Last week I outlined just how important it is to get the fundamentals right to get Michigan’s economy back on track. This week we take the next step, looking at how we in Michigan can promote our competitive advantages in the high-growth sectors of renewable energy, health care and biotechnology, agriculture, and manufacturing and advanced manufacturing to get Michigan moving again and create opportunities for long-term, sustainable prosperity for Michigan families.

While there is no question that we’re struggling in Michigan, we also have a number of areas that differentiate our state in a good way from anyplace else in the world. Our strategy to improve Michigan’s economy and spur job creation needs to leverage these competitive advantages to highlight areas where we stand out from the crowd, giving global companies a compelling reason to invest and grow in Michigan.

There seems to be a growing consensus about the economic potential of taking a leadership position on renewable energy issues. At the national level, people ranging from T. Boone Pickens to Barack Obama are calling for national leadership in developing and promoting new sources of energy, and with companies ranging from Hemlock Semiconductor near Saginaw to United Solar Ovanic in Greenville, we have seen first-hand how renewable energy companies are already creating jobs here in Michigan. Locally, there is also good reason for optimism. The Michigan Energy Fair, held earlier this summer in Manistee County, has put Northwest Michigan on the map, and a number of companies - representing thousands of potential jobs - are looking seriously at locating in our area. Just this week, both the Manistee County Commission and the Manistee City Council approved measures to close a deal with Mariah Power, a wind energy manufacturer, that would bring over 100 jobs to Manistee County. Despite all the potential, however, there are still some - including my likely opponent - who oppose pursuing these opportunities. We need to go beyond the same old, same old thinking of the past, and embrace the economic opportunity clean energy represents. I look forward to pushing hard on these issues as your State Representative. We simply cannot afford to be left behind in an area where we have such clear competitive advantages.

Michigan is also well-placed to lead on issues connected to health care and biotechnology. Michigan has long been a national and global leader in these fields. Detroit-based Parke-Davis, which introduced new production methods such as standardized doses and the first treatments for diphtheria and epilepsy, was active in Michigan even before we were known as the Auto Capital. Our aging population, combined with leading research universities and new investment in health care networks, make Michigan well-placed to lead on these efforts into the future. Our state government has also played a positive role in encouraging this growth, with the  21^st Century Jobs Fund helping to spur investment to Michigan life sciences companies. And the new Michigan Life Sciences Pipeline will soon initiate commercialization pathways to help turn ideas into marketable products that will create new Michigan jobs. According to MichBio, there are 542 life sciences companies in Michigan, which employ 31,777 Michigan workers and account for nearly $5 billion in annual sales. These companies focus on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, instrumentation, diagnostics and biotechnology research and ancillary services. Furthermore, since 2000, 92 new companies have been created, making Michigan’s life sciences industry the fastest growing in the nation. As State Representative, I will ensure those active in efforts to further strengthen Michigan’s competitive advantages in health care and biosciences have an engaged partner in the legislature.

We also have a real opportunity to further capitalize on a vibrant and stable agricultural sector in Michigan. Too often we take agriculture for granted, and too many involved with economic development efforts statewide seem to think that promoting agriculture is somehow beneath them. They ignore the fact that Michigan has the country’s second most diverse agricultural output, and that agriculture is Michigan’s second largest economic sector; they seem not to care that agriculture created $63.7 billion in economic activity last year, or that farming and processing provide more than a million Michigan jobs; and they seem to be completely unaware that at a time when our state economy is going through fundamental change, agriculture has been a rare source of economic stability. Here in Northwest Michigan, we see first-hand the importance of agriculture to our local economy. The four counties in the 101st District are all in the top ten in the state in terms of tart cherry acreage, and all in the top 15 in the nation! Furthermore, our farms are incredibly diverse, with everything from small Community Supported Agriculture farms to large dairy operations, all of which add jobs and economic activity to our area, and many local farmers and growers are working to bring “value-added” elements to their operation to boost profitability. As State Representative, I will be a consistent friend of agriculture, and will work to assist efforts to promote agriculture to build on Michigan’s competitive advantages in this area.

