State of the State

Good news for Michigan?

Last night the Governor gave the 2009 State of the State Address. One of the most exciting facets was the creation of the Michigan Energy Corps which will employ thousands of people to weatherize homes, schools and other public buildings; install renewable energy technology; and turn our natural resources into renewable fuels. Totally cool! Hopefully the Michigan Energy Corps starts swinging real soon, apparently there is some dependency on the federal stimulus package. Many wishes that the Michigan Energy Corps gets to work in Missaukee County and other rural counties like ours before focusing on Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids just this once. Please.

Southeastern Michigan is apparently the beneficiary of A123 Systems, a Massachusetts-based battery designer, plans to build some lithium ion plants. Detroit area: Wayne; Oakland; Macomb; Lapeer; Livingston; St. Clair counties: 10.6% unemployment.

More good news, Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. is planning an investment that will create about 190 jobs. Hemlock is located near Saginaw, so I’m guessing those jobs will be there too. Saginaw county: 10.4% unemployment.

And, even more good news! Yay! The film industry is buzzing in Michigan. They’ve created 3,000 jobs, but not here.

Now, I don’t wish anyone in the state ill. All I’m saying is it would be nice if government thought a little bit about us up here in northern Michigan. Missaukee county: 14.8% unemployment.