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Dear Michigander, 

Happy summer! This time of year, kids are getting out of school, families are taking road trips up north, and Michiganders throughout the state are taking advantage of our beautiful lakes to beat the heat. That’s why we’re pushing forward on fixing the damn roads with projects starting in several Michigan counties this week, so you can have a safe, smooth drive to wherever you’re headed. We’re also working on expanding affordable housing and ensuring Michiganders have a safe, stable place to return home after a long day in the sun. Plus, we're fighting to lower the cost of gas so you can enjoy those summer drives without worrying about cost. Whether you are a small business owner getting ready for the summer season, a young professional looking for a place to live, or a family taking a drive through the scenery in the U.P., I am committed to making Michigan a better place for all.  

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New! Financial Literacy for High Schoolers Signed into Law
Gov. Whitmer signs financial literacy bill

On June 16, 2022, I signed House Bill 5190 [ [link removed] ], a bipartisan bill updating Michigan’s high school curriculum to include a financial literacy course for the first time in state history. The bill will prepare young Michiganders for the future and empower them to take control of their finances.  

As a mom, I want every kid who graduates in Michigan to enter the world with a diverse set of skills and knowledge, and that must include financial literacy. Every young Michigander deserves to know how to budget, save, and invest their money wisely so they can get off a great start after high school, whether they go to college, start working, or open a small business.  

Since I took office, we have worked side by side to put Michigan students first, making historic investments in preK-12 education to improve every kid’s in-class experience and school facilities. Today’s bill will bolster the state’s education curriculum, and I look forward to signing another balanced budget so we can build on our bipartisan education investments. 

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Pursuing a Pause of the Federal Gas Tax

Americans are feeling the pain at the pump as gas reached $5 a gallon nationwide. For working families in Michigan who are facing rising prices on everyday expenses, this is unsustainable. The causes for this are varied – from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia to ongoing supply chain challenges – but the impact felt by people is real.  

In March, I sent a letter to Congress calling on the federal government to pass the Gas Prices Relief Act to suspend the federal gas tax, and on Tuesday I doubled down on my call for a pause on the federal gas tax [ [link removed] ] by writing a letter to President Biden. He responded this afternoon by asking Congress to approve a three-month pause [ [link removed] ] on the federal gas tax. Getting this done would save families money right now. As Americans bear the brunt of inflation and face rising prices on everything from groceries, childcare, rent, and other critical expenses, the federal government has the ability to reduce the price of fuel and put more money in their pockets. If we suspend the Michigan sales tack on gas and also get this done, we can save families nearly 50 cents a gallon right now - that's putting money back in people’s pockets.  

Letter to President Biden calling on pause of federal gas tax________________________________________________________________________

Investing in Affordable Housing





Last week, I announced that Michigan is moving forward with a plan to invest $13 million [ [link removed] ] to build 529 affordable apartments, townhomes, and housing units to help increase the amount of affordable housing options across the state during a housing shortage. These projects in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Midland, Nashville, Traverse City, and Wyoming are expected to add approximately $151 million to the state’s economy, create 1,000 jobs, and lower costs for Michiganders.  

This builds on the progress we’ve made since I took office. We have built nearly 12,000 affordable, attainable housing units, and under the Building Michigan Together [ [link removed] ] Plan that I signed into law in April, we’re charging forward with an ambitious goal of creating 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units within the next five years. 

Michigan should always be a place where everyone can afford to live, work, and raise a family. As rent and home prices increase across the country, we are moving forward with an aggressive plan to build more quality affordable housing. When Michiganders have a safe place to call home, it serves as a launchpad for economic opportunity and allows people to pursue their potential. Together, we can make necessary investments to create equitable pathways to attainable housing for all Michiganders. 

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Update: Fixing Roads Across Michigan
LG Gilchrist II at a bridge project site

This week, major road projects [ [link removed] ] are starting in Iosco, Ogemaw, Saginaw, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. In total, these projects are expected to support over 317 jobs. Across Michigan, we are fixing the damn roads to save drivers time and money. These investments throughout the state will help drivers go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands safely.  

Since I took office through the end of 2022, we will have invested 70% more in our roads than the previous four years to fix over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, supporting nearly 89,000 jobs. Both my Rebuilding Michigan program and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan [ [link removed] ] are helping us build safe, reliable infrastructure that makes a difference for families and small business across the state. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished – so let’s keep moving dirt and getting it done. 

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Supporting MI Small Businesses

Michigan small businesses and entrepreneurs are anchors of our communities, creating jobs and uplifting the people around them. I am committed to supporting small businesses [ [link removed] ] as Michigan continues growing its best-in-the-Midwest economy.  

Governor Whitmer visiting a bakery

I know that the needs of our businesses are as diverse as our businesses themselves. If you are a small business owner, I strongly encourage you to take the time to explore the resources available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, whether you are a brand-new startup or a community staple. Here are a few you might find helpful:  


* If you are in the early stages of getting a business started, you can learn more about how to start out successfully with our Business Assistance [ [link removed] ] services.  
* Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses have been resilient and innovative, and have continued to put their employees first. I am proud of the resources my administration has to offer to overcome challenges. [ [link removed] ] 
* I encourage you to consider connecting with the folks at the Small Business Development Center [ [link removed] ], who have a special emphasis on guiding business owners through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. You can find the expert in your region here [ [link removed] ].  
* Access to Capital [ [link removed] ] programs can help small businesses throughout Michigan receive loans from banks and lending institutions by working directly with lenders who in turn can provide transitional financing critical to helping small businesses receive the capital they need to grow. Among these programs is the Collateral Support Program, which is funded through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). 
* The Micro Business Development Program [ [link removed] ] is designed to provide grants, loans and other economic assistance to small businesses that create jobs and/or provide investment in the state.  





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*In Other News*

*Governor Whitmer Joined Michigan National Guard Pass in Review Ceremony at Camp Grayling [ [link removed] ]*

*Whitmer Announces Rebuilding Our Bridges Project Starting Today in Ingham County [ [link removed] ]*

*Michiganders to Receive Additional Assistance in June to Lower the Cost of Groceries [ [link removed] ]*






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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor · 111 S. Capitol Ave · Lansing, Michigan 48901 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]