For Immediate Release

March 28, 2006

LANSING, Mich.-- Expanding the number of Michigan households with computers and access to the Internet is a
laudable goal, but the Granholm administration's plan to set up a state-run computer purchasing program this spring will unfairly hurt Michigan businesses, the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) said today.

Governor Granholm's "MiPC" program reportedly would set up a government-run purchasing pool for all residents who want to buy computers, software, Internet access and other services. State-selected vendors would provide the equipment and services.

"The governor's program could deprive countless Michigan businesses of sales at a time when the state should be doing everything it can to encourage businesses and the jobs they provide," said Eric Rule, MRA's
director of governmental affairs.

"It's not only unfair to most companies selling high-tech equipment and services, it's poor policy and bad economics to let the state set up and operate its own alternative to the highly competitive retail marketplace."

Rule called on state legislators to hold up the planned launch of the program until it can be thoroughly examined and its effects on Michigan businesses determined.

"We want to make sure the state isn't about to unleash what amounts to a harmful 'computer virus' on the private sector," Rule said.

The Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation's largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers.