So You Want To Be In Pictures or Son of Calling All Movie Mavens

by: janeenr

Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 12:14:09 PM EST

Michigan's plan wasn't adopted until several years after it was designed -- allowing at least a dozen states to leapfrog Michigan with better offers, said Bob Brown, a movie producer and member of the Michigan Film Advisory Commission. "We were late to the party and by the time the package got signed into law, it was no longer competitive," he said.

Over the last decade film projects went over the border to Canada. But now with the drop in the dollar, it is more attractive to return to the US. Competition is tight. Many states are looking at the attractive payback that incentives bring to their economy. You can page down to look at our competition here. While I don't think Michigan can compete with NY and CA or even LA with Pitt and Jolie, I think we have better locations and could blast past any Midwestern or New England state if we can get the legislature behind this.

Find out how we can make this happen and why we must!

Green Government?

by: Bibble

Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 15:35:41 PM EST

If they're looking for input (see bottom of article), let's flood them with support / advice / examples / whatever might help them actually enact this. It certainly can't hurt. There is a strong automotive/Michigan economy-specific motivation for doing so too. Many believe that part of the reason the Big 3 won't mass produce fuel-efficient vehicles, especially plug-in electric hybrids, is the real or perceived notion that 'there is no viable market' to warrant a large scale production ramp up for such vehicles. This could be the hard proof they need. Probably not. But again, it can't hurt. 

Please check out (and feel free to borrow from) the cheesy form letter below the copyright line at the end of the article. Then send an email to the address found in the article's last sentence. 

Thanks! 

http://ehscenter.bna.com/pic2/...

http://www.bna.com/

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy Dec. 28 proposed new "green purchasing policies and affirmative procurement programs" for all government contracting mechanisms and acquisition strategies to protect the environment and conserve natural resources and energy through contracting (72 Fed. Reg. 73,904). 

The letter would require agencies to give preference to green products and services, including alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles; bio-based products; Energy Star and Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated products; electronics registered on the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool; low- or non-toxic hazardous chemicals or products; non-ozone depleting substances; recycled content and/or remanufactured products; renewable energy; and water-efficient products. 

"Agency acquisition policies and programs shall enhance and, where appropriate, mandate the purchase and use of green products and services covered in this policy letter," OFPP Administrator Paul Denett says in the proposed letter. 

The policies would implement a Jan. 26, 2007, executive order (Exec. Order No. 13,423) directing agencies to strengthen the management of environmental, transportation, and energy-related activities, as well as various environmental and energy policy statutes. The letter would supersede OFPP Policy Letter 92-4, "Procurement of Environmentally-Sound and Energy-Efficient Products and Services," dated Nov. 2, 1992. 

The proposed policies would apply to all acquisition and contracting mechanisms, including service contracts, purchases made using government purchase cards and fleet cards, and purchases valued at less than the micropurchase threshold. 

Green Affirmative Purchasing Program. 

Additionally, OFPP would require that each federal agency develop and implement a comprehensive affirmative procurement plan for the acquisition of green products and services, also to be referred to as a "green procurement plan." 

At a minimum, the plan would be required to: 

•?state a preference for the acquisition of green products and services, and require the flow of this preference down to all agency contractors and subcontractors; 
•?explain the green acquisition roles and responsibilities of contracting officials, program managers, product specifiers, purchase card holders, and program administrators; 
•?promote the acquisition of green products and services internally within the agency and externally to source providers and other government agencies, including agencies at the state and local levels; and 
•?provide annual compliance monitoring, corrective action, and/or auditing of the agency green procurement plan. 

Further, agency green plans should address: 

•?the development and use of templates for incorporating green purchasing requirements into solicitations and contracts; 
•?the use of government E-procurement tools, such as FedBizOpps.com, to publicize green acquisition requirements; and 
•?the use of past performance evaluations of contractor adherence to green acquisition priorities. 

Green Acquisitions, Socioeconomic Programs. 

Under the policy letter, agencies would be directed to first determine their specific performance requirements for products and services and, if they determine that a green product or service can meet those requirements, to give first consideration to mandatory and preferred sources in obtaining such green products or services. 

Socioeconomic programs administered by nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or disabled, namely the AbilityOne program under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act and the Federal Prison Industries' UNICOR program, are mandatory sources in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation Subparts 8.6 and 8.7. 

Small businesses, including small disadvantaged, women-owned, Native American, Alaska Native, Historically Underutilized Business-Zone, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, are preferred sources. 

Additional Green Acquisition Requirements. 

The OFPP policy letter also would require agencies to: 

•?implement "automatic substitution policies" for the procurement of "functionally equivalent" green products and services in place of non-green orders for the same products and services ordered through central supply agencies such as the General Services Administration or the Defense Logistics Agency; 
•?include requirements and preferences for the use of green products in all newly awarded services contracts, or in recompetitions of existing services contracts; 
•?encourage the incorporation of requirements and preferences for the use of green products during modifications of existing services contracts; and 
•?require GSA, DLA, and other contract supply agencies to supply "designated green products" and to "phase out any competing non-green products from their catalogs and on-line ordering systems."

Comments on the OFPP policy letter, "Acquisition of Green Products and Services," are due Feb. 26. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to "OFPPGreen@omb.eop.gov"
; subject line: "Proposed OFPP Policy letter." 

Copyright 2008, The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Washington, D.C. 

____________________________________________________ 

To whom it may concern: 

This is a fantastic proposal, not only for the country and planet, but possibly, hopefully, for places like Flint, Saginaw, Detroit and the rest of the industrial Midwest. If you saw any of the coverage of the recent Michigan Primaries, you know how badly we are hurting here. Many have suggested that green technologies are our only hope to reinvigorate the Automotive industry, to create green jobs here. With no other industry likely to come in to replace Automotive in any substantive way (we in Michigan have lost nearly 400,000 good jobs and great people since 2001), planet-friendly cars can and should (heck, must) be a real solution. Unfortunately, the Big 3 have been sluggish, even downright indignant towards the move to more fuel-efficient vehicles, particularly plug-in electric hybrids. I have a strong suspicion that what holds them back is the real or perceived notion that, 'there is no viable market' to warrant mass production of these products. Now I'm no 'government to the rescue' guy by any means, but this policy letter really can be part of the hard proof I think they need in order to take their foot off the brake, and produce these products at the level the people of Flint, America and the world need. Congratulations on this proposal. Let's make it happen! 

Thank you, 

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

Michigan's Issues: Really on Display in Primary?

by: TomChoske

Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 10:56:00 AM EST

"Right to Work" Kills People, Jobs, Pay, and Benefits

by: ypsi-blue

Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 09:56:35 AM EST

"Right to work" for less doesn’t give anyone a right to work. In fact, by weakening unions and collective bargaining, it destroys the best job security protection that exists: the union contract.

It just gives companies the right to destroy unions and cut our pay and benefits. Look at the facts:

Michigan’s workers are paid an average of $7,601 a year more than workers in states that have attacked paychecks with so-called "right to work" laws.

Workers in states with "right to work" for less laws are far less likely to have health insurance, retirement and short-term disability benefits.

They’re also more likely to be killed on the job and receive lower workers’ compensation benefits if they’re hurt at work.

If you don't want to get paid, why not just send me your pay check. I'll take it.

Or make a big donation to charity.

Just don't sign one of those Republican Party petitions that will be shoved in your face on January 15.

Green Energy, Great Jobs

by: northernlib

Thu Jan 03, 2008 at 15:24:11 PM EST

And, for Michigan, green energy means great jobs. Experts predict that by 2030, one in four U.S. jobs will be in the alternative energy and energy efficiency industries. They forecast the hottest areas of growth will be solar, wind, ethanol, and fuel cell development. When she first took office five years ago, Governor Granholm immediately got to work on developing those very same industries here in Michigan. Thanks to her efforts, Michigan is now emerging as a world leader in those key areas. United Solar Ovonics, creators of revolutionary new solar energy technology, have expanded their Michigan operations and created hundreds of new jobs. John Deere launched a new wind farm to produce clean, renewable energy in the Thumb. Several Michigan companies have partnered with the governor to open over 20 new ethanol retail locations statewide - not to mention doubling the amount of ethanol produced right here in Michigan. And, in the UP, exploration is underway to develop a new plant to produce biomass-based fuels made from wood.

All across Michigan, the governor's push to make our state the green energy leader is producing results. Thousands of new jobs have been created with hundreds of millions in new investments for our state. But the true potential of alternative energy is only beginning to be realized. In the next 20 years, the green revolution will spawn a multi-trillion dollar industry. Thanks to Governor Granholm's bold vision and aggressive approach, Michigan is poised to lead the way.

The governor's focus on green energy and great jobs in 2007 is only the beginning. Her comprehensive economic plan demands continued action and aggressive policies to keep Michigan moving forward. Governor Granholm's alternative energy strategy defined 2007, and it will continue to define Michigan's future well into 21st century.  

Need Help in Filling 49 High Skill IT Jobs

by: dkmich

Wed Nov 14, 2007 at 12:20:52 PM EST

Just another day at the Office

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Sep 25, 2007 at 09:58:41 AM EDT

Wondering what Senate Republican cuts mean for Michigan's state employees? Consider it a major blow below the belt.

