President Joe Biden speaking about foreign policy during a speech at the State Department in DC, January 13 (Credit: Susan Walsh/AP Photo)
As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office and give his farewell speech tonight from the Oval Office, Michiganders are reaping the benefits of policies and investments made under his administration. Michigan’s economic and social landscape has significantly transformed over the past four years, from job creation to clean energy investments and health care reforms.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison credited the Biden-Harris administration for its substantial contributions to Michigan’s progress.
“From bringing private companies to the table to invest over $32 billion in Michigan in clean energy and manufacturing to creating over 400,000 Michigan jobs, President Biden and Vice President Harris have delivered for Michiganders time and time again,” Harrison said.
“The investment and commitment the Biden administration made into Michigan will benefit the state for decades to come.”
In 2021, Michigan saw a significant drop in unemployment and strong job growth. The unemployment rate in the state fell from 6.5% in January 2021 to 4.8% in November 2024. During this time, Michigan added 421,900 new jobs, recovering nicely from the loss of 283,000 jobs that occurred when President Trump was in office.
Since President Biden took office, private company investment has significantly increased, with more than $32 billion dedicated to clean energy and manufacturing projects in Michigan. One notable example is a $325 million investment from the CHIPS Act, which is helping Hemlock Semiconductor build a new factory in Saginaw County. This project is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs in the area.
The Biden administration invested $15.5 billion in public infrastructure projects in Michigan. This included over $200 million specifically for replacing old lead pipes, which will help provide safe drinking water to communities. By focusing on clean energy and environmentally friendly development, Michigan is becoming a leader in the shift toward renewable energy.
The healthcare changes introduced by the Biden administration have significantly benefited people in Michigan. The number of residents signing up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has almost doubled, increasing from 263,000 in 2020 to 516,000 in 2024. This means more people in Michigan are gaining access to necessary health coverage.
Senior citizens in Michigan have seen substantial benefits through the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped insulin prices at $35 per month and out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 annually. Medicare negotiations for common drugs are projected to save the state’s 673,000 Medicare beneficiaries an average of $356 annually. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) also enabled Michigan to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage from two months to 12 months, improving maternal health outcomes.
Education policy under the Biden-Harris administration has eased the financial burden on Michiganders. Over 160,000 residents have had more than $5.6 billion in student loan debt canceled. This historic level of debt relief has provided new economic opportunities for borrowers and their families.
As President Biden departs the White House, Michigan is a testament to his administration’s policies. The state is better positioned for long-term success with low unemployment, historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy, and transformative healthcare reforms.
President Biden’s legacy in Michigan is marked by measurable progress across economic, health, and education sectors, leaving the state well-prepared to face future challenges and opportunities.
“As President Biden leaves office, Michigan is stronger than ever with low unemployment, new caps on prescription drugs costs, and billions of dollars canceled in Student loan debt for Michiganders,” Harrison said.
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