In this week’s radio address, Governor Granholm celebrates the one-year anniversary of a milestone in the electrification of the automobile, and asks Congress to extend credits for both advanced manufacturing and to consumers for the purchase of these cars, which will help Michigan grow our new green energy economy.

Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

If you’ve detected a buzz in the air, there’s a reason why. Next week marks the one-year anniversary of a milestone in the electrification of the automobile.

On August 5, 2009, Vice President Joe Biden came to Michigan to announce that $1.35 billion in U.S. Department of Energy grants, which was funded by the Recovery Act, had been awarded to several Michigan companies to support advanced battery and electric vehicle manufacturing and development.

And what a 12 months we’ve had since then. We now have 16 advanced battery companies with ongoing projects in Michigan – 16 – representing almost $6 billion in capital investment and estimated to create almost 62,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.

So Michigan is well on its way to becoming the advanced battery capital of the world. It’s what we envisioned when we targeted the advanced battery market as a sector we wanted to grow to help diversify Michigan’s economy and create jobs.

One big reason for our success is Michigan’s own battery tax credits, the first in the nation. When I signed these battery credits into law, it sent a clear signal to companies that Michigan is serious about being a leader in this industry. And as a result of those state battery credits and last year’s Department of Energy grants, an advanced battery industry is sprouting up in Michigan.

At General Motors’ Brownstown Township facility just outside Detroit, workers are assembling battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt.

In Midland, construction is underway on Dow Kokam’s new advanced battery plant where workers will produce the lithium-ion packs for electric vehicles.

Construction also has begun on the new Compact Power/LG Chem battery plant in Holland, which President Obama visited two weeks ago for a groundbreaking.

And these are just a few snapshots of what’s happening across the state.

To keep the momentum going, we need some help from Congress. And that includes legislation that would expand the advanced energy manufacturing tax credit. We also have to continue, for the next few years, to offer federal tax credits to consumers who purchase electric vehicles until the cost of manufacturing lithium-ion batteries is comparable to that for internal combustion engines.

As we mark the one-year anniversary of the battery grants funded by the Recovery Act, it’s very important to continue the collaborative partnerships among the federal government, state and local governments, and the private sector that have created a domestic advanced battery industry. We can manufacture everything we need for a clean energy economy right here in the United States and in Michigan – and create thousands of jobs for Americans.

Thank you for listening.

Last night, Governor Granholm issued an Executive Order that will free up resources to contain and clean up the oil spill on the Kalamazoo River.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today declared a state of disaster in Calhoun County and potentially affected areas along the Kalamazoo River downstream of Talmadge Creek in response to Monday’s oil spill from a pipeline near Marshall, Michigan.

“This disaster declaration reinforces our efforts to ensure the safety of Michigan citizens and the environment by making any needed state resources readily available,” said Granholm.

Governor Granholm’s disaster declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate all state efforts in preserving and acquiring state resources to assist with immediate threats to public health, safety and the environment related to the July 26 Calhoun County oil spill. Executive Order No. 2010-7 will allow resources from all state departments to be deployed in local response efforts.

Since July 26, state agency personnel have been on scene assisting local response efforts as needed. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated this afternoon and is coordinating local, state, federal and private sector response efforts.

Citizens are reminded to stay away from the general area of the spill and avoid contact with affected waterways and wildlife. Residents with concerns, those with oil on their property, or people wishing to report affected wildlife can call the Enbridge hotline at 1-800-306-6837.

Watch the Governor’s press conference here:

Just released from the Governor’s Office:

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to ensure all state resources are readily available to protect public health and the environment in response to the oil spill that occurred July 26 near Marshall.

Enbridge Energy Partners shut down the pipeline after locating a leak on July 26, which stopped the source of the oil. To help contain and remove the spill, seven booms with skimmers were placed in the Talmadge Creek and Kalamazoo River to collect the oil. Response agencies are also working to develop a barrier around the spill. No injuries have been reported.

“Our focus is protecting Michigan citizens and our environment by providing any needed state resources to expediently address the situation,” said Granholm. “Officials with several state agencies are actively engaged in this response effort and are working in concert with local and federal agencies to ensure that our response is timely and effective.”

Officials with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) conducted a helicopter flyover today of the affected areas to adequately assess the extent of the spill and impacts to the environment. Since July 26, a representative of the MSP/EMHSD has been on scene to assist local response efforts as needed.

Officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) are on scene working to conduct an environmental review and ensure the safety and protection of wildlife, fisheries and water resources. To expedite the delivery of resources to the affected area, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Traffic Safety Division lifted Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations extending the number of hours allowed for commercial drivers.

