In a time when the state currently faces a $1.75 billion deficit, unconventional ideas like this are a welcome effort.

Michigan’s unemployment rate of 7.2 percent is the highest in the country. Under the proposed legislation, thousands of new jobs could be opened for jobless Michiganians.

In Louisiana, incentive-based movie-making legislation already has been passed and the results are encouraging.

Granholm said Louisiana saw more than 18,000 new jobs and film production went up from $7 million to $350 million.

That’s a staggering increase.

If Michigan saw that sort of an increase, a sizable amount of the deficit could be reduced.

And the legislation is already having an effect. In an average year, the state receives about six movie scripts for potential production in Michigan. This year, the state has received more than 80.

And why wouldn’t film studios want to shoot in Michigan?

The Great Lakes state boasts not only the largest freshwater lakes in the world, but also has locations for city, wilderness and suburb settings.

If a studio does decide to shoot in Michigan, job openings beyond those of the production staff would affect local residents.

In the locations where the movie is shot, hotels, caterers and security services would see a financial boost, serving the film’s crew and tourists visiting the production location.

Between the increase in production spending, the increase in potential jobs and the economic stimulus for local businesses, this legislation is definitely worth a shot.

At this point, what does Michigan have to lose?

The best part about this legislation is even if movie makers don’t flock to Michigan, the state won’t lose a dime. It’s completely risk-free.

Even after raising taxes and reducing spending last year, the state is still in economic disarray.

If Michigan is going to get out of its current crisis, it’s going to take more ideas like this. It needs to employ ideas other states aren’t trying.

Only then can Michigan become appealing to businesses and people alike.