Governor Whitmer Statement 

“I want to recognize all our outgoing legislative leaders for their service to Michigan. Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Speaker Jason Wentworth—thank you for willingness to work across the aisle to get things done on the kitchen-table issues. My friends Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski—thank you both for your support, friendship, and advocacy on so many of our shared priorities. 

“Our state faced historic challenges over the last couple of years, and we responded by coming together to deliver historic progress. We passed balanced budgets that paid down $14 billion in debt without raising taxes by a dime, secured over 30,000 good-paying auto jobs, and made record investments in our young people, from preschool to postsecondary. We made bipartisan progress on the issues that make a real difference in people’s lives. It was an honor to serve the people of Michigan with you. I wish you all the best of luck in your next chapters. I look forward to working with your successors to continue moving our state forward.” 

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist Statement 

“As President of the Michigan Senate, I want to thank Majority Leader Shirkey and Democratic Leader Ananich for their service. In the last few years, we have come together across the aisle to invest in Michigan communities and create opportunities for more Michiganders to thrive. We have proved that while we may have differences, we can still work together towards the common goal of moving our state forward. As they depart the legislature, I wish both Majority Leader Shirkey and Democratic Leader Ananich the best in their next chapters.”