Whitmer suggests free community college and preschool funded by taxpayers
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Aims to Lower Household Costs in State of The State Address
In her sixth State of The State address, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a bold plan to make life more affordable for Michiganders. She called on lawmakers to implement several initiatives, including free preschool for all 4-year-olds, two years of free community college for high school graduates, and an Innovation Fund to support local businesses.
Whitmer emphasized the importance of accessible education, stating, “Every single Michigander can count on a free public education from pre-K through community college. Let’s get it done.” She also proposed a $5,000 tax credit for caregivers and a $2,000 electric vehicle tax credit for union-made vehicles.
Addressing the financial burdens faced by families, Whitmer said, “What we can do is make life more affordable by lowering costs on the biggest items in your monthly budget.” She highlighted housing, child care, transportation, education, utilities, and food as key areas where cost reductions are needed.
The State of The State address comes on the heels of Michigan passing a record $82 billion budget for 2023. Whitmer highlighted her administration’s achievements, including targeted tax relief, the 2040 clean energy rule, a well-funded rainy day fund, and expanded access to college funding.
Painting a picture of the positive impact her proposals could have, Whitmer shared the story of a mother who could afford better housing, pursue a tuition-free associate’s degree through Michigan Reconnect, and have more time to study in the mornings. She emphasized the importance of safe roads, skilled educators, and free public education from pre-K through community college.
However, concerns have been raised about the funding for these new programs. A report indicates that Michigan is now one of the nation’s poorest states, with per capita income ranking 39th in the nation. The source of funding for Whitmer’s initiatives remains unclear.
Additionally, critics have questioned the effectiveness of certain programs. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy found that the Good Jobs for Michigan Program did not create any verified jobs among the companies that received subsidies. The center’s Director of Fiscal Policy, James Hohman, called for broader reforms to improve the state economy.
The National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan State Director, Amanda Fisher, urged Whitmer to reject a proposed payroll tax incentive for small businesses. Fisher argued that such incentives do not address the challenges faced by struggling small businesses, including inflation, rising energy costs, and regulatory burdens.
What is Whitmer’s proposed $500 million investment for affordable housing intended to achieve for residents of Michigan?
E rising costs of healthcare, Whitmer announced a plan to reduce prescription drug prices by importing safe and affordable medications from Canada. She stated, “No one should have to choose between paying for their prescription drugs and putting food on the table. By importing affordable drugs from Canada, we can make sure Michiganders have access to the medications they need at a price they can afford.”
Additionally, Whitmer recognized the need for affordable housing in Michigan and proposed a $500 million investment to create more affordable housing options for residents. She emphasized the importance of stable housing, stating, “When families have a safe and affordable place to call home, it sets the stage for success in every other aspect of their lives.”
In her address, Whitmer also highlighted the importance of clean energy and proposed a goal of achieving carbon neutrality in Michigan by 2050. She outlined plans to invest in renewable energy sources, upgrade infrastructure to support electric vehicles, and create green jobs in the state.
Furthermore, Whitmer emphasized the need for criminal justice reform and proposed measures to reduce recidivism rates and address racial disparities within the system. She called for expanded job training programs for incarcerated individuals and legislation to expunge certain non-violent criminal records.
Whitmer concluded her address by urging bipartisan cooperation and unity in order to achieve her vision of a more affordable and prosperous Michigan. She stated, “Let’s put aside our differences and work together for the people of Michigan. Together, we can lower household costs, provide quality education, create jobs, and build a more equitable and sustainable state for all.”
Overall, Whitmer’s State of The State address focused on making life more affordable for Michiganders through initiatives such as accessible education, reduced healthcare costs, affordable housing, clean energy investment, and criminal justice reform. As Michigan continues to navigate economic challenges, these proposed measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on households and promote a more prosperous future for the state.
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