Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced proposed tax cuts, lower costs on insulin and electric vehicles, and better access to mental healthcare during her State of the State speech on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Detroit Diesel Corporation.

Whitmer kicked off her speech by honoring the lives lost at the Oxford school shooting that occurred last November. She also honored the more than 30,000 Michigan lives lost due to COVID-19 in the past year. 

“I know at times our nation’s capital feels hopelessly gridlocked, but at our state capital, Republicans and Democrats have shown we can come together to put Michiganders first,” Whitmer said. 

The delivery of over $420 million dollars in relief to small businesses, expanding access to high-quality childcare, criminal justice reforms, and education investments were included in the list of Michigan’s achievements in the past year.

Whitmer addressed several topics during her speech and put forward several proposals, including a repeal of the retirement tax, an increase for Michigan-earned income tax credit, a reduction of costs for insulin and electric cars, and an expansion of access to mental health services. 

Following Whitmer’s State of the State speech, Democratic leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township) issued a statement in support of her proposals. 

“House Democrats are proud to stand with Gov. Whitmer on our shared priorities,” Lasinski said in a written statement. 

Lasinski emphasized the achievements made in the cooperative efforts between the House Democrats and Whitmer. The accomplishments include record-breaking investments in Michigan schools and protecting the well-being of Michiganders during the pandemic by distributing testing, treatment, and vaccines across the state. 

“I am looking forward to partnering with Gov. Whitmer on these transformational opportunities for Michigan and am excited about all of the great things in store for us,” Lasinski said in a written statement. 

Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall), a House Tax Policy Committee chairman, said that Whitmer’s speech failed to address the needs of Michiganders.

“Gov. Whitmer has shown she is ready and willing to spend taxpayer money to fund her campaign promises,” Hall said in a written statement. “But the Legislature is committed to saving taxpayers money as they see costs rising everywhere. We need a sensible approach that will get people further along in life, instead of reaching further into their pockets to fund government wish lists.”

Whitmer began her Post-SOTS tour on Jan. 27 in Flint, where she promoted her proposals to cut taxes for seniors and working families, lower costs on insulin and electric vehicles, and expand access to mental health. 

“The question we have to ask ourselves is: ‘Do we believe in Michigan?' I know I do,” Whitmer said. “I will always believe in Michigan because we are strong and getting stronger every day.”

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