In keeping with tradition, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered the keynote address at this year’s Detroit Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. The theme of the address was “We can do hard things,” highlighting both past successes and challenges that remain.
Key Points:
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- She underscored several times the need to work together across the aisle and throughout levels of government.
- Highlighting past bipartisan successes, the governor pointed to the recent announcement of the Selfridge Air Base, the Medicaid expansion passed when she was in the Michigan Senate under the Snyder Administration, and the minimum wage increase passed earlier this year.
- Governor Whitmer also highlighted the recent data showing that Detroit’s population is growing, saying all residents should feel pride in the state’s flagship city.
- She also pointed out that Michigan’s fate is tied to DC, and while she can’t control the tariffs, she will continue to meet with the president and advocate on behalf of Michigan.
With only 18 months left as governor, she highlighted her three biggest remaining priorities:
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- Tackle the literacy rate, ensuring all children can read. She called for a focus within all education policy to find solutions.
- Deliver on a sustainable, long-term solution for local and state roads, utilizing new revenue and responsible budget cuts.
- Bring more advanced manufacturing to Michigan. The governor has been advocating directly with the Trump administration to build a semiconductor CHIP facility in the state, which would support thousands of good-paying jobs.
Governor Whitmer’s closing remarks were a reminder that everyone is on the same team, “Team Michigan.”