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is advising people not to eat fish from Talmadge Creek or the Kalamazoo River. The MDCH is also advising people not to touch or swim in the Talmadge Creek or Kalamazoo River and to avoid the general area of the spill. These advisories are temporary and will remain in effect until a determination is made by state and federal officials that affected water is safe for fishing and swimming.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is mobilizing the State Animal Response Team (MI SART), which is an interagency, coordinated resource dedicated to Michigan animal emergency preparation, planning, response and recovery. If activated, MI SART will implement a safe, environmentally sound and efficient response on the local, county, state and federal level.

The MDA is advising all producers and homeowners using the Kalamazoo River, or other connected surface water, for crop or lawn irrigation or watering animals (including livestock, pets, etc.), to immediately stop using those sources of water and seek alternate sources. Additionally, people should restrict access by livestock or pets to those impacted water sources.

Residents with concerns or who wish to report affected wildlife are encouraged to call 1-800-306-6837, which has been set up by Enbridge.

Calhoun County has declared a local state of emergency and the Calhoun County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated.

The SEOC is the emergency operations center for the state of Michigan located in Lansing and is overseen by the Michigan Department of State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. The SEOC is staffed by members of several state agencies for decision-making and information coordination of disasters or emergencies in the state of Michigan.

For the latest news on the oil spill, the Battle Creek Enquirer has numerous stories here.

In today’s radio address, Governor Granholm today said higher test scores by students on the Michigan Merit Examination result from a more rigorous college prep curriculum implemented four years ago.

Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

If you think kids today are smarter than ever, you’re right – they are.

The Michigan Department of Education reported this week that high school students in our state are continuing to improve their performance on the Michigan Merit Examination and scoring higher on the ACT college entrance test.

Every spring, 11th grade students take the Michigan Merit Exam. The exam tests students’ proficiency in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Part of the exam is the ACT college entrance test.

More than 110,000 students took the Michigan Merit Exam this year and scored an average of 19.3 on the ACT portion of the test. This is the third consecutive year that the ACT average score has risen.

The percentage of students scoring at the proficient or advanced levels in math, science, reading and writing is at its highest level ever.

These higher test scores are occurring because of something we did four years ago. We created a more rigorous high school curriculum which students would have to complete to graduate.

Back in 2006, I called on the Legislature to adopt recommendations for a tougher, college prep curriculum that had been developed by State Superintendent Mike Flanagan and approved by the State Board of Education. Legislation was passed, and I signed it into law.

The high school juniors who took the Michigan Merit Exam this year will be the first students who will have to complete the new college prep curriculum to graduate. And it’s a tough curriculum.

Every student must take four years each of math and English. They must take three years each of science and social studies, two years of a foreign language and one year of the arts. Also required are an online learning experience and a year of physical education and health.

This rigorous curriculum helps ensure that every high school graduate in Michigan can be successful in college or technical training. That is the key to Michigan’s economic future. A well-educated workforce is essential to diversifying our economy and attracting investment and jobs to our state, as well as competing in the global marketplace.

Four years ago, we created that college prep curriculum for high school students with the goal of doubling the number of college graduates in Michigan. Rising test scores are the best proof that the more rigorous curriculum is working. And that is good news as we continue moving to a new, knowledge-based Michigan economy.

Thank you for listening.

You can read more details on the Dept. of Education report here.

Just in from the Governor’s Office:

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation designed to prevent energy theft through meter tampering and protect utility employees and contractors. The bipartisan package of bills aims to decrease unauthorized electric and natural gas utility service connections as well as protect consumers from increased costs related to energy theft.

“When individuals tamper with their connections or meters, every customer pays the increased cost of service to cover the losses,” Granholm said. “This legislation will deter energy theft and protect people from unnecessary charges and risk of harm.”

The legislation requires utility companies to use best practices to address unsafe connections caused by the unauthorized use of electric or natural gas service and allows them to take steps to deter future unauthorized use. It also makes it a crime for any person to sell or transfer electricity or natural gas to another person, knowing or having reason to know that the product or service was obtained unlawfully.

Additionally, the legislation sets penalties for the assault of a public utility worker or contractor who is performing his or her duties on the job. The offenses range from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years and a $10,000 fine for a worker’s death.

Unauthorized connections and meter tampering can cause serious safety problems resulting in fires, explosions, electrocution injuries or even death. These illegal connections endanger the person making the wrongful connection and nearby persons and utility workers.

The bill package includes Senate Bill 1310, sponsored by Senator Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit); Senate Bill 1311, sponsored by Senator Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit); Senate Bill 1312, sponsored by Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren); Senate Bill 1313, sponsored by Senator Irma Clark-Coleman (D-Detroit); and Senate Bill 1314, sponsored by Senator Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek).

