Blog
Your Michigan
In addition to signing the pledge for Michigan, we have been asking you to share your stories about how and why you plan to get Michigan back on track—and you’ve been responding. We wanted to take a moment to pass along some of the highlights and common themes.
One frequently voiced sentiment is that the state must support the arts and creativity to pull through this tough economy. Margaret from Ann Arbor writes:
I want to see the Michigan economy grow out of the boom and bust cycle based on auto industry dependence. The arts can help our state do that. They are a significant sector of the economy that routinely brings in $10 to every $1 invested. Michigan communities such as Jackson, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor have made significant investments that have boosted their communities in these hard times. The state should take notice of these success stories and take a tip from Grand Rapids' Art Prize and start to market in a major way the cultural assets of our state.
We couldn’t agree more. Michigan, a state that once ranked near the top of the nation in arts funding, now ranks 48th. This is why we’re bringing people together to urge Lansing to increase arts funding (read more about that here).
Another trend we’re picking up on is that saving Michigan is a movement that extends across state lines, and comments are pouring in from around the country. For instance, Jeffery from Brooklyn tells us he’s signing the pledge because he supports Michigan even though he’s in New York—state pride runs deep:
I used to live there and still love Michigan.
We often find those ties are strong enough to bring expats back to be a part of shaping the future of Michigan.
For instance, Will moved back to Michigan to start TheMittenState.com, a local business that donates a percentage of every sale to reviving Michigan’s economy. He writes:
I just moved back to Michigan after having spent several years in California. […]I recently came back to hopefully play a small role in Michigan's revitalization and give back to the community.
I'm a native Michigander, love my state and all it offers. I believe that the PEOPLE of MI are the key to the revival of our great state!
I'm pledging because we can only change from within. It's up to us and one person who makes subtle changes in their lives is the beginning of change.
You’ve spoken: Michiganders are ready to do the hard work that is necessary to reinvent the state.
So, if you haven’t signed on yet, what are you waiting for?
Join us in creating a better future for the state. Be a part of Let’s Save Michigan.
Photo by ifmuth used under Creative Commons license.
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