In GR, Snyder talks education, new jobs

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - As is his custom, Gov. Rick Snyder did not want to talk about any successes when he spoke Thursday to the West Michigan Policy Forum . Instead, he wanted to talk about his next agenda item.

Snyder focused, in part, on how to prepare the next generation for the jobs that will be available in Michigan in the future. He spoke to the group of business leaders and decision makers from around the state as they wrapped up their two-day meeting in Grand Rapids.

He pointed out the leaders in that room could take a leadership role in helping to define where the next generation of jobs will be, and educating students for that future career.

Snyder did tout how his administration's initiatives to get more Michigan businesses to buy and trade with each other has had a positive impact. That program, he said, is working well and benefitting many state-based service providers and manufacturers.

Snyder also called on West Michigan business leaders to oppose Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun's ballot proposal designed to block a planned new bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

The governor backs a proposal for a Canadian-financed international bridge. He told the West Michigan Policy Forum that the bridge project will "create jobs with no obligation to Michigan tax payers."

A Moroun-backed group collected signatures to place a proposal on the Nov. 6 ballot to require a statewide vote before a new bridge can be built. Moroun says the Canadian-backed project would impose costs on Michigan residents.

Snyder says the public "shouldn't let one special interest override the best interest of 10 million Michiganders."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.