Michigan Gov. Snyder State of the State speech

January 18, 2012 

Michigan Gov. Snyder State of the State speech

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/politics/Gov-Snyders-2012-State-of-the-State

Getting comfy in my recliner waiting for Michigan’s Gov. Snyder’s State of the State speech, I kind of knew what he was going to say from the day’s earlier news that Michigan’s unemployment rate lowered to 9.3%, which is better than the national average.

Yet as he began introducing and thanking those who were active participants in the transformation of the state over the past , Gov. Snyder positive tone of voice tell the people of Michigan how our state government is aggressively taking steps to bring Michigan to its greatness. 

He began to title this part of our transformation to the “Era of Innovation”.   The Governor prideful tone encourages the citizen hood to utilize the Mi Dashboard to see the progress of the state government, but now down to brass tacks.

·         Mi unemployment down from 11.1% to 9.3% in one year.

·         Adding 80,000 private sector job

·         Addressing $1.5 billion budget deficit

·         Made $255 million in the rainy day fund, when the previous amount could pay for 30 minutes of state govt.

·         Made tax system “simple, fair, and efficient”, I read this bill and I wouldn’t use the word “fair”…

·         Passing the Anti-Bullying Law

·         Rescinding nearly 400 “obsolete, confusing and burdensome” regulations

However, there were pieces that I wasn’t so happy about

·         Obesity increase by 1 %... I am concerned we are raising children with health issues because we don’t make them go outside..

·         17% of our students are college ready… I am a college student since 2006. I had to relearn algebra, but I had to take writing classes… So what are these kids missing…

·         The Underinvestment of $1.4 billion to roads… This just screams raising taxes… Where the money that is supposed to be directed….

·         4 of our cities are on the top 10 list of the most violent cities in the nation… big problem…

Finally, I think Gov Snyder address a true problem in our society and the is the negativity, divisive attitude toward one another.  This kind of behavior solves no problems. 

With the freedom of expression, opens the door for disagreement of idea yet aggressive contention seems futile.