Although Gov. Jennifer Granholm is focused on leading Michigan through the hard times of today, it is clear from Wednesday's State of the State address her eyes are fixed on the state's future.
Granholm spent nearly as much time talking about the need to improve educational efforts for children from birth to age five and first-time parents as she did outline the state's grim economic situation.
While Granholm called for private investors to put capital into the states Tri-Corridor - an endeavor to link the state's life sciences, automotive industry and homeland security efforts - it seems clear she believes the government's best interest is to invest in the state's children.
The governor gave two charges for what she calls Project Great Start. First, she said it will focus on educating new parents before their child is born, in the maternity ward, at check-ups and later at home.
"No one wants to be a bad parent," she said. "But not everyone understands what it takes to be a good one."
Secondly, the project will encourage children be read to on a regular basis before they enter the school system. Granholm said she wants the state's citizens and school districts "to recognize that education begins at age zero."
It seems Granholm recognizes investing in the future is a key component for improving the future.
And her convictions seem to be more than lip service given the shape of Michigan's budget.
Granholm did not try to sugarcoat Michigan's gloomy economic times with clever political twists - she was straightforward in saying Michigan's General Fund is nearly $1.7 billion in the hole.
"How did we get here?" she asked. "Quite simply, we cut taxes but not spending, and we continue to spend more than we take in.
"That must stop."
How does she plan to stop that? Not by raising taxes. She said she wants to get the government to run more efficiently before looking at that option.
Again, Granholm's strategy to focus on the future instead of quick fixes (the route some of her predecessors chose), illustrates how much Michigan stands to gain from her leadership.
"I'm cutting the fleet of state vehicles by 1,000 cars, calling in cell phones and credit cards, stopping subscriptions, color copying and pay stub mailings," she said.
"I have directed each state agency to use up every pad of paper in existence, even if my predecessor's name is on them. I don't need them to say, 'Granholm.'
"I need them to say that we're giving the taxpayers a frugal government."
Granholm used her platform Wednesday and called on all Michiganians to pitch in to ease the impact of the state's budget crisis.
It is pleasing to see she includes herself when she says "we will accomplish great things through this challenge."
Well, madam governor, we are ready to stand up beside you.
