By Rick Pluta
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-923682.mp3
Lansing, MI – Governor Granholm was in the passenger seat as First Gentleman Dan Mulhern took a Chevy Volt for a test drive around the state Capitol Tuesday. After the drive, the governor raved about the car's ride and performance.
Michigan's economy will continue to track the success and failures of automoative manufacturing for the foreseeable future, but Granholm says the Volt and vehicles like it will also help Michigan's economy diversify into new industries.
"The batteries for this vehicle can also be used for stationary purposes, as well, for storing renewable energy in homes. So there is a bridge from the auto industry to the alternative energy industry in wind and solar applications," Granholm says.
A state board approved a new round of tax breaks to support Dow Chemical redeveloping a facility to manufacture solar shingles that would go on homes. Critics of Granholm's approach say the state has been too aggressive in using targeted tax incentives to attract jobs and businesses.
There will be a new measure of her success in rebuilding the state's economy when Michigan's August jobless numbers are released Wednesday.