Throughout the year, Detroit has been experiencing significant progress as a city. However, it is crucial to recognize that the efforts extend beyond the boundaries of Detroit and are a testament to the overall advancements in our state, Michigan. As we near the end of 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist sat down with Michigan Chronicle to review their administration’s successes during a recent visit to Detroit. This review highlighted a remarkable year marked by bipartisan collaboration, substantial policy achievements, and numerous other accomplishments that contributed to the historical progress of Michigan.
“It’s great to have a lot of accomplishments which makes it hard to pick,” said Whitmer when asked what accomplishment she was most proud of this year. “1.4 million Michigan kids are getting free breakfast and lunch at school. That’s a big deal. Addressing food insecurity, destigmatizing the act of getting a meal at school and making sure kids are eating. When they are not worrying about where their next meal is coming from it makes it easier for them to pay attention in school and has all kinds of incredible benefits.”
Governor Whitmer also took pride in championing the passage of the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, a significant achievement aimed at eradicating hair discrimination and fostering broader educational and economic opportunities. This landmark bill garnered widespread, bipartisan support as it successfully moved through both chambers of Michigan’s House and Senate. Its passage marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to enhance civil rights protections in the state, expanding the scope of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The CROWN Act reflects Michigan’s continued commitment to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment, regardless of their natural hair choices, and stands as a testament to bipartisan collaboration in advancing equitable legislation.
The legislation received notable praise from Black Michiganders, recognizing its significance in addressing issues disproportionately affecting minorities, especially those related to natural hair. Governor Whitmer’s unwavering support for the LGBTQ community further contributed to fostering an inclusive environment, laying a strong foundation for Michigan’s diverse population.
In March 2023, Governor Whitmer reinforced civil rights protections for sexual orientation by signing Senate Bill 4, which also extended coverage to encompass gender identity. Since assuming office, Governor Whitmer has been proactive in taking measures to safeguard the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing that LGBTQ+ Michiganders are integral to the fabric of our state, she has worked to create an environment where they are protected, contributing to making Michigan a more inclusive and welcoming place to live and work.
Whitmer stated, “Signing the Elliott – Larsen Civil Rights Act to include the LGBTQ community with my oldest daughter standing by me was a personal highlight.”
Governor Whitmer continued to make headlines with historic bill signings, even as the year drew to a close. In one of her recent approvals, a pioneering set of historic voter rights bills were signed, aimed at securing the eligibility, casting, and counting of every vote in Michigan, without regard to an individual’s identity or residence. These newly enacted laws have a clear focus on enhancing election efficiency, expanding voter registration opportunities, and ensuring equal access to the ballot box.
Credible advancements affected various industries and domains in 2023. From education to mobility, criminal justice reform to delivering tangible results for women, families, and veterans, it was a year marked by undeniable improvements and progress toward a brighter future. The administration’s commitment extended to fighting for reproductive rights, evidenced by the signing of a controversial bill that eliminates the need for Michiganders to obtain a separate rider for abortion care in their health insurance. This legislative move serves as a compelling example of the administration’s dedication to prioritizing the rights of all Michiganders, setting a noteworthy precedent for other states to follow.
For Gilchrist it’s all about community. He has been a key piece to moving the needle forward here in Michigan and says that making sure that Michiganders are always the priority will continue to be a trend going into 2024.
“This is about growth and opportunity,” said Gilchrist. “Everyone is dealing with how expensive things are in the world. We’ve been able to put money in people’s pockets this year. $1 billion in tax relief for our retirees, half a million retirees in Michigan their pension and retirement are no longer going to get taxed because we delivered to repeal that tax for 12 years.”
“Fix the Damn Roads” transcended mere tagline status; it encapsulated Michigan’s steadfast commitment to enhancing its infrastructure. The administration’s dedication to infrastructure was evident in the significant strides made in road and bridge repairs, with now over 20,000 lane miles and 1,400 bridges fixed, supporting more than 118,000 jobs.
Water infrastructure received a boost with a $4 billion total investment as of 2023, upgrading drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater facilities, creating jobs for 57,000 individuals. Additionally, the administration successfully connected over 23,048 homes, businesses, schools, and libraries to high-speed internet, addressing the digital divide.
Although basking in the long list of achievements, Whitmer remains focused on the next set of issues to tackle. “I’m really proud of what we have been able to accomplish, but I’m also very sober about the fact there’s more work to do in terms of infrastructure, lower people’s cost, and growing our economy and population.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Whitmer and Gilchrist highlighted several areas of focus. Addressing the high cost of prescription drugs with an accountability board and providing time off for working families, particularly for caring for a newborn or a sick parent, are on the administration’s agenda. These initiatives aim to further improve the quality of life for Michigan residents and strengthen the state’s support systems.
The upcoming arrival of the Working Family Tax Credit, slated to reach mailboxes in February 2024, represents a significant and impactful development. This initiative stands as a major victory for the working class and families grappling with ongoing financial challenges, offering much-needed support to those striving to pay their bills.
Gilchrist stated, “If everybody is working and families are still struggling to make ends meet, they’re going to get this Working Family Tax Credit the day before Valentines Day. That’s going to be more than $500 on average for thousands of families in Michigan. We have families who are fighting poverty, just trying their best. We are making sure they have money in their pockets to put food on the table, buy medicine, and access other resources that keep Michiganders happy and healthy.”
In response to inquiries about the possibility of extending her work to Washington, Governor Whitmer maintained her concentration on the current responsibilities, affirming her commitment to fulfilling the remaining three years of her term. She emphasized her dedication to further enhancing Michigan’s economy during this time, underscoring her focus on immediate governance and service to the state.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Whitmer said confidently. “I’ve got 3 more years as governor and I’m going to run through the tape. We’ve got a lot left to do here in Michigan.”
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