FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 15, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer on Michigan’s Economy Adding 67,000 Jobs in Three Months Governor highlights low unemployment, seven straight months of job growth, high GDP, and bold investments in small businesses, economic development, and working families
LANSING, Mich.— Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the release of Michigan’s latest jobs numbers showing that the state added 67,000 jobs in the last three months, bolstering economic momentum that has been growing through 2021. The governor also highlighted recently passed bipartisan bills making huge investments in economic development and small businesses to further ramp up the state’s strong economic progress.
“As Michigan’s economy charges
“Thankfully, we are taking bold steps to invest in small businesses and empower Michigan to compete for big manufacturing projects. Soon, I will sign a supplemental bill and an economic development package that together will invest nearly $2.5 billion to support businesses, keep kids in school, and help Michigan win billions more in private investment to create tens of thousands of jobs. I will stay focused on growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering the cost of essentials for families.”
Economy As the governor continues to focus on economic recovery, Michigan’s economy grew 8.3% in the second quarter of 2021, which was the third highest in the nation and the best in the Midwest. The state also went from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $3.5 billion surplus and continues to lead the nation in automotive manufacturing. Personal income was up 19.1% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020, the fourth-largest increase in the nation.
Supplemental The supplemental will invest nearly $1 billion in federal funds sent to us by the federal American Rescue Plan to keep kids safe and learning in school by expanding COVID testing, protect seniors in by creating a team dedicated to their safety in nursing homes, and get vaccines out the door even faster to save lives.
Economic Development The economic development package will set up a $1 billion fund and give the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC, a new set of powerful tools to land some of the huge projects in their pipeline that would lead to billions in investment and tens of thousands of jobs. The package also delivers resources directly to new and existing businesses, building on work we have done since March 2020 to set up 23 economic relief programs and deliver over $240 million to small businesses in all 83 Michigan counties.
Roads Since Governor Whitmer took office, the State of Michigan has invested nearly $4.75 billion to repair, replace, or rehabilitate nearly 13,200 lane miles of road and 903 bridges. The Governor’s $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan bond plan is moving dirt to fix roads with the right mix and materials, supporting 45,000 jobs, and ensuring workers can get to work and parents can drop their kids off at school safely. |
Michigan’s Economy Adding 67,000 Jobs in Three Months
