North Michigan News

State Representative Greg Markkanen criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Good Jobs 2.0 program, stating that it is a repetition of the governor's unsuccessful strategy of focusing on attracting large corporations instead of supporting Michigan-based small businesses. Markkanen compared the program to Hollywood's trend of remaking classic movies, emphasizing that the original Good Jobs program was also ineffective.

"The governor’s new Good Jobs 2.0 proposal has a lot in common with Hollywood’s recent obsession with remaking classic movies; the only difference being, unlike many of the movies, the original Good Jobs program was terrible too," said Markkanen.

Markkanen argued that Michigan does not need to entice coastal corporations to the state for the sake of extravagant ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Instead, he emphasized the necessity of a robust economic development strategy that supports struggling small businesses across Michigan.

The original Good Jobs program, implemented in 2017, is widely regarded as a failure. Despite providing nearly $200 million in corporate subsidies, the program did not result in the creation of any verified jobs. The Good Jobs 2.0 package imposes median wage requirements on companies, severely limiting their ability to meet the program's standards. Furthermore, the proposal lacks legislative oversight measures, substantial claw-back provisions, or mechanisms to increase transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars.

"The original Good Jobs program quite literally spent $200 million on nothing," Markkanen highlighted. "Taxpayers didn’t gain anything from their investment. Yet, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer examined it and decided she wanted to revive the failed program. I can only assume her goal is to build her national profile by brushing shoulders with left-wing CEOs who will likely never expand into Michigan."

House Republicans have been urging the state to dedicate time and resources to develop a comprehensive economic growth plan for Michigan. Their objective is to create a thriving business environment that benefits existing Michigan companies and attracts new ones, along with their families.

"I sure hope the governor doesn’t own plants," Markkanen commented. "If she treats them anything like she treats the economy, they really need to be watered. Right now, she’s too busy at the store looking for the next perennial when she needs to care for the plants she already has. Michigan businesses must take priority. The governor must get off the national stage and help find real solutions back home."

In conclusion, Representative Markkanen expressed his opposition to Governor Whitmer's Good Jobs 2.0 program, citing the failure of the original Good Jobs initiative. He emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses in Michigan and developing a genuine economic development strategy. The representative also called for the governor to prioritize the state's businesses over national recognition and work towards finding practical solutions for Michigan's economic challenges.