Finally, we need to continue to promote Michigan’s strengths in manufacturing and advanced manufacturing. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth measured the average income for a manufacturing worker in Michigan is $50,581, which is $17,777 more – or more than 50% higher – than the average Michigan worker’s salary. This shows just how important it is to hold on to our good-paying manufacturing jobs, and working to create the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future. To start, I will be a strong and consistent voice against outsourcing Michigan jobs, and will ensure we speak with a unified voice in Michigan in support of the American Manufacturing Initiative. The American Manufacturing Initiative lays out a comprehensive plan to coordinate the efforts of industry, academia, and state and federal government in leveling the playing field for domestic manufacturers, and it calls for dramatic action on trade, health care, intellectual property, and other issues. The AMI also calls for increased investment in developing leap-ahead vehicle and alternative energy technologies that would help to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while creating American jobs. In addition, we need to continue to promote advanced manufacturing, including expanding the state’s “No Worker Left Behind” program that provides two years of free tuition at community colleges or universities to provide Michigan workers with the skills they need to build new careers in high-demand industries. The need for these efforts are underscored by the announcement earlier this week from the Michigan Manufacturing Association that despite job losses in manufacturing, the industry is projecting a shortage of skilled workers in the near future. Indeed, there are currently 250 unfilled skilled trade positions in Michigan. As a result, the MMA is launching a new website on Labor Day - MiManufacturingJobs.com – to allow Michigan-based manufacturers to find Michigan talent. Even as we accelerate efforts to diversify Michigan’s economy, we need a State Representative who understands the importance of manufacturing, and will work to ensure a future for manufacturing in Michigan.

I also was privileged with the honor of meeting and introducing the former Michigan Governor, Jim Blanchard, to a group of Benzie County supporters. You can see pictures of the event posted here, and watch the video here:

Fundamentals are important.  While every 4th grader wants to learn how to run the fancy “Statue of Liberty” play in Pop Warner football, it’s the blocking and tackling that wins games.  Same thing for Coach Dale’s “four-passes-before-you-shoot” rule in Hoosiers.

When it comes to the economy, the fundamentals include fiscal discipline to encourage investor confidence; establishing a fair, competitive and predictable business environment; and making targeted investments in human capital - especially in education - to create the globally competitive workforce necessary to compete in today’s knowledge economy.  These aren’t the sexy, headline-grabbing announcements that politicians love; rather, they represent the nuts-and-bolts, behind-the-scenes hard work necessary to spur long-term economic growth and create jobs now.

The importance of fiscal discipline from government as a necessary precondition for overall economic growth cannot be overstated.  As Gene Sperling, a former National Economic Advisor, notes, “fiscal discipline creates confidence that helps maintain sustainable growth that in turn leads to more income, more revenue, and lower deficits – the so-called virtuous cycle.”  The increased investor confidence in a state’s credit worthiness that results from fiscal discipline also lowers the cost for the state to borrow money, which allows the state to do more with tax dollars when making important public investments.  On the flip side, fiscal recklessness and budget gimmicks have the reverse effect, a lesson we in Michigan learned all too well just two years ago.  As I have noted on multiple occasions, the Republicans who controlled the State House in 2006 chose the day after the August primary to vote to eliminate the Single Business Tax.  Here’s the problem: with no indication of how they would bridge the $1.9 billion hole in the state budget that move created (either through specific cuts or a specific proposal to replace the lost revenue), ratings analysts at both Fitch’s and Standard and Poor’s downgraded Michigan’s credit rating the very next day.  This increased the cost of public investments and made Michigan less attractive to private investors as well.  As State Representative, I will consistently oppose proposals that would put partisan advantage over the fiscal discipline we need from state government to turn our economy around.

To create a fair, competitive and predictable business environment, we need to strike a positive balance between taxes, regulations and long-term investments that will make Michigan an attractive place to do business in a global economy.  There is no doubt that business taxes are a central element of a competitive mix, and the recent Small Business Barometer from the Small Business Association of Michigan showing just 9% of Michigan small business owners feel that the level of business taxes is appropriate shows we have a lot of room for improvement in this area.  In addition to competitive business tax rates, business owners need predictability in what their tax will be (an issue I will deal with in more detail in a couple weeks).  Uncertainty kills business; the only thing worse than having a high tax bill is not knowing what your bill will be.  In addition, we need to review our regulatory framework to find the least burdensome alternative to businesses in protecting the people and places of Michigan.  We all can name regulations that don’t make sense, and simply continuing with some of these because it’s the way it’s always been done just isn’t good enough anymore.  I will work to streamline regulations while promoting health and safety to allow businesses to thrive.

