This last month has been a busy time. We navigated the horrific shooting at our beloved Michigan State University, turned pain into purpose by supporting commonsense gun safety legislation, took action to ensure all Michiganders are protected under the law, and invested in students across the state.
I am proud of the work we are doing to build a brighter, safer future for Michigan.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
The time for only thoughts and prayers is over.
As the Spartan community and Michiganders across the state heal after the horrific campus shooting last month, I am grateful to my partners in the legislature for taking action and introducing commonsense gun safety legislation to enact universal background checks, safe storage laws, and extreme risk protection orders.
Addressing gun violence is a top public safety priority supported by a majority of Michiganders. No student should have to look over their shoulder when they’re walking on campus. No family should have to worry about making it home after a trip to the grocery store or church. No Michigander should live in fear.
We are in a unique position to get something done, and together, I know we will.
Last week, I met with members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ferndale to discuss how we can reaffirm protections for sexual orientation and expand protections for gender identity or expression in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). I heard from Michiganders about how protection from discrimination ensures no one can be fired or evicted because of who they are or who they love, and it helps grow our economy by making Michigan a more welcoming place for families. Many top business groups have come out in support of expanding ELCRA as well, including the Detroit Regional Chamber and Business Leaders of Michigan.
I called on the legislature to expand Elliott-Larsen in my first State of the State address in 2019, and I am proud to say that this week, the expansion passed in the Senate and is making its way to my desk. Let’s work together to build a welcoming, prosperous state where young talent wants to move and stay, and everyone can thrive.
Earlier this month, I signed a supplemental bill that furthers investments in Michigan’s children and education. This bill funds the school breakfast program, supports special education, and uses federal resources to promote safe, healthy learning environments by investing in violence and bullying prevention.
This bill makes investments to support the success of Michigan students and teachers, improve the quality of students’ education, better the health of students, and expand opportunity for families and communities.
Every kid in every district deserves to feel safe and supported in school, and I am proud that we will be making investments to improve every student’s in-class experience. I look forward to working across the aisle with my partners in the legislature to deliver for Michigan students and parents.
This week, Lt. Governor Gilchrist and the Michigan COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force released the Task Force’s final report, detailing efforts by the Task Force to respond to COVID-19 racial disparities, improve access to healthcare in vulnerable communities and communities of color, and save lives. Established in April 2020, the Task Force brought together a wide variety of leaders from government, academia, health care, economics, public health, epidemiology, education, and the private sector.
Michigan’s unique approach and investments helped the state outperform the nation in addressing COVID-19 racial disparities and eliminate the racial disparity in deaths caused by COVID-19. The report includes additional recommendations to build on the Task Force’s work and continue improving health equity in Michigan.
 When we saw that COVID-19 was uniquely lethal in communities of color in Michigan, we knew we had to act quickly. We responded to these disturbing racial disparities by putting Michiganders first and setting a national example for other states and the federal government to follow. We outperformed the nation in addressing racial disparities, saved lives, and collaborated with other states to share what we learned. We are incredibly grateful to the members of the Task Force for their tireless work under pressure and their commitment to Michigan communities.
We will keep working hard to build healthy, equitable, prosperous communities where everyone can thrive. I am excited that Michigan is on the move. Let’s build a brighter future together!
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