Benton Harbor is on the mend, and today is celebrating Whirlpool’s decision to stay in Michigan.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined company and local officials to celebrate Whirlpool Corporation’s announcement that it will build a new global headquarters campus in Benton Harbor. This will be the third of three main campuses that comprise the company’s headquarters operations in the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area.

“Whirlpool’s decision to remain in the Twin Cities region is another example of state and local governments partnering with world-class corporations to help them grow and expand, and leverage these ventures into broader community development,” Granholm said. “This expansion creates real opportunities for the rebirth of Benton Harbor.”

Whirlpool plans to invest approximately $86.8 million to consolidate several business locations in the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area. The project is expected to retain up to 2,336 total jobs, including 868 directly at the company. State incentives offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helped Whirlpool choose to stay in Michigan over competing cities such as Chicago and Atlanta.

“Whirlpool has been a vital presence in southwest Michigan for nearly 100 years,” Granholm said. “We’re proud that they will continue to make the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area their home.”

Whirlpool’s announcement follows the public debut of the 530-acre Harbor Shores development on Lake Michigan that straddles both Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. The development, built where several old industrial plants once stood, features a marina, riverwalk, commercial and retail space, condominiums, townhouses and a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The MEDC and Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) also played significant roles in the Harbor Shores development with incentives for brownfield redevelopment.

“Harbor Shores holds the promise of new Twin Cities jobs outside of the traditional manufacturing sector,” Granholm said.

The Jack Nicklaus course, which opened this month, already has attracted the 2012 and 2014 PGA Senior Championship.

From Governor Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation:

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping 14 companies grow in Michigan and backing one brownfield redevelopment project. Combined, the 15 projects are expected to create and retain 6,272 jobs (1,530 direct new jobs) and generate $177.5 million in new investment in the state.

“The depth and scope of the projects announced today underscore the fact that Michigan is a prime business location,” Granholm said. “We have the economic-development tools in place to complement our outstanding workforce, which are advantages businesses can utilize to expand in their current industry sector or diversify to new sectors.”

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) board today approved incentives to win the following projects for Michigan over competing states and countries:

• Cascade Engineering Inc. – The global engineered plastics systems and components provider plans to invest $2.8 million to expand its renewable-energy business division in Grand Rapids. The company is expected to create up to 456 total jobs, including 183 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project may create an additional 273 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $1.8 million over seven years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in Ohio, North Carolina and Texas. Cascade Township is considering an abatement over seven years in support of the project.

• Clyde Union Inc. – The world’s seventh largest provider of large industrial pumps in the energy market plans to invest $17.1 million to expand operations in Battle Creek. The expansion will enable the company, which recently celebrated its 125-year anniversary in Battle Creek, to increase production, testing, pump systems packaging and expanded pump service capabilities to its global customer base. The investment is expected to create up to 420 total jobs, including 190 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 230 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $1.2 million over five years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in Texas, Louisiana and Ontario. The city of Battle Creek is considering an abatement in support of the project.

• Creative Breakthroughs Inc. – The IT service company specializing in network security, integration and management plans to invest $780,000 for an expansion that will increase its workforce and office space in Troy. The project is expected to create up to 208 total jobs, including 100 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 108 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $1 million over five years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Texas. The city of Troy is considering local assistance in support of the project.

• Delphinus Medical Technologies Inc. – The spin-off of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute plans to invest $5.9 million to expand to a new location in Plymouth Township to design, manufacture and market its 3-D, full-breast ultrasound imaging device. The project is expected to create up to 645 total jobs, including 109 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 536 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $779,118 over five years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in Illinois and Massachusetts. Plymouth Township is considering an abatement over 12 years in support of the project.

• Detroit Diesel – A state brownfield tax credit valued at $7 million will support Detroit Diesel’s renovation of its operations in Redford Township. The manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engines for the commercial truck market will upgrade equipment, make infrastructure improvements and purchase new machinery. The project will generate $194 million in private investment and is expected to retain up to 1,900 jobs, which were previously announced in June 2010.

• Genesis Corp. d/b/a Genesis10 – The New York-based business and technology firm with offices across the United States plans to invest $2.2 million to open a new development center in Troy to service their clients’ growing demand for domestic project delivery. The project is expected to create up to 594 total jobs, including 296 directly at the company. Genesis10 will be hiring a variety of roles including project managers, software engineers, data experts and other technology professionals. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 298 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $2.1 million over five years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Missouri.

