Michigan Governor Calls on Bush for Fair Trade

I spend a lot of my time in Michigan, so I pay attention to the politics there. I've not heard much that convinces their Governor understands how to attract jobs to the state which i s ranked as one of the worst states in economic development. But the last few days have have turned my head.

In her radio address to the State on June 9th, made a call to the President for fair trade, not free trade. Here's a quote from the State's webpage summarizing her address and actions;

“There is no question that Michigan has the best workers on the planet,” Granholm said. “But our workers and manufacturers need a level playing field. Right now, they’re being asked to play with one arm tied behind their back.”

Earlier this week, Granholm sent a letter urging the Bush Administration to use the new trade negotiations with South Korea to eliminate that country’s unfair trading practices so American and Michigan auto manufacturers have a fair opportunity to sell their products overseas. The Governor said any new trade agreement must lead to open and immediate access to South Korea’s market for domestic auto manufacturers.

Last year, South Korea sent 730,000 vehicles to dealerships across the United States, while the U.S. exported only 4,000 vehicles to South Korea. This is the result of South Korean trade barriers that discriminate against cars, trucks, and SUVs built right here in Michigan. “In a manufacturing state like Michigan, the automotive capital of the world, these issues are so important for our families,” Granholm said. “That’s why I’ll continue to be a strong advocate and a loud voice in favor of trade that’s fair to our products, our businesses, and our workers.”

Here's the link to the page if you wish to read it yourself;
http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192--145097--,00.html

We need more of this from the various states and our elected officials.