Granholm appoints outgoing Senate leader as budget director

12/28/2006

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced she will appoint outgoing Senate Minority Leader Bob Emerson as her next budget director.

Mr. Emerson will replace Mary A. Lannoye, who has been named the Governor's chief of staff. The governor will officially appoint Emerson to the position effective January 3.

"Senator Emerson's 26 years of legislative experience and first-hand knowledge of the appropriations process make him a perfect choice to manage our budget through these challenging times," said Governor Granholm.

Mr. Emerson was first elected to the Michigan Legislature in 1980 when he won a special election for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. After being re-elected to the House eight times, he served two terms in the state Senate, representing Genesee County's 27th Senate District.

Senator Emerson currently serves as the Senate Minority Leader, having served as Floor Leader during his previous term.

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