THIS JUST IN: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs economic development bills into law

New programs, $1 billion in funding will provide historic opportunity for economic growth across Michigan

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bills vital to Michigan’s efforts to compete for, and win, transformational projects here in the state into law. These bipartisan programs provide the competitive and flexible economic development tools that will enable Team Michigan to land transformational business retention and attraction projects by complementing Michigan’s already undeniable strengths as a state, including the state’s heritage in manufacturing, world-class workforce and Pure Michigan quality of life.

“Today, I signed a package of bills that will put Michiganders first and continue building on our economic momentum,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to the effective collaboration between legislative leadership, my administration, and community and business leaders, I signed bills that will back small businesses and empower Michigan to grow and attract billions in investment and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. Because both parties in the legislature came together, our state will be able to win huge, transformational projects and compete effectively for every dollar and every job for decades to come."

Michigan added 145,000 jobs in 2021, including 67,000 in the last three months, rounding out seven straight months of job growth and bolstering economic momentum. Today’s legislation will empower Michigan to create tens of thousands more jobs with a number of projects in Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s pipeline that could deliver capital investment of more than $1 billion and more than 1,000 new jobs to the state.

At the bill signing, Governor Whitmer was joined by House Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, who were instrumental in the passage of these bills.

“Michigan is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. But our business climate is still holding us back from what we can be. Small businesses are struggling to fully reopen, large employers are picking other states for long-term investments, and far too many local workers are still on the sidelines. We need to step in and provide a shot in the arm that will lead to new opportunities for everyone. That is exactly what these bills do,” said House Speaker Jason Wentworth.

"With the actions we are affirming today, we are not just demonstrating Michigan is 'in the game,' we are establishing our seat at the table, side by side with investors who recognize the value of Michigan and its unique assets,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey. “Purposeful budgeted actions will now replace the uncertainty of mortgaged futures. This first significant step must be accompanied by a disciplined commitment to improving and leading in every category, and, most importantly, friendly to moms and dads and families.”

“Make no mistake: this is an important beginning,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We appreciate the incredible diligence, hard work and collaborative approach to position Michigan for large-scale investments that accelerate growth in high-paying jobs, retain large customers for our small businesses and remain at the center of technological change for decades to come.”

Site Readiness supports business attraction efforts across regions

The Michigan Strategic Site Readiness program will allow Michigan to create investment-ready sites to attract and spur business growth in Michigan. Site availability and readiness have risen quickly as deciding factors for companies who are considering future investments and expansions. The program will provide grants, loans, and other economic assistance for the purpose of creating investment-ready sites to attract and promote investment in this state. As the MEDC works to win projects across multiple industries in both rural and urban areas, this program will ensure an increased inventory of sites, particularly large sites, to support projects today and in the coming years.

Michigan must create a new “home court” advantage

The Critical Industry Investment program will empower Michigan to make game-changing investments critical to closing deals, create and preserve qualified jobs, and bring significant capital investment into Michigan.

The bills signed into law today will fund these vital economic development efforts with a $1 billion appropriation, while also building on the work of the Whitmer Administration and MEDC over the past 18 months to ensure small businesses can thrive. They also create the vehicle by which funding for the site readiness program and critical industry investment fund will be authorized to the Michigan Strategic Fund for transformational projects.

Winning transformational projects in the state helps create opportunities for growth and success for small businesses, protects and grows jobs, leads to population growth, and builds more vibrant communities – and in turn, ensures that Michiganders all across the state have the best possible opportunity for economic growth for themselves and their families.

To view the full press release on today’s bill signing click here.

On January 11, 2022, Michigan Strategic Fund approves guidelines for these programs, positioning the state to win transformational, job-creating projects in months, years to come. Read more.

To learn more about why Michigan is a home for Pure Opportunity, visit michiganbusiness.org/pure-opportunity.

What people are saying:
"Today, I signed a package of bills that will put Michiganders first and continue building on our economic momentum," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Thanks to the effective collaboration between legislative leadership, my administration, and community and business leaders, I signed bills that will back small businesses and empower Michigan to grow and attract billions in investment and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. Because both parties in the legislature came together, our state will be able win huge, transformational projects and compete effectively for every dollar and every job for decades to come. The critical economic development fund we have set up will pay massive dividends as we continue staying focused on growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering costs for families. We also delivered resources directly to new and existing small businesses today, building on work we have been doing since March 2020 to ensure they can thrive. Our work over the last few months proves that when we come to the table in good faith and put Michiganders first, we are capable of extraordinary progress. I will continue working with anyone to deliver meaningful change on the kitchen-table priorities that make a difference in people's lives." 

"Michigan is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. But our business climate is still holding us back from what we can be. Small businesses are struggling to fully reopen, large employers are picking other states for long-term investments, and far too many local workers are still on the sidelines. We need to step in and provide a shot in the arm that will lead to new opportunities for everyone. That is exactly what these bills do," said House Speaker Jason Wentworth. "With this plan, we are giving small businesses a way to create new jobs in every corner of the state. We are helping large employers keep more opportunities here at home where they belong. And we are providing certainty, stability and opportunity to people worried about making ends meet when they sit down to pay their monthly bills. Those are the kind of results hard-working families need to see from their state government."

"This bipartisan legislation sets a new and transparent foundation for economic development that helps boost our state's competitiveness and is open to job providers of all sizes and industries," said Jim Holcomb, incoming president & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "It's also a shining example of the smart public policy that can be achieved when both parties and the Governor and Legislature work together."

"Michigan must out-compete other states to attract and retain manufacturing investment. I'm pleased to say that this package puts Michigan in the game for transformational investments as the auto industry and the component supply chain quickly evolves from the internal combustion engine to electric and autonomous vehicles," said John Walsh, President and CEO of MMA. "We commend Legislature and the Whitmer Administration for working together and coordinating closely with the manufacturing industry to allow us to engage in the interstate battle for current and future jobs and investments.

"We hope the hard work done here by Governor Whitmer, the legislature and all the business groups involved can provide businesses some respite from their continued struggles," said MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis. "The goal was to provide some assistance to the businesses that faced the greatest financial hardships and I believe this funding successfully achieves that objective."

"Economic Development Leaders for Michigan formed in 2020 to encourage bold action for Michigan's economic development policy. Today, we are pleased with the passage and signing of the SOAR funds and the crucial first step the legislature and Governor Whitmer have taken to stimulate investment in our great state," said Rob Cleveland, CEO of Cornerstone Alliance, Member of Economic Development Leaders for Michigan. "We look forward to continued efforts with statewide and local partners to ensure a long-term, comprehensive economic development strategy to attract both talent and job-creators to Michigan, grow our economy, and generate prosperity in every corner of this dynamic, diverse state."

"Big bipartisan wins for Michigan are increasingly rare, especially ones that have a transformative impact on our economy. Michigan created and owned the automotive industry since its inception, but leadership today does not ensure leadership into the future - especially in light of other states gunning for our assets," said Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. "The Chamber and MICHauto, along with partners across the state, are proud to have worked with the Legislature and Governor's office to pass the biggest bipartisan deal in Michigan since the 2019 bill signing at the Mackinac Policy Conference, which will allow our state to compete and win the jobs of the future."

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.