To say that Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has had a busy year is an understatement, as he has worked to put the state back on track. Despite some very tough decisions, for example, signing right to work legislation, he still has a very favorable approval rating.
This morning the governor held a media roundtable where he talked about what he thinks has been a very progressive 2012, where he has signed numerous bills into law, campaigned against ballot proposals and navigated a plethora of controversial issues.
“I think 2012 was a very active year,” said Snyder. “I think we accomplished a lot. The goal is to reinvent our state. If you step back and look…I don’t think any Michiganders want to return back to the Michigan of 2008-2009 – we were at the bottom. So we stepped up and have taken a new approach.”
The governor said he was very proud of creating what he calls a customer service government. He also said he was particularly proud of a deal on a new bridge to Canada and repealing an equipment tax paid by businesses.
Of course he talked about Detroit and where he stands on the city’s current troubles. He said, “The crisis is getting worse every day.” Snyder reiterated that he is waiting on a report by a review team before deciding whether to appoint an emergency manager.
Even with the city in crisis, the Snyder said he was very proud of this week’s press conference where he signed several bills that will create the Detroit Lighting Authority as well as create a rapid regional transit system. One of the bills will also permit the city’s Downtown Development Authority to capture funds that will be used to help Mike Ilitch, owner of the Tigers and Red Wings, with his proposed $650-million sports and entertainment complex. There is also a bill that will help the Eastern Market to get funding to expand Shed 5, which will help them give assistance to those who make food products locally.
Snyder said he was particularly proud of the new Pathways to Potential program, where social workers will support the neighborhood’s families with job placement assistance and connections to both public and nonprofit resources.
“I’m fired up for another year,” Snyder said. “I have learned a lot. This is my state, this is my home. There is a very small window here and this is really about helping people. And you when have the opportunity…you do all that you can do.”
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