Dear friends,
Over the last few weeks we have heard from our Governor on the state of our state and her recommendations for turning
our economy around and balancing the budget.
Michigan Renewable Energy Sources
I recently introduced legislation that coincides with one of the Governor's priorities as mentioned in her 2009
State of State Address. My plan is designed to increase Michigan's energy independence and jumpstart our failing economy
by allowing homeowners, farmers and businesses to sell their renewable energy for a profit. The Michigan Renewable
Energy Sources Act will require electric utilities to connect to and pay for energy generated by alternative sources,
such as hydro, wind and solar power.
The plan will allow homeowners, farmers and businesses to sell their renewable energy for a profit by allowing them to
feed their electricity into the power grid. The Michigan Renewable Energy Sources Act is modeled after a similar plan in
Germany that has created nearly 250,000 new jobs in Germany's renewable energy industry since the plan was enacted, and
I hope this plan provides a similar benefit for Michigan's working families.
Budget Recommendations
The Governor's recommendation for balancing the state's budget was announced yesterday, and many painful cuts were
proposed. Under the terms of the Governor's budget, millions will be cut from universities, the Department of
Corrections, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Human Services.
The budget also calls for laying off nearly 1,500 state workers by the end of 2010. While I understand that these
painful cuts may be necessary, we have to do all we can to avoid layoffs for our workers during these tough economic
times. I will be working tirelessly with my colleagues in the Legislature to find a solution to balance the budget and
address the funding shortfall.
If you have any suggestions for items in the e-newsletter, please e-mail me at leegonzales@house.mi.gov. Please click on the links above to get
more news about my activities here in Lansing. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Lee Gonzales
State Representative
District 49