• Attorney General - 107
• Civil Rights - 25
• Community Colleges - 38
• Corrections - 1,300
• Education - 44
• Environmental Quality - 143
• Human Services - 268
• Judiciary - 59
• Legislative Attorney General - 31
• State - 80 Treasury - 137 

Two thousand, two hundred and thirty two jobs will be cut if the Senate Republicans have their way. I wonder how those 2,232 people feel about that?

So we're talking about prison guards, investigators and administrative help from the AG's office, the people that print the pension and welfare checks, air and water inspectors, and that's just the very top of the list. I'm sure it's a very tiny blip in the day of a Senate (and House) Republican.

Must be nice not to care about how you're going to pay your mortage, put food on the table, clothe your kids, or put gas in the car so you can get to work. C'est la vie, right?

Radio Address: No Worker Left Behind

by: TheConversation

Wed Aug 08, 2007 at 17:04:50 PM EDT

For the podcast of Governor Granholm's weekly radio address, click here.

This is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

With globalization gripping our state's economy, we've set in motion a comprehensive plan to transform Michigan into a 21st century economic powerhouse.  Our No Worker Left Behind initiative, which I announced this week in Traverse City, is putting our worker training efforts into overdrive.

I'm proud to announce that citizens across the state can take advantage of our No Worker Left Behind Web site. You can click your way to www.michigan.gov/nwlb (for No Worker Left Behind - NWLB) to learn more.

Here's how it works: For three years only, we are offering free training to workers who have lost their jobs, or who are ready to advance beyond low-skill jobs.  With training, certification and job placement through No Worker Left Behind, Michigan workers can get good-paying jobs and fill existing job-openings.  At the website, you can learn what industries and careers are in high-demand in your region, and you can see what training opportunities are available, and you can contact your local Michigan Works! Agency to take the first steps towards qualifying for free tuition in specific areas of need in our economy.

No Worker Left Behind is a huge step forward in Michigan's economic transformation.  Even as I speak, there are tens of thousands of job openings in our state.  But these are jobs that are tough to fill because they require training in very specific areas - like nursing or accounting or dental hygiene or auto mechanics.

No Worker Left Behind creates a bridge between Michigan citizens who need specific training and jobs in areas that are critical for economic growth.  By training workers to fill existing job openings, No Worker Left Behind will help businesses thrive and push Michigan's economy forward.

When I announced No Worker Left Behind in Traverse City earlier this week, I met Brenda - who is a mother of three - who is going to benefit from the program.  Brenda was laid off from a manufacturing job, but she wants to become a registered nurse.  In Michigan, we are facing a nursing shortage - in fact, experts estimate that we will need 18,000 new nurses by 2015.  With No Worker Left Behind, Brenda will get free training to become a registered nurse, and she will get help with job placement when her training is complete.

There are thousands of people like Brenda across Michigan who can benefit from No Worker Left Behind.  We're aiming to get 100,000 workers trained and placed in good-paying jobs in the next three years. What a boost this will be for Michigan citizens and for Michigan's economy!

So, wherever you are in Michigan, I hope that you'll visit our Web site and see what job openings and training opportunities exist in your area. Go to: www.michigan.gov/nwlb.

In Michigan, it's time for our people to stop getting left behind in this tough, global economy, and start getting trained. That's what No Worker Left Behind is all about.

Thank you for listening.

Going Anywhere, Doing Anything

by: TheConversation

Fri Jul 06, 2007 at 17:48:16 PM EDT

Did you happen to catch this line in the Governor's recent message to Michigan?

So last week we came together, Democrats and Republicans, to replace the old business tax with one that makes Michigan competitive in the fight for new jobs. While business will pay its fair share overall, 72% of Michigan businesses will get a tax cut. So now I'll take this story across the globe to businesses everywhere, offering a highly skilled workforce, a quality of life others can only envy, and a business tax that encourages investment and jobs right here. 

When the governor says she's going to take our story across the globe, you'd better believe she means it. Soon, the governor will announce the locations of her new jobs missions to bring 21st century businesses - and jobs - to Michigan. And you'd better believe she's going to bring those jobs to Michigan.

But you don't have to take my word for it. You don't even have to take her word for it. Just take a look at some of the numbers from her previous jobs missions:

Radio Address: Michigan is getting a raise!

by: TheConversation

Tue Jul 03, 2007 at 14:13:37 PM EDT

For the podcast of Governor Granholm's weekly radio address, click here.

Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

On Sunday July 1, more than half a million Michigan workers are getting a raise! That's right, thanks to a law that I signed last year, the minimum wage has already gone from $5.15 an hour to $6.95 an hour.  And now, it's moving up to $7.15 an hour.

What a great step forward for Michigan's working families.  This increase will put a little more money in the pockets of Michigan citizens who are working hard every day to pay rent, to fill up their gas tanks, and to put food on the table for their kids.

And, there's still one more increase coming - when it takes effect next year at this time, the total increase from $5.15 up to $7.40 an hour will mean that full time minimum wage workers have an additional $288 of income every month.

And, economists tell us that the dollars that these minimum wage workers earn go right back into the economy, so this is good for Michigan citizens across the board.

Raising the minimum wage is just one part of my comprehensive economic plan.

We're putting Michigan families first by creating the state's first-ever earned income tax credit, which puts more money in the pockets of working families.

We're fighting for fair trade that allows Michigan workers to compete on a level playing field with workers across the world.

We're diversifying Michigan's economy to create good-paying jobs with high wages that cannot be outsourced.

We're improving our schools and making college affordable and accessible for every Michigan student through the Michigan Promise scholarship.  And, we're working on creating universal access to affordable health care.

In these tough economic times, we need to make smart decisions for Michigan's future. Our plan is smart, it's comprehensive, and we're seeing positive signs across the state as new companies choose Michigan as the place to grow and create jobs.

We know that in Michigan we have the best workers in the world, and we have more engineering graduates every year than almost every other state, and we are the North American epicenter of automotive research and design.  We have so many good things happening.

We need to keep pumping up our economy and making smart decisions for the future - raising the minimum wage is one part of it, but we need to keep on investing in our kids' schools, investing our citizens' health care, investing to keep our communities safe.

Thank you for listening.

Radio Address: The New MBT

by: TheConversation

Thu Jun 21, 2007 at 15:48:56 PM EDT

For the podcast of Governor Granholm's weekly radio address, click here.

This is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

This week I was pleased to announce an agreement on a new business tax structure for Michigan.

This new Michigan Business Tax will encourage job creation and make Michigan more competitive for businesses. That, in turn, will help us to ensure that our people have the tools that they need to be competitive and successful in Michigan.

This is a win for Michigan businesses, a win for citizens, and a win for our economy.

I first laid out a plan to make Michigan's business tax structure competitive way back in 2005, and I'm glad that we finally got it done. Our agreement shows what can happen when we work in a bipartisan fashion to do what is right for Michigan.

We're creating a pro-growth structure that will provide a tax cut for more than seven out of ten Michigan businesses. It provides tax cuts for small businesses and for our major manufacturers. It's simple, it's fair, it will encourage research and development, entrepreneurial ventures and, most important, job creation.

However, this new Michigan Business Tax is just one part of a comprehensive approach to building a secure future for our state. We're still facing a $1.8 billion budget shortfall which starts in October.

That means we need to continue to look for places to cut spending and save taxpayer dollars.

We need to reform how government works so that we can cut costs without compromising services that are vital to businesses and citizens alike.

We need new revenues so that we can continue to invest in the things that will bring new businesses and new jobs to our state things like strong schools, a highly skilled workforce and safe communities.

With the financial stability of a comprehensive solution, we can put on a full court press to recruit jobs and businesses to Michigan.

In fact, just this past week I helped announce a new great business that is choosing Michigan. John Deere the guys who make tractors and Wolverine Power are coming together to build Michigan's first wind farm. It will consist of 32 wind-powered turbines that will create enough electricity to power more than 15,000 Michigan homes. Our economic plan is focused on diversifying into cutting edge sectors like alternative and renewable energy. And this energy project is another positive sign for the state.

With our new Michigan Business Tax, we will be even better positioned to bring more promising, job-creating projects to Michigan.

But now we need further progress on solving this budget crisis so that we can continue to push forward with Michigan's aggressive economic plan with everything we've got.

Thank you for listening.

Rangel, Pelosi & Obama: Backfire in Motown

by: dkmich

Sat May 12, 2007 at 17:39:09 PM EDT

Michigan has been sitting on a 7 percent unemployment rate since 2000.  Those that bother to notice, usually make some comment blaming the victims of globalization, Clinton's NAFTA deal, and our politicians' complete disinterest in national health care. 

If this situation could simply be laid at the feet of Republicans, it wouldn't be so bad.  Unfortunately, it is our own Party that is misguidedly helping to undermine the working/middle class (regardless of race, creed and gender).  Since this has been the constituency of the Democratic Party for as long as I can remember, I am totally amazed and disappointed. I feel betrayed. 

If you haven't heard of or kept up with the backroom trade deal that Pelosi and Rangel put together with Bush, this article, K Street vs. Middle America: Battle Lines Being Drawn In Fight Over Dems' Secret Trade Deal With Bush will bring you up to speed and give you links so you can read it all for yourself.  ..More..

GM's Superbowl Ad: Clever & Harmless or Tasteless & Offensive?

by: Brainwrap

Mon Feb 05, 2007 at 14:40:47 PM EST

http://youtube.com/w...