Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow says the future of the Michigan economy depends on a strong auto and manufacturing base, as well as agriculture:
“You can’t have an economy in this country unless you make things and grow things. And the fundamental part in making things really is the auto industry and manufacturing. ”
Stabenow was in Ann Arbor today to speak at a conference about the clean energy industry in Michigan. She says auto industry experts can also apply their skills to other industries, like solar and wind energy or defense manufacturing. Other innovations like bio-fuels could also grow the agriculture industry in the state:
“As we move more to other kinds of fuels, beyond corn, we will see other opportunities for us to really strengthen our fuel alternatives, as well as strengthen agriculture. ”
Stabenow is the chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. Agriculture is the second largest industry in Michigan.
-Bridget Bodnar, Michigan Radio News
