LANSING – State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) hosted leaders of Michigan Sugar Company at the Capitol on Thursday to participate in the final approval of a plan that allows the employer to make major improvements.
"With this vote today, Michigan Sugar Company can invest in ways to protect itself against another big weather-related loss," said Espinoza, whose district includes the company's plant in Croswell. "By investing in Michigan Sugar Company, we are investing in the future of the Thumb and the jobs the company provides."
On Thursday, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm signed a bill that gives Michigan Sugar Company until 2011 to finish repaying a $5 million state loan. The original repayment date was Feb. 1, 2007.
The extension allows the company to invest in ways to protect itself against devastating weather-related losses like the one that cost millions of dollars in 2004.
The plan protects the livelihoods of about 1,300 farming families, 450 permanent employees and 1,750 seasonal workers who rely on the sugar beet growers' cooperative.
Espinoza has worked tirelessly on behalf of Thumb farmers and their families. Croswell is home to one of four of Michigan Sugar Company's plants. The others are in Caro, Sebewaing and Bay City.