New year and decade will require cooperation, a shared vision

For a lot of us, 2010 to 2019 will be the decade that defines what Michigan we leave behind for our children and grandchildren. I know I want Michigan to be a healthier and stronger state than the one I inherited - that will require bipartisan cooperation and a commitment to find common ground and work toward a shared vision that puts the needs of our residents first.

In order to create that better Michigan, I am focused on attracting and creating the businesses that will turn our state around as well as investing in public education, while continuing the fight to bring equality to all Michigan residents.

No issue is more important to turning Michigan around than creating jobs. Few industries are as promising as alternative energy and Michigan is poised to lead the way in this emerging industry. I continue to support increasing our renewable portfolio standard so that 30 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2025. Raising these standards sends a message to job providers in this field that Michigan is open for business.

We also must continue to work to attract businesses in the advanced battery industry. My colleagues and I approved a plan to make Michigan the electric car capital of the world by expanding tax incentives for companies involved in advanced battery manufacturing to $555 million.

These ground-breaking incentives have resulted in more than $3 billion in investments by seven world-class advanced battery companies that will create more than 6,600 jobs in Michigan. Positioning our state at the forefront of this emerging industry also helped Michigan land $1.36 billion in federal advanced battery grants. This is just the type of development we need to help our economy rebound.

In Michigan our economic health is directly tied to the preservation of our natural resources. As the Great Lakes State, we are blessed with one-of-a-kind natural wonders that are envied the world around. Many of our top industries like agriculture and tourism depend on the health of our natural resources. I remain committed to supporting legislation that preserves our natural resources for future generations and protects key industries throughout the state.

We must also continue to invest in education. Our kids need a top-notch education and we must provide one that allows them to compete for the good-paying jobs in today's global economy. A well-educated workforce also is paramount to attracting new industries to our state and creating jobs for our workers.

And finally, our country was built on the principles of liberty and freedom. We lose as an entire nation when these ideals are not preserved. As a lawmaker, I will continue to fight for equality by working on issues including pay equity, same-sex marriage and women's health care rights.

This new year and new decade will present many challenges. Yet, if we work together we can help Michigan emerge from these difficult times stronger than ever. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Lansing to protect the rights of all citizens, create jobs and invest in education. By focusing on those three areas, the next decade can be a much brighter one.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) can be contacted by phone at (517) 373-0828 or toll-free at (800) 645-1581. Her e-mail address is pambyrnes@house.mi.gov and her Web site is byrnes.housedems.com.