades, Medicaid expansion, and disability & veteran employment, are steps in the right direction.  He has delivered balanced state budgets on time and has made urban revitalization a top priority!

But some big challenges remain.  Lansing lawmakers have failed miserably on a Michigan road repair plan!  Proposal 1 went down in flames and we see no promise of a better bi-partisan agreement on the horizon. 

The lack of auto insurance reform, especially for Detroit residents, threatens recent progress in a state and city that sorely needs young people and diversity.  The jury is also still out on Wayne County's future, and Snyder's ambitious "River of Opportunity" plan to address immigration and poverty.

Ironically, back in January, embattled State Representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat said this about Governor Snyder's State of the State address:

"It is our responsibility to be good stewards of the dollars that have been entrusted to our care and to be ever-mindful of the taxpayers whose money we are spending."  

We agree wholeheartedly.  State leaders, you now have 3 months remaining to finish an agenda of "relentless positive action" for 2015!

I'm Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager

Broadcast: September 10 - 13, 2015