Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the state of Michigan and its legislators in unfamiliar territory — in Democratic control — on Wednesday night.
“We spoke with a clear voice in November. We want the ability to raise a family without breaking the bank. We want strong protections for our fundamental rights to vote and control our own bodies.”
Whitmer came with a list of progressive proposals that included:
- free preschool for 4-year-olds
- tutoring and after school programs to help students recover from pandemic learning losses
- free community college and skills training for students at least 21
- economic tax relief for families and retirees
- gun reforms to include universal background checks and red flag laws
And she pointed fingers at Michigan’s southern border states, Ohio and Indiana.
“States with extreme laws are losing talent and investment because bigotry is bad for business.”
Whitmer has vowed to further protect abortion rights after voters codified them in the election.
- A repeal of a dormant 1931 abortion ban
- Striking a same-sex marriage ban from the books
- Adding LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections
Editorial note:
One thing I will say about Whitmer as she compares herself to Ted Lasso — she is an eternal optimist.
While governing with the narrowest of margins is not easy, she does not give up easy, and has words of encouragement for Democrats across the nation:
“Let’s show everyone that the cure for cynicism is competence.”
