From making record investments in our infrastructure, to bringing jobs and investment home, to protecting Michiganders’ rights, I am proud of the work we have done in the last few months.
Our hard work is paying off. Together, we have powered record business growth, built one of the strongest labor markets in half a century, cut taxes for seniors and working families by $1 billion, and breathed new life into every region of Michigan.
Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and continue our economic development efforts, while lowering costs and delivering on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families.
Whether it's finding new companies to bring jobs to Michigan, collaborating with the legislature to defend our personal freedoms, or coordinating across departments to ensure access to quality, affordable education: I'll work with anyone to make life better for Michiganders.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
Michigan’s economy is moving. We have a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, comparable to the lowest levels Michigan has seen only three times since the ‘70s--with the last time occurring in 2019, my first year in office. Our strong labor market means working people are finding good-paying jobs, companies are investing and expanding in Michigan, and families have more money to buy food, get gas, and save for their children’s futures.
This year, with a productive majority in Lansing, we have brought thousands of good-paying American manufacturing jobs home, cut taxes by $1 billion for seniors and working families, and powered economic development in every region with business expansions, housing investments, and community revitalization projects.
Let’s build on our growth in the months ahead to deliver another balanced budget that makes a real difference in people’s lives and lowers costs.
No Michigander should fear going to school, work, the grocery store, or their own home because of gun violence. We’ve heard too many times how those who knew a mass shooter expressed concern in advance. We have seen situations where local police flagged someone but had no further course of action they could take. With extreme risk protection orders, we have a mechanism to step in and save lives.
 On Monday, I signed commonsense gun violence prevention bills that establish extreme risk protection orders here in Michigan. These bills ensure that police officers, health care professionals, and family members who are concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others can seek a court order to temporarily remove their firearms. These proven measures—already law in Florida and Indiana—will save lives and keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals.
Earlier this month, I signed a bill further protecting our fundamental freedoms. No one in Michigan should face discrimination because they exercised their constitutional rights, including their right to reproductive freedom by having an abortion.
 ELCRA had previously only protected individuals against employment discrimination if the abortion was to save the life of the mother. Now, those protections are extended to anyone who terminates a pregnancy, regardless of reasoning. It’s further proof that here in Michigan we will fight for your freedom to start a family when you’re ready, to live authentically, and to thrive economically.
To compete in a global economy, we must give people the tools they need to succeed, including access to quality, affordable higher education. That's why yesterday, I signed an executive directive aimed at lowering costs and reducing the student loan burden. I'm building on key actions we've already taken like creating the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and establishing programs like Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners to provide Michiganders with a number of paths to further their education.
This executive directive instructs state departments to:
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Assess the costs and benefits of the state re-entering the market as a student loan originator
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Determine enhancements to protect borrowers
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Improve educational materials
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Consider any additional measures to support borrowers
A strong economy requires a talented workforce. And we’ve got the best and brightest here in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to put every young person on a path to a bright future.
I am committed to building a state government that represents Michigan. That applies to the 240+ boards and commissions that serve the state. I encourage Michiganders to bring their talent and experience to state government and apply for an appointment to a statewide board or commission. Review our openings and apply at www.michigan.gov/appointments.
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