By AP
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-922948.mp3
LANSING, MI –
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Governor Granholm says a state investment fund helped employ thousands of people and slowed the pace of job loss in Michigan over the past four years. As we hear from Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta, a new report by the state credits investments from Michigan's 21st Century Jobs Fund with preserving or creating 24,000 jobs over the past four years.
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That number may seem small compared with the loss of more than 428,000 jobs over roughly the same period. But Governor Granholm says it would have been worse without the 21st Century Jobs Fund to help companies that can attract private investors, but still need more money to expand or diversify into new lines of business.
"We have to be partners with the private sector in ensuring that are globally competetive by buying down the risk in early investment," she says.
The jobs fund was created by selling some of Michigan's future tobacco settlement payments. The governor hopes for more federal dollars to help the state to expand its program.
The governor says government plays a key role in helping to rebuild the economy. But she has faced criticisms that her administration picks winners and losers in the marketplace.
reWorking Michigan
For more on job creation and workforce evolution in Michigan, visit WKAR.org/reworkingmichigan