Michigan Governor Granholm's 2007 State of the State - One Michigan into Economic Oblivion

Governor Granholm gave her fifth State of the State of Michigan address. There were many ideas that I thought were good ideas; however, I am disappointed. The Governor's priorities will be to continue to treat the economic symptoms instead of tackling the disease. Michigan is not going to attract new business to our state in any meaningful way!

Economic development in Michigan is going to be dismal. Jennifer Granholm made one interesting observation: business taxes are not completely responsible for Michigan's poor job growth. I agree. However, she failed to tell Michiganders why Michigan keeps loosing jobs to other states. Well, there are many reasons. All having to do with Michigan's anti-business climate including: unions, unions and unions.

Face it, Michigan, unions fail us. They don't protect jobs. They don't bring new jobs. They just continue to perpetuate our economic slide that began in 1975. Aren't you tired of this yet? Or, are you just going to move out of the state like so many others.

The Governor also addressed education. Again, I agreed with her. An educated workforce is critical to a successful economy. Problem is, the Governor had her cause and effect backward. Growth attracts the educated, not the other way around. That's why less than 30% of Michigan's college graduates remain in Michigan. As long as Arkansas continues to out grow Michigan, then it will not be long before Arkansas exceeds Michigan in its educated workforce.

Jennifer Granholm gave a strong energetic speech with many interesting ideas, but because she lacked the correct focus and strategy, it just came across as cheesy. "We are one Michigan", heading to the poor house.