DC Wrap Up

Although our trip to DC ended late Wednesday, or if you had my travel schedule early Thursday morning, this is my first chance to update you on the fantastic finish.  It began with an early morning conference call on the stimulus initiated by the Governor, with our Board of Trustees and key staff already in DC lobbying our congressional delegation.  The Governor's message was that she wants to be sure local officials are aware of the funding opportunities available or coming available along with an offer to help Michigan communities draw down as much federal money as we can.  At the same time, I was attending a special meeting hosted by Vice President Biden which featured a review of stimulus programs by federal agency officials with jurisdiction in those programs.  If you've been reading the blog, our LINK or visited our economic stimulus webpage you know there are some programs up and running and others we're waiting for guidance.  During the day, Vice-President spoke to us about the opportunity locals have to improve their communities and the lives of their residents through the stimulus.  He noted that this is a historic occasion and one in which local, state and federal officials have a trememdous responsibility to live up to the expectation that comes with having hundreds of billions in taxpayer dollars available to spend.  Much like President Obama had stressed with the nation's governors last week, Vice-President Biden told our group that transparency and accountability is paramout as the funds are spent.  All in all our trip to DC was very positive.  Members of Congress and their staffs were very responsive and supportive in our discussions.  Clearly, Michigan communities are seen more and more as the key to turning our economy around.