Governor Whitmer Header




Dear Friend,

As we look ahead to spring in the Michigan Legislature, we will build on our progress to tackle the challenges Michiganders are facing and help more people ?make it? in Michigan.

My partners in the legislature and I have already gotten a heck of a lot done. We cut taxes for seniors and working families, delivered free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan, powered clean energy growth across our state, and so much more. We are working together to grow Michigan?s economy, lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and make Michigan a great place to live.

This spring, we are working on another balanced budget, centered on the priorities I laid out earlier this year. Right now, Senator Anthony, Representative Witwer, and their committees are working hard to craft a budget that delivers on the kitchen-table issues that make a real difference in people?s lives. Together, we will get it done.

legislators

One of the most important proposals in my budget is the Michigan Guarantee. It?s a simple promise with huge implications: every child in Michigan deserves a free public education from pre-K through community college. Kids who attend pre-K have higher literacy rates, better test scores, and are more likely to graduate and attend college. Students who attain a degree or certificate from a community college unlock a path to a better-paying, high-skill job in a career they love. We should help our students save thousands of dollars, put them on a path to success, and help our businesses get the talent they need to fill in-demand jobs. The Legislature must prioritize the Michigan Guarantee so we can make this transformational opportunity a reality for students. Let?s get it done.

As we deliver the budget, we must also upgrade our state?s economic development toolkit to attract and retain businesses and bring more advanced manufacturing home to Michigan. Our current bipartisan economic development tools, which we established in December 2021, have helped us secure thousands of good-paying jobs up and down the supply chain building cars, chips, and clean energy. Now, we must go further. In my State of the State address, I proposed four new tools: a Research & Development tax credit, the HIRE Michigan Fund to encourage companies to hire in Michigan, simplified Renaissance Zones to create jobs in underinvested areas, and an Innovation Fund to boost high-growth startups. Let?s put these new tools in our toolbox so we can continue leading and building the future.

Finally, let?s replenish the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund (DECF), which is severely depleted. Michigan communities are already feeling the effects of climate change. Last August, seven severe tornadoes cut a swath across mid- and southeastern Michigan causing extensive damage to homes and businesses. As we face down another summer with the potential for severe weather, we must be prepared to help local communities prepare, recover, and rebuild.

By working with my partners in the legislature, we have accomplished a lot to build a brighter for Michigan. We?re making historic investments in affordable housing, education, and more. Michigan?s state flower?the orange construction barrel?is blooming as road projects start back up. But we cannot let up. We must keep our foot on the accelerator to address the pressing issues we face and set Michigan up for success.

This spring, my partners in the legislature and I will keep working to grow Michigan?s economy, invest in our communities, and help anyone ?make it? in Michigan. ?

Sincerely,

G Signature

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor








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