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I know it has been a scary, uncertain week for many of us. Over the next few days, you can expect to hear more from us on how we?re fighting to protect reproductive rights in Michigan. But I want you to know that even though I?m fighting like hell to protect access to safe, legal abortion in Michigan, our work on fixing the damn roads, lowering costs, and putting money back in people?s pockets will not stop. We are investing in infrastructure, childcare, and supporting local economies in counties throughout our state. As your governor, I will continue to focus on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to Michiganders, and work to make our state a safe, prosperous place for all. ?
Quality, affordable childcare is the backbone of our economy, and I will work with anyone to invest in childcare professionals, businesses, and facilities so parents can go to work knowing their kids are safe and cared for. Recently, my administration doubled down on our commitment to childcare by passing a bipartisan childcare package and delivering bonuses to childcare professionals. ?
On June 23, I signed House Bills 5041 through 5048 to expand access to quality, affordable childcare for families and cut the red tape for childcare businesses. This package adds to our bipartisan successes, totaling 865?bipartisan bills signed since I took office. I am proud to build on those bipartisan efforts with a package of bills that will empower more childcare entrepreneurs and increase the numbers of quality, affordable childcare options for parents in every region of our great state.?
This week, I awarded $368 million in grants to childcare programs across the state as part of the second round of Child Care Stabilization Grants. Over 5,500 childcare programs received funding this round, providing $1,000 bonuses for staff and helping programs stay open for business. Michigan thrives when every family has access to quality, affordable childcare that meets their needs. These grants are another investment in the future and in our state?s prosperity.??
I know that with travel increasing this holiday weekend, Americans nationwide will feel the pain at the pump. That's why I called on President Biden to pause the federal gas tax last week.?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. Pausing the federal gas tax will offer real, immediate relief to Americans and help put money back in people?s pockets. ?
I also want to ease the frustration of holiday traffic by pausing construction projects. Throughout the spring and early summer, we have been moving dirt to fix the damn roads during a historic construction season, but this Fourth of July weekend we're moving construction barrels to ease holiday traffic. Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, July 1, and continuing through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 100 out of 162 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed.?
This week, we also began?major road projects?in Berrien, Livingston, and Montcalm counties.?Across Michigan, we are fixing the damn roads to save drivers time and money. These investments in Berrien, Livingston, and Montcalm counties will support 254 jobs and 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. I?m proud of what we have accomplished, so let?s keep moving dirt and getting it done.?
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On June 23, I also joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that Twisthink, a global digital consulting firm, is expanding in Grand Rapids, signaling continued economic recovery and growth in Michigan.??
Investment by Twisthink will build on Michigan?s tech strengths and create dozens of high-skill, good-paying jobs for Michiganders in West Michigan. Twisthink?s new headquarters facility will reinforce our reputation as a world leader in innovation. With investments like today?s, we will continue to grow our tech and IT sectors here in Michigan, further diversifying our economy. |
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Now, thanks to our effective fiscal management, hardworking people, and innovative businesses, Michigan?s economy is growing with low unemployment, rising wages, and strong small-business growth. Michigan?s future is bright, and investments like today?s by Twisthink will help us continue moving our state forward.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2.2 million and create 37 jobs, supported by a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Twisthink chose Grand Rapids to accelerate company growth, rather than out-of-state locations.?
When Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), I recognized a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get things done for Michiganders. With funding from the BIL, we can rebuild roads, bridges, and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every Michigander has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind.?
That?s why I established the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) - to ensure resources sent to our state through BIL are used efficiently and effectively. This office is committed to organizing and executing my vision for infrastructure. To stay updated on the MIO, you can sign up to receive their newsletter.??
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