LANSING, MI - Following Governor Synder's State of the State speech, State Senator Mike Kowall made the following statement:

“I’m excited about what I heard from the governor tonight and I look forward to reviewing his plans in further detail when they become available."

“The changes we implemented in 2011 are beginning to pay off, but we have yet to realize all the benefits. For the first time in three years, Michigan’s unemployment figures dropped below 10 percent – that’s fantastic news, but our work is far from over. In 2012 we will continue the important work we started last year to get Michigan back on the right track."

“I look forward to pushing ahead this year with my legislative colleagues and Governor Snyder to turn things around for Michigan and our residents.”

On Wednesday, Kowall also announced he is suspending his candidacy for the United States Congress. He made the following statement:

"During the past year, Michigan Republicans have shown what’s possible with principled, conservative leadership. We’ve eliminated Michigan’s structural budget deficit. We’ve replaced the Michigan Business Tax. We’ve eliminated job-killing regulations and streamlined state government. Our economy is responding. Unemployment is down. Job creation is up. And our families are beginning to have hope in the future again."

"In one year, Michigan Republicans have accomplished a lot to turn our state around -- but there’s still more work to be done. Therefore, after much reflection and discussion with my family, I’ve decided to continue my work in the Michigan Senate and to suspend my candidacy for Congress in 2012."