Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Education:
Double down on investment in early literacy
Michigan ranks in the bottom 10 states for overall literacy. We're doubling down on the commitment to invest in early literacy. We're working to make pre-k universal for kids where test scores are low or poverty is high. And we're providing
better access to childcare for parents who are in school or working full-time. We've tripled the number of literacy coaches in the state. The next step is to have literacy coaches train educators to better identify and support struggling readers.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
On Education:
Increase number of post-secondary credentials to 60% by 2030
In 2019, I set a goal to increase the number of Michiganders with a post-secondary credential to 60% by 2030. To get there, there's bipartisan legislation called Michigan Reconnect, that will provide tuitionfree skills training and degree programs for
adults. Our business community supports Michigan Reconnect. And here's why: We have over 100,000 in-demand jobs to fill. These are good paying jobs--jobs in construction, IT, and advanced manufacturing. But they demand specialized skills training.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
On Families & Children:
Extend postpartum care from 60 days to a full year
We will extend postpartum care from 60 days to one full year after giving birth, and move up a woman's first postpartum visit to within three weeks, with a comprehensive visit within 12 weeks. This will help new moms heal, and work through
postpartum depression and anxiety after giving birth. We'll let a woman choose birth control that works for her. A novel idea, I know--we're going to ask a woman what she wants, ensure she can get it in one visit, and provide coverage for it.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
On Jobs:
Expand right to overtime to tens of thousands of workers
When I was growing up, if you worked more than 40 hours a week, you were paid overtime. It was that simple. It should still be that simple. Right now, only workers making $35,000 or less have overtime rights. That threshold is too low.
So, I've directed the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to expand the right to overtime pay to tens of thousands of Michigan workers. If you're on the clock, you deserve to get paid.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Michiganders expect results; impatience is a virtue
Michiganders are hardworking people. They expect results. They deserve leaders who will work hard... and get things done. They won't accept excuses, and neither will I. I am not here to play games. For those of you who want to keep playing games,
I'm going to press on without you. I'm going to use the power of my office to do what I said I was going to do. Because for me, for Michigan, IMpatience is a virtue.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
On Technology:
Will act on infrastructure if legislature won't
Michigan roads are among the most beat up and dangerous in the country. We can't ask businesses to invest in Michigan if we refuse to invest in ourselves. I will ask the State Transportation Commission to issue state road bonds, so we can start fixing
the roads now.My Rebuilding Michigan plan is financed without an increase at the gas pump, and it will do three things: save time, money, and lives. Since it doesn't require the legislature to act, we can get started right away. That's important.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021