By: Gretchen Whitmer
January is a time of renewal, when we welcome the arrival of a new year and look forward to the road ahead. That’s why earlier this month, I delivered my Road Ahead Address to talk about my 2025 resolution: work with anyone to get things done and deliver real change for Michiganders on the kitchen-table issues. I also proposed new job creating tools that will lower costs, support Michigan’s auto industry, and build on the economic momentum of the last 6 years.
First, my values. Since taking office, I’ve signed nearly 1,400 bipartisan bills. Michiganders expect their leaders to compromise, especially when it comes to lowering costs, creating jobs, and growing opportunity. We may not always agree, but I’ll always reach out to my partners across the aisle to find common ground. It’s what I do.
Second, my proposals. Michiganders want to build on the momentum of the last few years. They want more money in their pockets, access to good-paying jobs, and vibrant communities where they can raise their families. That’s why I proposed new tools to keep Michigan’s economy open and on the move.
These tools include:
- A long-term funding solution to fix the damn roads with the right mix and materials so everyday Michiganders can avoid expensive car repairs and keep more money in their pockets.
- The Make it in Michigan job fund to help us close deals on big job creating projects and make more things here in Michigan, with Michigan workers.
- More investments in housing, placemaking, and brownfield redevelopment to boost our housing supply and drive down costs while improving our communities.
I’m proud of our record of success in Michigan. This year, 700,000 working families will continue to receive our expanded working families tax credit, getting hundreds more dollars back at tax time. A million Michigan retirees will keep money in their pockets because we rolled back the retirement tax. And every public school student will be able to eat free breakfast and lunch at school, saving their parents $850 per kid on groceries and valuable time every morning. There is much more to do, and our work together is only beginning. Let’s jump into 2025 with newfound energy to help more families ‘make it,’ in Michigan.
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