LANSING - Gov. John Engler urged the state Legislature to work with him in bipartisan efforts to reform education, create new jobs, repair roads and protect the environment in his seventh annual State of the State address last night.
"Last November, the voters said 'work together,'" Engler said. "I say to you, I am ready."
State Sen. Bill VanRegenmorter (R-Jenison) said Engler's speech focused on working with the Democratic House to advance the state of Michigan.
"I think it was an outstanding speech," VanRegenmorter said. "He recognized there is going to be a need for bipartisan support."
The topic that received the strongest show of bipartisan support was Project Zero, a program Engler instituted to provide jobs for single welfare mothers. Last night, Engler proposed to double the funding to Project Zero.
"We reform welfare not just because it gives parents a helping hand to independence, but because it gives children a helping hand to a better future," Engler said.
Rep. Mary Schroer (D-Ann Arbor) said Project Zero is one of the rare issues on which she agrees with Engler.
"That is one of the few things I heard tonight that makes a lot of sense," Schroer said about Engler's plans for the project.
Ann Arbor Mayor Ingrid Sheldon, a Republican, said Engler has taken an innovative approach to dealing with unemployment during his two terms as governor.
"I commend him for trying to look at the problem from a different perspective," Sheldon said.
Another issue that received mixed reactions from the Democrats was the proposal to expand charter schools, a strategy President Clinton has pushed at a national level.
"I invite members of the president's own party in the Legislature to join us as partners in opening the doors to more charter public schools," Engler said.
Rep. Kirk Profit (D-Ypsilanti) said he previously introduced legislation in support of charter schools, and he would be willing to consider Engler's proposal - but he wants a specific plan.
"The devil is always in the detail," Profit said.
However, other House Democrats said they would prefer that Engler focus on the people most affected by educational problems.
"I think we have to focus on the children in the school districts more," said Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor).
Another educational reform Engler proposed is the state takeover of school districts that have more than 80-percent failure rates on state proficiency tests or more than 25-percent drop-out rates.
"How in good conscience can we look the other way when thousands of children are trapped in failing public schools have no other choice and no other chance?" Engler asked.
VanRegenmorter said the proposal is sensible because state takeover is only used in extreme situations.
"I think it makes sense," VanRegenmorter said. "He is only proposing it as a last resort."
Engler also discussed repairing state roads without raising gas prices.
Instead of a tax hike, Engler proposed that funding for road repairs come from a law banning frivolous lawsuits, administrative cuts in the state Department of Transportation and federal funding.
Engler also spoke about preserving the environment while also preserving the right to own - and develop - on private property.
"The debate about protecting natural resources also requires balancing public use with private rights," Engler said.
Engler touted the state's environmental record as a model for the nation.
"One of the things I am proudest of is our successful record as steward of Michigan's natural resources," Engler said.
But many Michigan Democrats said Engler has not been a passionate defender of the environment.
"It was very misleading," Brater said. "Under this administration, money for monitoring the environment has dried up."
Engler also targeted students who physically assault their teachers by proposing permanent expulsion as a consequence.
"If a basketball player pushes a referee, that player is out of the game," Engler said. "If a student assaults a teacher, that student should be out of school."
In response to statewide drunk driving deaths, Engler proposed that people with repeat driving violations have their vehicles confiscated or be forced to drive with bright red license plates.
Overall, state Democrats were not impressed with Engler's call for bipartisan efforts.
"I really didn't like the partisan character of the speech," Profit said.
However, Republican supporters said Engler's speech was a good summary of his accomplishments.
"Looking at Gov. Engler's record, he has a high success rate at whatever he does," said University College Republicans President Nicholas Kirk.
JULLY PARK/Daily
Gov. John Engler delivers his annual State of the State address in Lansing last night, outlining a vision of school revitalization and economic development.