September 17, 2008
Joins other governors on behalf of auto manufacturers
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined a bipartisan group of governors in calling on congressional leadership to provide needed loans to automakers. Granholm joined nine other governors in signing onto a joint letter to Congress; Governor Blunt of Missouri sent a separate letter last week, expressing support for the loans.
"Helping American auto manufacturers retool for the future is an investment in American jobs," Granholm said. "Manufacturing is an essential part of the American economy, and investing in low-carbon and electric vehicle technology will create thousands of good-paying jobs. I urge Congress to provide funds to speed the transition."
The governors are specifically requesting that Congress provide funds for the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program, which was included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This program authorized Congress to provide funds that would guarantee $25 billion in low-interest credit that automakers can use to retool existing plants. Governors also requested that $250 million be provided for advanced battery research.
This month, Congress will be considering legislation that could include the funding requested by governors, including a second economic stimulus package.
"In recent months, we have experienced record high gas prices and significant economic turmoil that hurts citizens in Michigan and across the country," said Granholm. "Making a transition to the next generation of vehicles will lower the cost of fuel and create jobs, which will help Michigan families in these troubled economic times."
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