LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her State of the State address Wednesday night, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have quickly released their reactions.
It’s tradition for both political parties to stand when the governor enters the House chambers to deliver their message, but after that, all bets are off.
As 6 News Capitol Correspondent Tim Skubick reported earlier this week, it was never Whitmer intention to aggravate the Republicans with her speech, and specifically she planned to avoid the Right to Work issue.
For the most part, Whitmer was able to avoid the raucous reception from Republicans, with little booing heard throughout her speech.
That doesn’t mean the Grand Old Party was a fan of her address, though.
Here is what several lawmakers and groups had to say about the speech:
Facts are stubborn things aren’t they? Democrats along with Gretchen Whitmer are calling for bipartisanship, working together to “solve problems” but have yet to show a single bipartisan bone. Republicans however continue to try to work toward attracting high paying careers of the future, making life more affordable for every Michigander and fostering safer communities. We’re all ears if Democrats want to work with us.
Gustavo Portela, House Republicans Communications Director
“Michiganders deserve a state government that’s working to ensure the cost of living is affordable, good-paying jobs are attainable, and solutions are being created to support our working families across the state. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Senate to produce legislation that supports the plans Gov. Whitmer has laid out.”
State Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe)
“I am excited about working with the governor and my colleagues to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all Michiganders. As the governor mentioned this evening, we stand with hundreds of Michigan businesses, nonprofit and faith-based organizations committed to expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to help Michigan’s working families who are struggling financially. This will help hundreds of thousands of people be able to pay for childcare, groceries, and transportation.”
State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit)
“Tonight was not about what Democrats want for Michigan. Rather, the priorities laid out tonight benefit Michiganders across the state and, finally, we are in a position to deliver results for residents. I fully support the Governor’s plans to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit, which will give Michigan families the financial support they need to pay for everyday essentials like groceries, childcare, and transportation. I am pleased to continue working to ensure Michiganders are not subjected to the unfair ‘retirement tax’ which is another priority of both the governor and my colleagues.”
State Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint)
“I am happy to see substantial progress being made on expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which will help Michigan families pay for everyday needs like groceries, childcare, and transportation. In addition, Gov. Whitmer’s plans to continue to invest in programs like Michigan Reconnect demonstrate a commitment to providing Michiganders with opportunities to further their education and find higher-paying jobs.”
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing)
“The governor delivered nothing more than a stump speech, light on details and void of new ideas to deliver on the priorities of the people of Michigan.
“First and foremost, Michiganders need relief during these difficult economic times that are defined by a rising cost of living. They need the governor to work for immediate, fair tax relief — plans Republicans have put forward. Democrats may be starting to come around to our ideas to provide immediate relief for Michigan workers and fair, timely relief for seniors, and the governor should help us make this relief a reality.
State House Republican Leader Matt Hall.
“The people of Michigan were the true spotlight of Gov. Whitmer’s address tonight. She focused her message on the grit and good nature of the men and women who make the state of our state strong, and because of them, we have so much to be optimistic about as we look to the future.
State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids)
“Republicans are ready to work with the governor to provide Michiganders with immediate tax relief right now. And we’ve heard for months how the governor and Democrats want to lower taxes and provide relief for struggling Michigan families. But actions speak louder than words.
State Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt.
“The governor and I have sharply different visions for moving Michigan forward into a brighter future. There is a better way to do things than she proposes.”
State Sen. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell)
“The governor’s mention of Senate Bill 1 during her speech tonight and its passage from committee today is proof that we are here to be a government that works for the people of Michigan. It’s an honor to be part of a legislature that has shown we are immediately ready to get to work on issues that directly impact families in the state.”
State Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Claire Shores)
“We are in a unique position to reshape Michigan’s future by prioritizing investments in public education, infrastructure and workforce development. Approaching economic development with a wider and more holistic lens will create new jobs in high-paying and skilled industries.”
State Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing)
“Gov. Whitmer has the right priorities. She’s protecting older Michiganders by repealing the retirement tax, a goal I have sought after for years. I look forward to working with her and my colleagues across the aisle to continue to attract investments in manufacturing to create new jobs. Her leadership is helping to make Michigan an excellent place to live, work and retire.”
State Rep. Angela Witwer
“During the pandemic, residents across the state felt the financial toll childcare can have upon a working family, resulting in many Michiganders deciding to refrain from re-entering the workforce post-pandemic. I am excited that the Governor is looking to create ways to reduce the cost of childcare. These investments will not only put money back in the pockets of Michigan families but will allow greater freedom and flexibility for those looking to re-enter the workforce.”
State Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit)
“I’m proud to stand with a governor who’s fighting to protect reproductive rights, end discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and ensure older Michiganders can retire with dignity and peace of mind. She’s set the right priorities for our state, and I will do all I can in the Legislature to help make them a reality.”
State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township)
“I wholeheartedly support the governor’s efforts to protect our freedoms, whether it’s the freedom to vote, freedom from gun violence or freedom from discrimination,”
State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing)
“I applaud her leadership on defending our fundamental rights, whether that means the right for our kids to attend schools safely, free from gun violence, or the right of Michiganders to make their own reproductive health care decisions. I look forward to working with the governor in the coming term to help deliver on these key priorities.”
State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt)
Be sure to check back as more statements are released!
