“As we grow our economy, we must create opportunity in every single community.” In early February, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Directive to increase state contracts to geographically disadvantaged businesses in Michigan. “We’re getting more people from areas too often left behind into great jobs! Doing this will make the state’s contracting process more equitable and benefit Michigan firms owned and operated by people of color, women, and more. Let’s keep getting it done.”
The Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration recently passed its 50-day, second-term mark.
The real impact of their tenure in the government is felt across the state of Michigan, Detroit, and the economic growth that trickles down to the Black/ BIPOC residents.
Sunday, February 19, marked the first 50 days of their second term, which Whitmer recently touched on.
“On day one, I told you I would work with anyone to grow our economy, help Michiganders feel safe, improve our infrastructure and lower costs to help families put food on the table. Fifty days in, I want to provide a progress report,” Whitmer wrote in an email statement. “Economic Growth Governor Whitmer announces in front of Ford sign Over the first 50 days we have grown our economy, created and supported thousands of jobs and created opportunity across our state.”
Their administration got the ball rolling early in the year beginning in January with the announcement of funding for construction and improvements on nearly 700 affordable housing units from Cheboygan to Detroit, creating over 60 permanent jobs and 1,100 construction jobs.
From announcing an estimated $9 billion budget surplus to improving roads and continuing the transition to clean energy – a lot is taking place in the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration.
Later in February, Whitmer also introduced a budget proposal, including tax credits for childcare and preschool teachers, a temporary pause of the sales tax on electric vehicles and more.
“2023 is off to a productive start, but the work is far from over,” Whitmer said. “Let’s keep getting it done.”
Their administration also reaffirmed and expanded legal protections for LGBTQ+ residents following the Michigan House and Senate passage of an amendment to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
“Every Michigander deserves to be treated with dignity and respect under the law,” Whitmer said. “I’ve been calling for changes to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to strengthen legal protections for our LGBTQ+ community for years, and I am proud that we are finally getting it done.”
Gilchrist agrees.
“Our vision for Michigan must be inclusive and big enough for everyone to thrive. With this amendment of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, we are taking long-overdue action to help ensure full civil rights protections for Michiganders, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation,” Gilchrist said. “Let us build on this progress and continue our work to create a more equitable and prosperous Michigan.”
Progress also looks like eating healthy at a reasonable price.
Whitmer also recently proclaimed March 6-10 as School Breakfast Week. Whitmer highlighted her education budget initiative to offer free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan. The state would become just the fourth to get this done and improve the overall health and wellness of students across the state.
Black students, and others in the BIPOC community at large, are often impacted by pricey school lunches.
“What we saw consistently was that families of color, particularly Black families, had food insecurity rates that were two-to-three times as high as white households,” said Elaine Waxman, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute in a Word in Black article. “That’s not a new story, but again, particularly early in the pandemic, it was really exacerbated for Black families.”
Research shows that children who eat breakfast are more likely to reach higher levels of achievement in reading and mathematics, perform better on assessments, have increased memory and concentration and maintain a healthy weight.
“It’s hard for kids to learn on an empty stomach,” said Governor Whitmer. “Every student should be able to start their day with a nutritious meal so they can stay energized throughout the day and focus on class. Let’s deliver on my budget proposal to offer all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan free breakfast and lunch, saving families over $850 a year and helping them succeed.”
For more information visit michigan.gov/whitmer.
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