Local reactions to the State of the State Address
Posted: 01.18.2012 at 10:40 PM

Republican and Democratic Chairmen Dan Adamini and Ben Bohnsack commented on the State of the State Address

MARQUETTE -- Governor Snyder laid out his vision for Michigan in Wednesday's State of the State Address.

We sat down with the chairmen for the Republican and Democratic parties in Marquette County, Dan Adamini and Ben Bohnsack, as they watched the speech.

Governor Snyder began his speech by highlighting all of the positive things that the state of Michigan accomplished this year. He was satisfied with the state having the lowest unemployment rate of 9.3 percent in three years, the booming auto industry, and the agricultural industry.

"Our unemployment rate in the last twelve months has dropped from 11.1 percent to 9.3 percent. In November, we dropped below 10 percent for the first time in three years," said Governor Snyder.

However, Governor Snyder said he was disappointed with the quality of education students are receiving. He said 17 percent of students are not college-ready by the end of high school.

The governor also added that he is working with legislators to revamp the mining and timber industry, which hits home with people living in the U.P.

"I was glad that he seems to be a believer in our Michigan 1.0 as he would have referred to it. You know, timber and mining are still a very important part of our culture up here, and it's one of the great resources we got for the economy," said Republican Chairman Dan Adamini.

"New mining in the Upper Peninsula is very important to our economic development, and there's a bill that's been going through the state legislative process which could erode very much the ability of the U.P. to benefit that development," said Democratic Chairman Ben Bohnsack.

For 2012, Governor Snyder wants to focus on improving public safety, the local environment and preserving the Great Lakes, and creating more lobbying and campaigning laws.

The two Marquette chairmen were both happy to hear that the governor was acknowledging the positive movements that Michigan is taking.