Government and Politics
April 11, 2023
From: Michigan Governor Gretchen WhitmerLANSING, Mich –Today, Governor Whitmer released a special message to the people of Michigan reflecting on the first 100 days of her second term and her work to improve communities and expand opportunity for every Michigander. The message follows the agenda laid out in the governor’s State of the State address, and outlines the progress made since the speech was delivered.
“Over these first 100 days, we have worked together to get things done that make a real difference in people’s lives, put money back in their pockets, and grow our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “We rolled back the retirement tax and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, putting $1 billion back into Michiganders’ pockets. We secured an $800 million investment from GM and $3.5 billion that will create 2,500 good-paying jobs at the new Ford facility in Marshall. We’re supporting hundreds of jobs in the UP with $500 million to expand production at the Billerud Paper Mill. We repealed our extreme 1931 abortion ban and expanded the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, protecting fundamental rights. And we made record investments to build more housing and fund community revitalization. We’ve gotten a lot done in 2023 and I look forward to more good work ahead. Let’s keep getting it done.”
Governor Whitmer and legislators have wasted no time addressing the issues that matter most to Michiganders. Since January, Governor Whitmer has signed legislation lowering costs for seniors and working families, announced 2,500 good-paying jobs, and signed an expansion of the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. She has also worked with legislators to pass commonsense gun safety legislation and a repeal of the dangerous 1931 abortion ban that she signed last week.
Next, Governor Whitmer will sign common sense gun legislation and continue to work with the legislature to get things done for Michiganders.
Accomplishments Over the First 100 Days
January 13: Announced that Michigan became one of the first states to support expecting mothers by covering doula services.
January 13: Announced $176.6 million in funding to build or improve nearly 700 affordable housing units across 17 projects from Cheboygan to Detroit.
January 17: Awarded nearly $25 million to support the hiring of 195 school resource officers (SROs) for the next three years in 195 school districts.
January 31: Signed a bill that invested in building affordable housing, revitalizing communities, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
February 1: Signed Senate Bill 13 increasing the impact of Michiganders’ votes, boosting Michigan’s economy.
February 3: Signed an executive directive to improve the State of Michigan’s contracting process by increasing business opportunities for Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs) to contract with the state.
February 3: Worked with legislators to roll back the retirement tax and quintuple the Working Families Tax Credit, cutting taxes by $1 billion for working families and seniors through the Lowering MI Costs plan.
February 6: Issued an executive order to build and refurbish more affordable housing faster.
February 13: Announced that Michigan won 2,500 good-paying auto jobs.
February 23: Announced the first series of payments for the MI Future Educator Fellowship and Stipend programs.
February 24: Signed a bill into law to invest in special education, student meals, safe schools.
March 1: Announced the launch of a new website to connect Michiganders to good-paying career opportunities in the rapidly expanding automotive mobility and electrification industry.
March 8: Signed a bill that provides $10.8 million to establish the Office of Community Violence Intervention Services to partner with community-based organizations already working to reduce violent incidents.
March 8: Signed legislation to secure 2,500 good-paying jobs at the Ford facility in Marshall, support health care workers, and lower costs.
March 10: Announced grants to help communities expand access to low or no-cost child care.
March 13: Announced new initiative, lowering the cost of college.
March 16: Signed bills to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, reaffirming legal protections for sexual orientation and expanding coverage to include gender identity and expression.
March 16: Announced the launch of the new $10 million Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund.
March 21: Announced Operation Safe Neighborhoods has taken 350 illegal guns off the streets.
March 24: Signed the Restoring Workers’ Rights bill package, restoring and protecting workers’ rights in Michigan.
March 24: Restored parents’ rights in deciding what’s best for their child’s education.
April 3: Protected preventive healthcare insurance coverage.
April 4: Repealed the dangerous 1931 abortion ban.
April 4: Announced a new bold approach to market Michigan as the home of opportunity for all.
April 5: Announced a new partnership to attract and retain investment professionals in Michigan.
Following February's shooting at Michigan State University, Governor Whitmer has worked with legislators to pass common sense gun violence prevention legislation, including background checks, safe storage, and extreme risk protection orders.
What’s Next on the Governor’s Budget
In her 2024 budget recommendation, Governor Whitmer proposed investments to lower costs for Michigan families including taking the first step toward providing pre-K for all of Michigan’s 4-year-olds. She also proposed investments to expand MI Kids Back on Track with tutoring and after-school programs and free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students. And Governor Whitmer called for dedicated resources for the first time ever to hire, train, and retain local cops, firefighters, and EMTs and upgrade public safety facilities and equipment.