Senators Sanborn, Cropsey, Jelinek, Bishop, Van Woerkom, Stamas, Jansen, Gilbert, Hardiman, George, McManus, Birkholz, Pappageorge, Brown, Richardville, Patterson, Allen, Cassis, Kahn and Kuipers offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 143.

            A resolution to urge the Governor to focus attention in the State of the State address and throughout the remainder of her tenure upon the losses that have taken place in employment, manufacturing jobs, and personal income growth in Michigan.

            Whereas, Michigan's longstanding economic difficulties have impacted virtually every business and every home in our state. While those facing job losses, reduced income, and escalating uncertainties are suffering the most, it is clear that no family or enterprise is immune from the harmful effects of our eroding economic resources. Steadily climbing health care costs and pressures from rising energy costs further threaten every community. As our state continues to grapple with these challenges, many of which originate far beyond Michigan's borders, it is essential that we work in a bipartisan manner to address the difficulties facing our people and businesses; and

            Whereas, The job losses Michigan has experienced are reflected across all sectors of the economy. Between 2000 and 2006, overall nonfarm employment has decreased by 7 percent. Specific components of the economy have witnessed far greater job losses. For the natural resource and mining related sector, the decrease was 16 percent. For nontransportation manufacturing there were 22 percent fewer jobs in 2006 than there were in 2000. For this same period, transportation manufacturing saw jobs losses at 36 percent; and

            Whereas, Job losses, which have become more severe in 2007, are projected to increase, as unemployment in Michigan is expected to continue to rise, to more than 8 percent for 2008 and 2009. The rates of growth in personal income and the growth of real disposable income reflect the severity of this overarching economic crisis. The projected impact of  national problems, like the deteriorating housing market and energy costs, make it apparent that all parties in Michigan must come together to craft the solutions the people expect from their elected officials; and

            Whereas, The gravity of the economic obstacles facing our state makes it clear that virtually all policy efforts--from members on both sides of the political aisle--must be focused on the creation of jobs and the development of policies that strengthen the economic security of Michigan's families and businesses; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we respectfully urge the Governor to focus attention in the State of the State address and throughout the remainder of her tenure upon the losses that have taken place in employment, manufacturing jobs, and personal income growth in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor.