The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Local resident attends address
PUBLISHED: February 7, 2008
Tim Bortles of York Township joined state Rep. Kathy Angerer, D-55th District, as her guest for last week's State of the State Address.
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Bortles said a focus on diversifying Michigan's economy is key to accelerating the state's economic recovery.
"It was a special event for me to go to the Capitol and watch the State of the State Address," Bortles said in a news release from Angerer's office. "Kathy has a reputation of being both well-respected and extremely well-liked by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and that respect was apparent at the State of the State."
According to the press release, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's address outlined programs that dovetail with the types of initiatives Angerer has fought for -- initiatives that include rebuilding Michigan by diversifying the state's economy, securing a stake in the renewable energy field and creating jobs by offering tax incentives for emerging businesses.
The House Energy and Technology Committee recently approved a bipartisan plan crafted by Angerer to decrease Michigan's reliance on foreign oil by promoting energy efficiency. The legislation is part of a House package to create thousands of new jobs by tapping into the rapidly growing field of renewable energy production.
Angerer, who has a track record of forging strong bipartisan relationships, played an important role during negotiations held last year as the Legislature worked to find a replacement for the state's Single Business Tax. The resulting Michigan Business Tax, which the governor signed into law last July, is expected to create jobs by rewarding investment and protecting Michigan-based companies.
Recognizing that a highly trained workforce is crucial to creating jobs, Angerer's office said she also fights for better access to a quality education. Last year, legislation she crafted to expand the Michigan Promise Grant was signed into law. The law fixed a loophole with the grant's eligibility requirement that penalized students in border communities.
The new law allows students who live in Michigan but attend out-of-state high schools, such as in Ohio, to be eligible for the scholarship program when they attend a Michigan institute of higher learning.
Angerer donates a portion of her legislative salary to a scholarship fund for local students.
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