A house chamber was packed with representatives awaiting the Michigan governor, Gretchen Whitmer. The State of the State Address was delivered by Whitmer on Jan. 24. The speech provided Michigan with insight into the governor’s plans for 2024.
Whitmer’s agenda for the year includes improving and expanding access to education, repairing infrastructure, eliminating barriers that keep individuals and businesses from succeeding in Michigan, and lowering costs for families such as; housing, electric vehicles, and tax credits for caregivers.
“Good evening, Michigan! How about the Lions?” Whitmer said.
She tied the address together with music and football references. On the Republican side, representatives were reluctant to stand but found common ground with the governor on some of the state’s recent triumphs.
A new and transformative plan proposed by Whitmer during the address was Pre-K for all four-year-olds in the state. Michigan has not seen a program like this before but Whitmer is convinced that it is a step in the right direction.
“When we get this done, no matter who you are, where you come from, or how much you make, your child can enroll in pre-K and be set up for success,” Whitmer said. “Let this be a message to parents in other states—come to Michigan. We got your back every step of the way, and we’ll save you 10 grand on your child’s education.”
Within the week that Whitmer delivered this address, the Ohio state legislature overruled a veto from their governor and passed a ban on gender-affirming care for minors in the state. Whitmer’s remarks on supporting parents were contrary to the actions of Michigan’s neighboring state.
The governor meant what she said about setting families up for successful lives with education and introduced support in the next step of a child’s education. With legislative action, Whitmer is set to provide the first two years of community college tuition-free to all Michiganders.
Whitmer’s ‘Pre-K for all’ program is two years ahead of schedule. These two new programs are part of the governor’s 60 by 30 plan. This involves having 60% of adults in Michigan earn a secondary degree or skills training by 2030.
Financial security was an overarching theme in Whitmer’s address. From improving education to welcoming startups, she is trying to nurture a robust economy that will help all Michiganders find success.
Tax credits, hiring assistance, and new renaissance zones for businesses will make it easier for startups to ‘make it in Michigan’.
“Hell, just look at our Lions,” Whitmer said. “Once a punchline, now a powerhouse. They’ve dominated by centering the grit that defines every Michigander. On the way up, they turned naysayers and cynics into dreamers. And I don’t know if you recall, but our Wolverines are national champions. Both these incredible teams are showing the country what Michigan is all about.”
Whitmer’s closing remarks emphasized a character and resilience found in Michiganders that she believes demonstrates a capability in all that should be supported.
“We are a state of humble, hard-working people with big dreams for our children,” Whitmer said. “This year, let’s keep rocking so everyone can have their own classic Michigan story. Thank you all for being here. Drive safe… Go Lions! and goodnight!”
Applause for the Michigan governor erupted as she made her way off of the podium and across the floor. Shaking hands and hugging coworkers, Whitmer concluded her 2024 State of the State Address.
