In Washington, D.C., Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered an address outlining her administration’s approach to working with the federal government to grow Michigan’s economy, boost manufacturing, and protect our national defense.
“I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about solving problems to grow our economy, protect our national security, and bring manufacturing back to Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Right now, there’s an ongoing, global competition between the America, China, and other countries to lead the future of manufacturing. To make sure we win, we need to work across the aisle at both the state and federal levels to bring supply chains home, secure critical investments, and create thousands more good-paying jobs. That’s what the American people expect of us—and we must deliver. We must also work with our friends and compete against our adversaries, so tariffs don’t stop us from building ships, chips, and planes. Together, we can restore the U.S. as the global powerhouse of manufacturing. It’s time to build, America, build!”
Manufacturing:
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- She encouraged onshoring supply chains to create good-paying jobs.
- The governor emphasized the impact the manufacturing industry has on the health of Michigan’s economy.
- Governor Whitmer stated that when Michigan builds, more people have access to affordable housing, better roads, and more transit options. When we don’t, people leave, creating talent gaps.
Shipbuilding:
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- Governor Whitmer outlined the steps taken to address the decline in shipbuilding, and, specifically, workforce shortages.
- She highlighted her initiative, Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3), a job training program to prepare thousands of residents for careers in maritime welding or machining.
Aerospace Innovation:
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- The governor called for collaboration at the state and federal levels to ensure the U.S. can make targeted investments to retool factories to make planes and plane parts.
- She also highlighted the shrinking workforce in the aviation industry and highlighted steps she’s taken to address, including a new statewide office, and setting up a Transportation Innovation Zone in Detroit.
Semiconductor Chips:
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- Governor Whitmer touched on the importance of the industry as these are critical items that make many things in our lives work, including phones, cars, and appliances.
- She called for continuing a bipartisan national strategy to make more chips in the U.S. instead of overseas.
Lastly, Governor Whitmer touched on the Trump administration’s tariffs that recently went into effect.
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- Tariffs in the auto industry have a sizeable impact in Michigan, as it accounts for 20% of the state’s economy.
- Every auto job in Michigan supports three other jobs in the community.
- She believes a one-size-fits-all approach to tariffs will hurt the progress of making more ships and plans in America.
To watch the speech, please click here.
