Gretchen Whitmer in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Abortion:
Let's repeal our extreme 1931 law banning abortion
The other half of attracting and retaining young people is standing up for their freedoms. Just a few months ago, Michiganders told us that people should be able to make their own decisions about their own bodies.
Let's get to work. Let's repeal our extreme 1931 law banning abortion. Let's repeal other dangerous laws prohibiting people from accessing reproductive health care or shaming them for seeking it in the first place.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Budget & Economy:
Sustainable funding for our economic development efforts
Make it in Michigan proposes a sustainable funding source for our economic development efforts while growing talent, making our communities better places to live, and helping our state become a place where anyone can thrive. If we get this done,
we can move faster year-round to compete and win cutting-edge manufacturing projects and bring more supply chains home. We can create opportunity for you and your family and support local economies and small businesses across our state.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Budget & Economy:
I will continue finding ways to keep fixing the damn roads
If you haven't heard, roads are pretty important to me and every Michigander--our state flower might as well be an orange barrel! Since I took office, we've fixed 16,000 lane miles and 1,200 bridges, supporting 89,000 jobs. Throughout my second term,
I will continue finding ways to keep fixing the damn roads. And as we fix them, let's build the most innovative transportation systems in the country.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Civil Rights:
Let's repeal outdated laws restricting who you can marry
Let's repeal outdated laws restricting who you can marry. And let's expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act so you can't be fired or evicted because of who you are or how you identify. I called for this in my first State of the State back in 2019.
It's about damn time we got it done. Protecting these freedoms is the right thing to do and it's just good economics. States with extreme laws are losing talent and investment because bigotry is bad for business.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Education:
A free, public preschool education for every 4-year-old
Every parent knows an early start is critical to their child's future. It's why we: read, talk, and sing to our babies, worry about finding a great child care provider, and have wait lists for great preschools.
Let's expand our bipartisan preschool effort--the Great Start Readiness Program--so every 4-year-old in Michigan can access a free, public preschool education by the end of my second term.
Let's fund MI Kids Back on Track, to offer every child personalized learning support to get them back on track for long-term success Investing in tutoring, after-school programs, and other learning supports gets children
1-on-1 time with a caring, qualified educator that they need to succeed. We need tutoring to get our kids back on track for Michigan's long-term economic success. Let's fund MI Kids Back on Track before spring break.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Education:
Goal: 60% earn a degree or skills certificate by 2030
To help young people get jobs to "make stuff and grow stuff," let's support talent development and keep closing in on our 60 by 30 goal to have 60% of people earn a degree or skills certificate by 2030. Let's keep funding the bipartisan
Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which lowers the cost of higher education--community college, private, or public university--by thousands of dollars for most students and makes college tuition-free for 65% of graduating seniors.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Government Reform:
Expand voting rights, protect election workers
I'm looking at my daughters and thinking of all the young people in our state. They're smart, engaged, and fighting for their future--record turnout on campuses last November proved it. I know Secretary of State Benson will ensure their voices--and the
voices of every Michigander--are heard in every election. Together, we are going to expand voting rights, protect election workers, and build on last year's bipartisan law to help military members and their families overseas have their votes counted.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Gun Control:
It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence
The time for only thoughts and prayers is over. It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence in our communities. Let's enact universal background checks for people who want to buy firearms. Let's enact safe storage laws so we can make sure
firearms are stored safely at home. And let's enact extreme risk protection orders, so we can keep guns out of the hands of those who might represent a danger to themselves or others. If Florida and Indiana can get this done, we sure can, right?
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Principles & Values:
Our message is simple: we will fight for your freedom
I want anyone living in a state that wants to control your body or deny your existence to know that Michigan has a place for you. Together, we are going to change Michigan from a state with century-old bans to forward looking protections.
Our message is simple: we will fight for your freedom. And you know what? Let's go on offense. I'll go to any state that restricts people's freedoms and win business and hardworking people from them. I'm looking at you, Ohio and Indiana.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Principles & Values:
My fellow Michiganders, we live in a special place
Fatalism is in vogue as people wonder aloud whether America's best days are behind her. I reject that. We cannot mistake pessimism for intelligence. And we must never forget who we are. My fellow Michiganders, we live in a special place.
Our beautiful state has played host to so much progress because of our unbreakable, hopeful spirit. As the world grapples with big challenges and asks itself tough questions, our responsibility as Michiganders is to roll up our sleeves and do the work.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Tax Reform:
Lower the retirement tax; expand Working Families Tax Credit
I am excited to announce "Lowering MI Costs," a plan offering immediate relief. It's got 3 parts.- First: let's roll back the retirement tax, saving half a million households $1,000 a year.
- Second: let's expand the Working
Families Tax Credit, delivering at least $3,000 refunds to 700,000 families.
- And third: Pre-K for All to save families an average of $10,000 a year and ensure every 4-year-old in Michigan gets a great start.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023