LANSING-State Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) and Jackson-area community leaders met with state and local transportation officials this morning to discuss the potential of high-speed rail service for Jackson County. The group considered the possibility of expanding the current Detroit-Ann Arbor Commuter Rail Project, which hopes to have cars running by the end of 2010, to include Jackson.

LANSING, Mich.--Following the announcement today by Colorado’s Governor that a company will create 1,350 new jobs there manufacturing wind turbine blades, Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren) is calling for action on Michigan’s energy legislation. More than twenty other states have passed similar legislation with strong renewable portfolio standards and are enjoying the outcome through increased jobs and businesses.

LANSING-In the shadow of an energy-producing wind turbine in Delta Township, State Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) today unveiled details of legislation he has been working on to spur oil production in Michigan and provide resources for investing in renewable energy jobs. The announcement comes as consumers continue to pay high prices at the pump and the debate rages on about long-term energy policy.

ANN ARBOR–Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) joined Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on Monday for a ceremonial signing of the Great Lakes Compact at the Gallup Park Canoe Livery on the Huron River in Ann Arbor. The historic water protection package that she signed into law in July protects Great Lakes waters from large scale withdrawals and diversions outside our region. Sen. Basham’s bill in the new package, Senate Bill 727, increases the regulatory oversight of water bottlers by strengthening the permit threshold.