For the first time in Michigan history, Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave the annual State of the State address virtually, due to the pandemic, addressing the people of Michigan from her office in the State Capitol. There was no way around it, COVID-19 was talked about throughout the nearly 30 minutes. She began her speech discussing the fact-based approach the State took in order to flatten the curve. Governor Whitmer shared some important statistics; over 9.6 million COVID-19 tests have been performed, making Michigan seventh in the nation for testing, and over 800,000 vaccines have been administered, making Michigan sixth in the nation for vaccinations.

Despite the politically divisive 2020, Governor Whitmer highlighted the bipartisan action that was taken, including passing two budgets and passing both the MI Reconnect Program and Clean Slate legislation. She called on the bipartisan nature to continue, especially as the state continues to face big challenges this year.

A central focus for 2021 will be what she called “Fix the Damn Road Ahead.” This includes a focus on growing the economy and getting businesses back on their feet, both of which center around ending the pandemic. She did note that central to fixing the economy is ensuring public health, of which as governor she believes is her priority.

To help the economy, Governor Whitmer is calling on the legislature to pass her MI COVID Recovery Plan. This includes permanently extending unemployment benefits to 26 weeks and providing resources to help small businesses thrive long after the pandemic is over. She is also focused on growing good jobs for Michigan residents. To help achieve this she announced the Michigan Back to Work plan, which is focused on growing the economy and getting residents back on their feet. Initiatives and projects of all sizes will be announced throughout the coming year.

Governor Whitmer also spoke about education, especially the disparities that were further highlighted due to the pandemic. Last year’s budget moved the state toward a weighted funding formula and her budget recommendations next month will further reflect ways to address this funding issue. She is reconvening members of the Return to School Advisory Council, tasking the Council with providing guidance by spring for districts, schools, and policymakers. The governor is also supporting funding for infrastructure improvements to buildings, and funding to help student’s physical and mental health.

As has been the case with her past addresses, Governor Whitmer highlighted the infrastructure problems plaguing the state. She highlighted the Rebuilding Michigan bonding program, which she announced last year. Despite the pandemic many projects were completed, and hundreds more are in the pipeline under the program. The governor also called on the legislature to pass legislation providing local governments more flexibility when tackling crumbling infrastructure. Lastly, she called on the legislature to pass the MI Clean Water Plan, which helps provide clean drinking water to communities across the state.

Governor Whitmer ended her address stressing there is a lot more work to do. She will be launching the “Fixing the Damn Road Ahead” statewide tour where she will engage with, and listen to, Michigan residents of all ages and political parties, focusing on what unites us and improving how we talk to each other. The mission of the tour is to find common ground in order to emerge from the crisis stronger than ever.

Her closing remarks were directed to the legislative leaders, asking them to work with her, in a strong bipartisan manner, to end the pandemic, grow the economy, and get Michigan students back on track. In the governor’s words, “the people of Michigan are counting on us.”

To read the full address, please click here.

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