LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to deliver her final State of the State address, State Rep. Stephen Wooden said House Democrats expect a focus on “substantive issues that Michiganders need answered on,” particularly the rising cost of living.
Wooden, a Democrat from Grand Rapids, said he anticipates the governor will outline an agenda centered on lowering costs, building more housing, and making health care more affordable. He said the state must remain resilient amid what he described as economic uncertainty tied to a trade war and potential federal health care cuts.
“We need our state to be as resilient as possible to the chaos in Washington,” Wooden said, adding that Whitmer’s priorities would focus on “kitchen table issues” affecting everyday residents.
Wooden also responded to criticism from Senate Minority Leader Eric Nesbitt, who released a Republican “report card” giving Whitmer an F grade for her time in office.
“If they were going to create a report card for Governor Whitmer, they would have given her an F before she even took office,” Wooden said.
He argued Whitmer navigated significant challenges during her eight years in office, including the COVID-19 pandemic and what he called economic instability stemming from actions in Washington. Despite those headwinds, Wooden pointed to universal free school meals, increases in per-pupil education funding, repeal of the retirement tax, and expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit as major accomplishments.
Wooden said those measures represent “the kind of investments that have been helping everyday Michiganders,” while criticizing Republicans for focusing on grading the governor rather than policy outcomes.