Finally, we need to invest in Michigan’s people to ensure we have the globally competitive workforce necessary to compete.  These public sector investments are just as important to Michigan’s long-term economic prospects as creating a positive environment for private investment.  As former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich points out, “public investments in education, health care, transportation, and the environment are complements to private investments.  Businesses can’t be highly productive unless their employees are highly productive.”  Number One on this list is education, from pre-school to college.  Furthermore, it is the business community that is making the case for increased spending on education.  In a speech to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce last year, Knight Kiplinger, the editor-in-chief of the Kiplinger Letter, said that the state must “Invest heavily” in education to compete.  Others have called for increased investment in early childhood eduction, including Gene Sperling, the former National Economic Advisor mentioned above, whose book The Pro-Growth Progressive: An Economic Strategy for Shared Prosperity includes a chapter titled “Take Universal Preschool Seriously, Please.”.   We also need to do much more to invest in higher education as called for by the Lt. Governor’s Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth in 2004.  Unfortunately, Michigan continues to lag in this area, putting our economic competitiveness at risk.  A recent report from the Grapevine Project shows that Michigan ranks dead last – 50th out of 50 – in terms of state tax appropriations for higher education.  As State Representative, I will work to boost Michigan’s competitiveness through increased investment in higher education.  With an educated and skilled workforce a necessary condition of entry into the global knowledge economy, we need to recognize investment in education at all levels as a fundamental part of spurring economic growth in Michigan.

Along with knocking doors, we also stopped at the Annual Dog Parade in my hometown of Northport. The theme this year was “Indiana Bones and the Temple of the Lost Bark” – you can see pictures of my puppy Nessie and me on my Flickr page here. There were over 200 dogs and their owners in the parade – we were number 105, with many more to follow! It is the quirky little parades like this one that make the small towns and villages of the 101st District so special… and one of my favorite ways to introduce myself to supporters.

We also made it to the 3rd Annual Trap Shoot and Pig Roast, held at the Sylvan Creek Lodge in Wellston. Many supporters came out to enjoy the Great Outdoors and munch on the roast pig compliments of Mark DiBennedetto. Team Scripps placed in the Top 2 with a total of 12 points. You can also find pictures of the Trap Shoot on my Flickr page here.

Check back every Monday to read our weekend recaps, and let us know if you are interested in coming along!

Well, in Michigan in 2008, the economy is still the big issue. With the nation’s highest unemployment rate and one of the worst foreclosure rates in the country, Michigan residents are struggling. And yet, too often political campaigns offer too much rhetoric and too little substance on what, exactly, should be done to change course. Or worse, candidates fall into comfortable partisan “solutions” that would actually make things worse.

We’re going to do things a bit differently. Over the next eleven weeks, I will lay out, one week at a time, workable, common-sense proposals to create jobs in a growing economy. Ranging from investments in developing and maintaining a globally competitive workforce to streamlining regulations and working to create a competitive and predictable business tax climate for job creators, I will lay out an action agenda that I intend to begin implementing on Day One. Watch this space every Thursday between now and the November election for specific ideas that go beyond a narrow partisan appeal and propose real solutions to get Michigan moving again.

We can do better. By focusing on Jobs, Schools and the Great Outdoors, I have a vision for Michigan that goes beyond a simple partisan appeal and addresses the priorities that we share: good jobs and a growing economy, a world class education for a globally competitive workforce, and protecting the natural resources so central to our quality of life.

Our challenges are too important to resort to simple ideology. We need a representative who can bring people together from across the political spectrum to get Michigan moving again. That’s the positive message I will be bringing to the doorsteps each and every day between now and November 4th. On to November!

With just 95 days until November 4, I wanted to share some of the stories I’m hearing from local residents as I go door-to-door throughout our communities. I love going door-to-door, meeting people at their homes, hearing their stories and listening to their concerns.  The response I get is incredible, and armed with the up-close-and-personal look at where people are living their lives, we can turn Michigan around.

Local people are struggling.  The family in Scottville who are losing their home to foreclosure doesn’t want ideology, they want help.  The disabled veteran in Filer City doesn’t want soundbites, he just wants a government who will honor its promises to him and those with whom he served.  The 56-year old woman in Lake Ann who lost her job and now works part-time for $8/ hour while waiting for Social Security to kick in doesn’t want more partisan fingerpointing, she just wants a representative who will fight to protect Michigan jobs and grow our local economy.  And the young mother in Elmwood Township can’t help but think that all the cuts people talk about might just mean cuts to the same programs that help keep her infant son alive as he struggles with childhood leukemia.