• Inteva Products LLC – The auto supplier for leading OEMs around the world (formerly Delphi Interiors & Closures) plans to invest $4.9 million to expand and renovate its world headquarters and technical center in Troy. The project is expected to create up to 67 total jobs, including 35 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 32 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $263,055 over five years to encourage the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Ohio. The city of Troy is considering an abatement to support the project.

• Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC – ArvinMeritor, Inc. – The global supplier of systems and components to commercial truck, industrial and aftermarket customers plans to invest more than $23 million over five years in its technology center located in Troy for additional jobs to expand its engineering and development capacity. This project is expected to create 125 jobs at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by this program has the potential to create an additional 122 indirect jobs – resulting in 247 total jobs. This growth will augment more than 700 technical and professional employees at the company’s headquarters. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $2.2 million over seven years to convince the company to expand in Michigan as opposed to competing sites in Ohio and North Carolina. The city of Troy has proposed support for the project through consideration of PA 198 personal property and facility rehabilitation exemptions.

• Piranha Hose Products Inc. – The manufacturer of high-pressure, thermoplastic hoses plans to invest $6.3 million to expand their facility in Cadillac. This expansion will provide the space and equipment necessary to enter the oil and gas market. This project will also increase capacity for their current product lines to meet increasing global demands. The project is expected to create up to 107 total jobs, including 45 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 62 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $154,303 over five years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Indiana. The city of Cadillac is considering an abatement over 12 years in support of the project.

• Quantum Signal LLC – The advanced engineering research and development company plans to invest $1.3 million to expand in Saline to meet growing demand in both the military robotics and simulation/game sectors. The project is expected to create up to 93 new jobs, including 47 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 46 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $206,083 over five years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Virginia. The city of Saline is considering an abatement in support of the project.

• Royal Oak Medical Devices LLC – A leading supplier of precision machined components for the marine, agricultural and automotive industries plans to invest $2.6 million to diversify into the design, manufacture and distribution of medical devices at its facility in Oxford. The company is expected to create up 26 direct new jobs. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 42 indirect jobs, for a total of 68 new jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $195,181 over five years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in the southeastern and west coast regions of the United States. The village of Oxford is considering an abatement over 12 years in support of the project.

• Styron LLC – The spin-off of the Dow Chemical Company and global provider of plastics, performance rubber and latex products plans to invest $13 million to establish its North American Operating Center in Midland. The project is expected to preserve up to 690 total jobs, including 202 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to preserve an additional 488 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $4 million over seven years to convince the company to make the investment in Michigan over competing sites. The city of Midland will consider an abatement in support of the project.

• Waltonen Engineering Inc. – The provider of engineering and design services to the aerospace, automotive, defense, medical and heavy equipment industries plans to invest $9 million to expand its operations in Warren. The project is expected to create up to 276 total jobs, including 145 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 131 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $538,770 over four years to encourage the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in Washington, D.C. and Wisconsin. The city of Warren is considering an abatement over 12 years in support of the project.

• Whirlpool Corporation – The global manufacturer and marketer of home appliances plans to invest $86.8 million in real and personal property to consolidate its world headquarters into three compatible locations, including a new office facility in downtown Benton Harbor. The project is expected to retain up to 2,336 total jobs, including 868 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to retain an additional 1,468 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $19.4 million over five years to convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in Illinois and Georgia. (As a result of today’s MEGA board action, the company has agreed to set aside MEGA credits approved in 2001 and 2006.) The cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Benton Charter Township and Berrien County are considering local incentives in support of the project.

• YourSource Management Group Inc. – The provider of human resources services to small- and medium-sized businesses plans to invest $1.5 million to expand in Auburn Hills. The company is expected to create up to 65 total jobs, including 27 directly at the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project has the potential to create an additional 38 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $206,943 over five years to convince the company to consolidate in Michigan over a competing site in Tennessee. The city of Auburn Hills is considering an abatement in support of the project.

“Every day, we’re working with business customers and local economic development partners to put in place comprehensive economic development tools that companies can use to support growth and job creation,” MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority, the state’s response to interstate competition for company expansions and relocations, may provide a refundable tax credit against the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) to companies expanding or relocating their operations in Michigan. Since January 2010, more than 63,570 new and retained jobs have been announced as a result of the MEGA program.

For more on the MEDC’s incentive programs, visit http://www.michiganadvantage.org.

From the Governor’s Office:

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited GE Aviation facilities in Cascade Township following the company’s announcement last week that 200 new engineers will be hired to create high-tech electronics for the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (COMAC) joint venture with China-based Aviation Industry Corporation.

