LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A year into her second term, Governor Gretchen Whitmer outlined her 2023 accomplishments while laying out her plans moving forward in her 6th State of the State address, mostly focusing on her plans to keep lowering costs, improve education, and focus on manufacturing in Michigan to compete in the global economy.
While laying out her plans, she mentioned the recently instated vehicle rebates to incentivize purchasing union-made and electric vehicles, as well as $1.4 billion that she’d like to invest in building new, and rehabilitating old homes to relieve affordable housing shortages. Both issues it was anticipated she would address as the increase in living costs has become a main concern for many Michiganders. John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Relations, said that focusing on items that are popular in nationwide polls seemed to be a trend in her speech.
“The governor was focusing on the issues that keep popping up at the top of the polls,” Sellek said. “Voters are really concerned about inflation and costs, and they’re worried about the economy and jobs.”
The governor moved up her timeline for providing free pre-k for all 4-year-olds. Originally set for 2026, she now plans to lower education costs by hitting that goal in 2024, and by making the first two years of community college free for high school graduates.
The Governor endorsed the introduction of a number of tax credits and called to establish an innovation fund for new projects. Caring for MI Families would allow caregivers to write off some of the expenses of taking care of an elderly or disabled family member. Some tax benefits would create incentives for research and development companies and others like the HIRE Michigan Fund would help small businesses with payroll. The governor also called to expand the definition of a Renaissance Zone, to make it broader and easier for zones to qualify under state definitions. In both the House and the Senate, Republican leaders say they remain concerned about these plans raising costs instead of lowering them.
“I didn’t really hear the words ‘bi-partisan’ on a ton tonight,” Sellek said. “There’s the ability on some of these issues that have involved tax cuts and reduced government spending, you could probably get some republicans on board, but right now they’re in a tough spot.”
With equal numbers in the House of Representatives, Republican leaders are calling for a shared power agreement, before working on any legislation that would move forward the governor’s plans. Members of the House GOP said they were disappointed more financial transparency laws weren’t addressed, following what they called historically inadequate legislation that was passed last fall.
The Governor ended the address by calling on the Department of Transportation to provide the last $700 million needed to finish her rebuilding Michigan plan.
