Stabenow Touts Job Creation In Battery Innovation

LIVOINA (WWJ) - A U.S. lawmaker from Michigan made a stop in Livonia, Friday, at a local manufacturing facility to talk technology and jobs.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow has unveiled legislation she says would expand Michigan's advanced battery industry and create new clean energy jobs.

She talked about battery innovation in Michigan during a visit to A123 Systems Lithium Ion Automotive Battery Manufacturing Plant. 

"A thousand jobs, think about that ... a thousand jobs in the last year," said Stabenow. "I was here for the grand opening. It was very exciting to be here then and now to see the fact that we have a thousand jobs in Michigan," she said.

WWJ's Pat Sweeting reports thatsome  jobs are still availble for people with techinical skills and advanced manufacturing experience. A company official said he expects A123 Systems to double maybe even triple its workforce in the coming years. 

The Lansing Democrat wrote the "Battery Innovation Act" and calls it the first comprehensive plan offering Michigan companies the support they need to expand advanced battery production. Stabenow says that, if passed, the bill would result in job growth and ensure that America wins the race in the development of new advanced energy technologies.