LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today called on the Senate to take action before adjourning for the weekend and pass a plan that will create more than 29,000 jobs for Michigan workers, including more than 1,800 in Grand Rapids.
"It is my top priority to bring good-paying jobs to Michigan and Grand Rapids, and we should all be working together toward that goal," Dean said. "This plan will get our workers back on the job and will ensure that our colleges and universities have the state-of-the-art facilities they need to build a strong workforce and attract the job providers of the 21st century to our state. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to join me and provide our working families with the good-paying jobs they need."
The plan that passed the House last week speeds up funding for hundreds of construction projects at universities, colleges, airports, military facilities and state parks across the state. In addition to creating jobs now for Michigan's workers, the plan also will create new jobs in emerging fields by equipping our colleges and universities with the facilities they need to train students for high-tech jobs in homeland security, life sciences and other cutting-edge fields. The projects in Kent County include:
Renovating the Learning and Technology Center at Grand Valley State University, creating 1,120 jobs.
Constructing a $33.5 million Lifelong Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College, creating 536 jobs.
Making improvements at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, creating 155 jobs.
Quick passage of this plan is also essential to securing federal funding for the airport projects involved. The state has until June 30 to obtain the Governor's signature on the plan and go through the required bidding process in order to receive the federal funding that will pay for most of the projects.
"In these difficult times, every job is precious," Dean said. "Our working families are struggling, and this plan will help them get back on their feet. I hope the Senate will do the right thing for our hard-working residents and pass this plan now."