The governor said the combined experience and skills of the GE Aviation engineers represent one of Michigan’s greatest strengths in the competition for growth in global markets.

“This further commitment to Michigan by GE Aviation Systems supports the development of a growing sector in Michigan’s economy and opens a door to the world’s fastest-growing aviation market,” Granholm said. “We are proud that our Michigan workforce has the talent to move a company forward in the global economy.”

GE Aviation is making a significant investment in aerospace technology infrastructure in Michigan, supporting the development and manufacturing of advanced jet engines and avionics systems. Under the COMAC joint venture, the Cascade Township facility will produce electronic controls for the 150-seat C919 airplane to be built as modular units, designed to replace dozens of stand-alone computers currently in use on the planes. The C919 is expected to use up to 15 percent less fuel, but one of its biggest advances is expected to be the modular electronics under development.

GE’s aviation business continues to expand in West Michigan. Last month on the recommendation of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) approved an amendment to Johnson Technology’s existing MEGA award to secure an investment of $50 million in the company’s Norton Shores facility, creating 90 new jobs over five years. Johnson Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE, specializes in precision vanes, shrouds, and hangers that are used in the “hot” section of the aircraft engine.

GE currently employs approximately 2,400 people in Michigan. The Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center in Van Buren Township (western Wayne County) will be GE’s single largest global center of IT talent.

In this week’s radio address, Governor Granholm said a new state fund will help protect thousands of people at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure.

Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

Home ownership is, of course, the American Dream. But for thousands of Michigan homeowners, the possibility of foreclosure threatens to turn their dream into a nightmare.

Now, a new state fund will help to protect thousands of people struggling to hold onto their homes and their dreams. It’s called the Helping Hardest-Hit Homeowners Fund. The fund, which is financed by almost $155 million from the federal government, will be administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Michigan was one of the states selected by the Obama administration to receive these funds, and I’m proud to say that our state is the first to set ours up.

The fund begins operations on Monday, July 12, and as many as 17,000 Michigan homeowners will be able to avoid foreclosure by working out arrangements with their mortgage lenders so they and their families can stay in their homes.

Some of these homeowners are currently drawing unemployment benefits and having difficulty making their monthly mortgage payments. Others are having trouble keeping up with their mortgage payments because of a medical emergency or because their household income has declined.

Money from the hardest-hit fund will help these homeowners remain in their homes while they and their mortgage lenders work out affordable payment plans. So if you’re facing foreclosure, here’s how to get help. Go to the following website: www.michigan.gov/HardestHit.

Check the website to see if your mortgage loan servicer is participating in the hardest-hit fund. And if so, contact them to see if you’re eligible for assistance from the fund. If your mortgage lender isn’t on the list, keep checking back, because the list will be updated as new loan servicers are added.

The hardest-hit homeowners fund will benefit more than just people facing foreclosure – it’ll help all Michigan homeowners. Property values have dropped in many areas of the state, in large part because of the increasing number of abandoned and foreclosed homes. So helping families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes benefits every Michigan homeowner.

I want to thank several organizations that have partnered with us on the Helping Hardest-Hit Homeowners Fund. They include the Michigan Bankers Association, Michigan Credit Union League, Michigan Association of Community Bankers, Michigan Association of Realtors, and the Michigan Foreclosure Task Force. Their input was invaluable in putting this initiative together.

Michigan’s Helping Hardest-Hit Homeowners Fund will help stabilize neighborhoods throughout the state. And for 17,000 Michigan families fighting to prevent foreclosure, it’ll keep their dream of home ownership alive.

Thank you for listening.

A budget for K-12 schools is now in place:

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed the state school aid budget bill (Senate Bill 1163) for the 2011 fiscal year and honored her pledge to protect K-12 funding.

“I promised not to sign any school aid bill for the 2011 fiscal year that cut funding for K-12 schools,” Granholm said. “The completion of the school aid budget, together with the earlier enactment of school employee retirement reform legislation, provides schools with the financial certainty they need to adjust their budgets while still early in the school fiscal year.”

The school aid budget as presented to the governor authorizes the expenditure of $12.8 billion to support Michigan’s K-12 education system in fiscal year 2011, including $10.9 billion from the state school aid fund, $1.68 billion in federal funds for education, $184.3 million in federal Recovery Act funds, and $30.2 million from the state’s general fund.

School districts will see a modest $11 per pupil increase for both the 2011 fiscal year and the remainder of the 2010 fiscal year. The 2010 fiscal year school aid budget included a $165 per pupil reduction.

The 2011 school aid budget also recognizes the importance of early childhood education by adding $2.6 million in funding for Great Start school readiness programs, opening slots for an additional 760 students.