LANSING – State Representative Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown) today praised the announcement by Vice President Joe Biden that Michigan will receive $1.36 billion in federal stimulus funding for the development and production of advanced batteries to power the next generation of automobiles, creating thousands of jobs for Michigan's highly skilled workers. The move also will position Michigan as a leader in producing the technologies that will help break the nation's dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
"This is great news for our hard-working men and women right here in Brownstown and throughout Wayne County," Kennedy said. "Our workers are the best in the world, and they are uniquely qualified to build the next generation of vehicles. This investment will not only create thousands of good-paying jobs, it will solidify Michigan and Brownstown as centers for automotive technology in the 21st century."
Kennedy supported a plan that was signed into law in April that expanded state tax credits for companies involved in advanced battery manufacturing to $555 million. The plan builds on Michigan's first-in-the-nation tax credits, the first of which were awarded to General Motors for the production of lithium-ion batteries for its new Chevy Volt, which will be built in Michigan. The tax incentives have resulted in more than $2 billion in investments by five world-class advanced battery companies that will create more than 6,600 jobs in Michigan.
The $1.36 billion awarded to Michigan is more than half of the $2.4 billion in federal grants announced today that will further accelerate the development and commercialization of safe and affordable electric vehicles. The 11 grants approved for Michigan includes $105.9 million to GM for its battery pack assembly factory planned for Brownstown Township.