Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered a glowing report for Michigan on Wednesday. From creating tax breaks for seniors to clean energy projects on the horizon, Whitmer said the state is thriving.
"We have had a heck of a record and we are starting 2024 fired up," Whitmer said. "My fellow Michiganders, the state of our state is ready to rock!"
Delivering her State of the State address before a joint session of the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, at the state capital in Lansing, Whitmer compared her work as governor to the creation of an 80s rock album, proclaiming herself a product of the 80s.
She began with a recap of the state's Democratic trifecta policies in 2023 which included rolling back taxes on seniors, increasing the Working Families Tax Credit, and $1 billion in tax relief for Michiganders. The trifecta refers to the Democratic-led administration and both houses in the Michigan Legislature. 2023 was the first time in 40 years Democrats controlled both state houses.
"Groups only succeed when all its members are thriving, and lately, Michigan has been playing in harmony," Whitmer said.
The governor highlighted the accomplishments of her time in office including paying down $18 billion in debt, increasing Michigan's rainy-day fund to $2 billion, and creating a rainy-day fund of nearly $500 million for Michigan schools.
Starting in 2023, 1.4 million students received two free meals a day at school as a part of an effort led by Sen. Darrin Camilleri and House Rep. Regina Weiss.
"When I introduce my next budget, we're going to keep feeding students and lowering grocery bills," Whitmer said.
In the rest of her speech the governor spelled out her priorities for 2024 including clean energy, education for all levels, and investing in Michigan housing and Michigan families.
