"Year-in, year-out we want to ensure that we are spending tax dollars efficiently and in a way that provides the service citizens need and depend upon," Granholm said.  "We appreciate the recognition from Pew and Governing magazine that even in tight budget times, we have made improvements in the way we operate state government."

Are these people smoking crack???

I noticed that they steered away from that tax hike, er, I mean revenue enhancement to balance this year's budget (OABTW thank you, Sen bishop).

FROM:   Governor Granholm

RE:     Thank you

Today, I've been invited to Washington DC, one of only two governors whose states have been singled out by Governing Magazine.  Michigan is being recognized as a prime example of a state that has managed itself well during an economic crisis.  Governing Magazine does a survey every two years of all of the states, reviewing their ability to perform and manage.  

Michigan improved in three of the four categories in their survey, making us tied for the fourth best-managed and run state in the country.  This is due to your efforts - you, who have done incredible work during the toughest economic circumstances of any state in America.  

Thank you for your excellence, your teamwork, your integrity.  Thank you for being a public servant, especially now, when Michigan citizens need us most.  I've never been prouder to serve alongside you.

If you have co-workers who don't have access to e-mail or voice-mail, could you share this great news with them - maybe post it on your division bulletin board?  Thank you for helping to spread the news!

Click here to read the press release and to see the report from The Pew Center on the States.  http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-23442-186671--,00.html

__________

Yes, this is legitimate.