These aren’t always the stories you read in the paper, see on the nightly news or hear about in the blogs, but they are the real stories of the real people you meet every day when you take the time to visit people at their homes.  People who put their trust in me as I’m standing on their doorstep because I seem to be the only one listening.

One of the reasons I’m running for State Representative is because I believe that by listening to people and then going to work on their behalf, perhaps I can make things a little better.  I invite you to join me as we work to make a difference in the lives of the people of Mason, Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau counties.

Dan Scripps

Last week, we set an ambitious target of raising $1500 before our July reporting deadline. Thanks to you, we didn’t just beat our goal-we blew past it! We raised an amazing total of $2360 in online contributions.

I cannot thank you enough for all of the help you have provided to this campaign, every time we ask the response is tremendous! We have just 103 days until Election Day and only another 12 until the primary, and your support goes a long way to ensure our success. We are getting stronger as we work into the last 3 months of the campaign and I urge to you join us as we march towards November. Look for emails sent straight from the campaign each week for more ways to get involved!

Thank you for your support,

Dan Scripps
Democratic Candidate– Michigan 101st District

We need to get Northwest Michigan moving again and this is the year to do it. With your help we can bring job growth, improve our schools and protect our great outdoors.

As we near the end of the primary race, now is the time to show just how much support we have as we move towards November.  We need to prove both to the decision makers in Lansing and the voters here at home that this is a race to watch and support.  State parties and other organizations use the financial reports from the July 20th filing to determine how viable a candidate is. We know we have a strong campaign, now we need to prove it.

We’re trying to raise $1500 by midnight on July 20th.  Please go online to danscripps.com and click contribute.  Every dollar you give helps ensure that Northwest Michigan will have a voice in Lansing that will truly represent you.

Please, visit danscripps.com and contribute by midnight on July 20th.

Thank you for your support,

Dan Scripps
Democratic Candidate– Michigan 101st District

If we’re going to have a shot at beating the GOP cash machine, I need your help today!  Please go to danscripps.com and help us meet our financial goals.  It’s time to get Michigan back on track.

LUDINGTON - State House candidate Dan Scripps today called for change to protect local beaches and the tourism dollars they generate after hundreds of pounds of trash washed up on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Manistee and Mason counties this week.

“An influx of trash is a growing problem in Northwest Michigan and across the state,” said Scripps, a candidate for the 101st House District.  “We must strengthen our polluter pay laws in Michigan to increase accountability and ensure that polluters pay their fair share when they harm our land, air and water. Anyone who pollutes our Great Lakes and endangers the beaches where our children play should not get off with a slap on the wrist.”

According to a July 15 Associated Press article, the garbage that washed onto a 10-mile stretch of Lake Michigan beaches overnight Sunday included medical waste such as prescription drug bottles and hypodermic syringes. Officials in Manistee County were forced to close a beach where some junk piles had reached 8 inches high. Officials are working to determine where the trash originated.

Scripps today also called on the State Senate to take action on a plan passed by the State House over a year ago, which increases the state’s paltry dumping charge to the highest in the Midwest. At 21 cents per ton, Michigan currently has the lowest dumping charge of any state in the Great Lakes region. This low dumping charge acts as a magnet for Canadian and out-of-state trash. Garbage from Wisconsin, Canada, Ohio, Indiana, and as far away as New Jersey and Florida comes to Michigan so companies can cash in on bargain basement disposal rates. The House plan also bans new landfills and strictly limits the expansion of existing landfills until 2012.

“One of the largest industries in northwestern Michigan – tourism – is completely dependent on keeping our air, land and water clean and healthy,” said Scripps, who has made protecting Michigan’s precious natural resources a hallmark of his campaign. “Michigan is a beautiful place to fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors, and we need to keep it that way. It’s time to end the trash industry’s free ride in our state.”

The 101st District includes Mason, Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties. The Inside Michigan Politics Newsletter lists it as a “Toss Up” and it is also one of the “Top 10 State House Seats to Watch,” according to the Michigan Information and Research Service.

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