REDFORD, MI - Sunday, February 28, 2010 — Vowing to restore Michigan as a place where children and adults can receive a world-class education, secure and maintain a well-paying job or career, and can enjoy a healthy quality of life, Speaker of the House Andy Dillon today announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Governor.
Speaking from Detroit Diesel, a longtime automotive manufacturer that has embraced cutting-edge manufacturing strategies, Dillon spoke passionately of the need for a governor with more than just a desire to create jobs. The next governor must have a plan for how we get there and a track record of getting things done, he said.
Dillon, joined by family, friends and other well-wishers in his hometown of Redford, pointed out that this will be the states most critical gubernatorial election in decades. Its not about Democrat versus Republican, he said. Its not about management versus labor. Its not about Detroit versus the rest of the state. Its about moving our entire state forward.
With extensive private sector experience in business turn-around coupled with legislative know-how, Dillon shared how his background and accomplishments have given him the tools to get Michigan back on track. He is often credited as a chief architect of the 21st Century Jobs Fund, a landmark piece of legislation that created a $2 billion dollar fund for job creation and economic diversification.
Dillon pledged as governor he would develop and carry out strategies to launch Michigan into new realms of growth industries and innovation, including hybrid and battery technology. His plan includes:
- Requiring public utilities to generate a significant percentage of power from renewable sources - as a result thousands of new jobs will be created.
- Increase the Research and Development tax credit to help businesses create new products
- Increase funding for the No Worker Left Behind program, which has helped more than 25,000 Michigan workers
- Restore the Michigan Promise Scholarship Program
- Fund Pre-Kindergarten Education to invest for Michigan children in danger of falling behind
Dillon said he would pay for his plan by bringing greater efficiency to state government, including reforming the states purchasing process and consolidating the health plans of Michigans public workers.
Dillon looks to his announcement as the start of a new era for Michigan. I hope and pray that, years from now, when my children and your children can pursue their dreams in this great state, we will look back and say that this is where it began. Today is the day when Michigan dared to start dreaming again, he said.
Dillons announcement kick-off in Redford was the first of several stops around the state, including Lansing Community College West Campus in Lansing and Hangar42 Studios in Grand Rapids. The two-day tour will culminate with a special event at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.
Andy Dillon is currently serving his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives and his second term as Speaker of the House. During this tenure, his legal skills, accounting background and business experience have converged into a distinguished legislative record of advocacy protecting Michigans middle class and creating good paying jobs for the future. He lives in Redford with his wife Carol and their four children.
For more information and to get involved visit www.andydillon.com
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Andy Dillon Announces Candidacy for Governor: Part 2by Dillon4MI213 views
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