Richardville issues statement following State of the State address

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

LANSING—Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, tonight issued the statement below following Governor Snyder’s State of the State address:

“Governor Snyder began his administration by laying out a pathway of ambitious goals and he has continued on that path tonight through his State of the State address.

As we look ahead in 2012, the Senate will join with the Governor and House to once again focus on reforms and improving the economy in Michigan.  Above all else, we once again commit to the goal we identified a year ago: jobs.

My colleagues and I in the Senate want to help build a better Michigan where every person who is looking for work or looking for a better job has the opportunity to succeed.  Michigan must be a place where our hard-working, well-educated children want to stay; where our grandchildren are born and raised and where families can call themselves Michiganders generation after generation.

Not too long ago, Michigan epitomized the American Dream.  Our state was a place where hard work and dedication meant good jobs and great communities.  Over the course of the past year the Governor, House and Senate began to lay the foundation for a stronger, more attractive economy by simplifying our tax structure, eliminating red tape and easing the state's burden on our job providers all in an effort to create a better environment for job growth.

We have yet to see the full effects of many of the reforms signed into law over the course of the past 12 months.  This will be a year to take stock of the changes and improvements made in all areas touched by state government and to measure those achievements against the intended goal.

We are committed to continue our work in the Senate to ensure that the hard-earned dollars of our citizens are used wisely and that government continues to make common sense improvements.

We are just starting to see the evidence of new growth and economic improvement in Michigan and elected officials must continue to make responsible decisions about state government.  We demand a government that is more accountable and more efficient.

This year will again be about doing the most we can to spur job growth.  It will be about more efficient and effective government, about improving our infrastructure and responding to the needs of our citizens.

I commend Governor Snyder for once again creating a clear vision for Michigan.  The Senate looks forward to working with the Governor and the House to continue on the pathway to building a better Michigan, together.”