ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Thursday’s U.P. State Fair schedule included a visit from Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.
During a ticketed luncheon, Gilchrist discussed some of the key issues facing Michigan residents. While he also touted some of the work the State has done to improve their situations, he said there is still work to be done.
“Every single table here is full of people who’ve advocated for higher quality of life in the Upper Peninsula,” Gilchrist said early on in his speech.
According to Gilchrist, one critical aspect of improving quality of life for Michigan families is affordable childcare.
“There are families all across this peninsula who pay more for childcare than they do for their mortgage or more for childcare than they do for their rent,” he said. “It is their biggest expense.”
He stated that in recent years, Michigan has made its most significant steps toward expanded childcare access in a generation.
“We’ve opened up more new centers, we have more new professionals, and there are more new slots than we’ve ever had,” Gilchrist said, “but we know there’s more to come.”
He praised the current legislature for ensuring K-12 students are fed in school. He then turned to the subject of higher education.
“There are amazing options for higher education in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that help lay the foundation for an economic future that is prosperous and inclusive,” he said.
Gilchrist said programs like Michigan Reconnect are making those options more accessible.
“As someone who was only able to go to the University of Michigan because of a scholarship, I know the difference that can make in someone’s life and trajectory,” he said. “I want every child who grows up here or every adult who’s seeking to take their career to the next step… to know that the U.P. is a great place to get educated.”
Gilchrist acknowledged the difficulties that healthcare organizations are facing due to federal funding cuts.
“We lost a hospital a couple of years ago,” he said. “We have lost maternity beds. That has led to babies being born on the freeway instead of in the hospital. That’s not a good thing.”
He said Michigan is working to protect patients impacted by those cuts. He also promised that the State is dedicated to providers.
“One day, everybody in this tent is going to need you… so we might as well start supporting you today and continuing to do so,” said Gilchrist. “I thank you for that service, and know the State of Michigan will continue to be supportive to make sure you have what you need, regardless of what happens at the federal level.”
He then addressed retirees. He said investments are being made to ensure retirees’ dreams of staying in the U.P. and living well are achievable.
“We have an opportunity to make sure that we are supporting everyone at every stage and in every station of life,” Gilchrist said. “Just because you don’t have a lot of money does not mean you should not be able to afford to have a good life here in the Upper Peninsula. We’ve worked to try to put money in people’s pockets. We’ve worked to try to lay a foundation for them to make money going forward.”
Before the luncheon wrapped up, Gilchrist answered a few of the attendees’ questions, including what his position is on data centers coming to Michigan. He said he is concerned with the way they are moving into the state, calling it “perhaps one of the ugliest examples of corporate bullying.” He said Michigan should hit the brakes on bringing in data centers and look into the potential impacts they would have on communities and the environment.
