LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today voted for a plan that will create more than 29,000 jobs for Michigan workers and pump more than $1.8 billion into the state's economy. The plan, which was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives, strengthens a weaker version that was approved by the Senate. The economic stimulus plan now goes back to the Senate for approval.
"My No. 1 priority is creating jobs now for Michigan residents, and that's exactly what this plan does," Dean said. "This plan will not only help get our working families back on their feet – it will benefit our state for years to come as our world-class universities produce top-notch workers to join our workforce and make Michigan a magnet for businesses looking to expand or relocate."
The stimulus package will speed up funding for hundreds of construction projects around the state at universities, colleges, airports, military facilities and state parks. In addition to creating jobs now for Michigan's workers, the plan also will create new jobs in emerging fields by providing 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. Some of the projects, using a mix of federal, state and local funding, include:
- Undertaking a $70 million renovation of 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.
"The bottom line is that we need more jobs for our workers, and we need them now," Dean said. "Every job that we create makes a difference to our working families and helps get Michigan headed in the right direction. This plan is the economic shot in the arm we need – we can't afford not to act."