Granholm will ask for specific actions by business leaders in three areas:
• Alternative and renewable energy. She'll ask for help getting an energy package through the Legislature that includes a renewable portfolio standard calling for wind, solar and other nonfossil fuel energy sources to provide 10% of the state's electric power by 2015.
• A better-educated workforce. Graduation standards have been raised; now it's critical to focus on reducing high school dropout rates. She wants to find money to create as many as 100 small high schools and close large failing schools.
• Corrections Department reform. Michigan spends way more than neighboring states on incarcerating criminals. If business leaders can help push through major cuts, Granholm suggested that one-third of the savings could flow directly to business by lowering the state business tax. Another one-third, she said, would go to law enforcement, and one-third to higher education.
Welcome back Governor.
UPDATE: Here is the video of the speech, courtesy of the Detroit News-
