LANSING — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was optimistic during his 2012 State of the State address about Michigan’s future, noting the unemployment rate has dropped from 11.1 percent to 9.3 percent, which drew applause. 

Snyder

The number does not take into account people who have quit looking and part-time workers who’d rather work full-time which raises the number to 18.8 percent, however. 

Snyder said that the unemployment number was evidence of “relentless positive action” that his campaign his undertaken during his time in office. 

He also highlighted Michigan’s newfound budget surplus and said that things are moving in the right direction for the state financially.

He reiterated his desire for a new international bridge in Detroit, which he said would place Michigan in the center of a trade zone running from Kansas City to Montreal that accounts for a third of North America’s economic activity. 

Snyder urged the Legislature to create health insurance companies to cover autism treatments and called on lawmakers to create health care exchanges required under federal law for people to comparison shop online for health insurance. Roads and bridges in general were also pointed out by Snyder as an area of need in the address. 

Lawmakers are hoping for more bi-partisanship in 2012 according to reports. 

Snyder also defended his emergency manager appointments saying that they help struggling schools and cities. The laws have been attacked as unconstitutional and the target of many rallies. 

Snyder said he wanted to see stronger campaign finance and ethics laws while also saying he would present plans for improvements in the public safety and energy departments.