MICHIGAN — Governor Whitmer, fresh off a landslide re-election, began putting her stamp on Michigan government as a new term began with more allies in the legislature. After 40 years of Republican control of Michigan government, voters handed Democrats majorities in both the House and Senate as well as reelecting Governor Whitmer, Attorney General Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The new legislative majorities and Governor Whitmer wasted no time in setting Michigan on a new course prescribed by the mandate given to them by the voters of Michigan.
Governor Whitmer released a special message to voters highlighted some of the major accomplishments done in just 100 days including $1 billion of tax relief, bringing thousands of manufacturing jobs home, record investments in housing and community development, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, and repealing Michigan’s abortion ban.
“Over these first 100 days, we have worked together to get things done that make a real difference in people’s lives, put money back in their pockets, and grow our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “We rolled back the retirement tax and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, putting $1 billion back into Michiganders’ pockets. We secured an $800 million investment from GM and $3.5 billion that will create 2,500 good-paying jobs at the new Ford facility in Marshall. We’re supporting hundreds of jobs in the UP with $500 million to expand production at the Billerud Paper Mill. We repealed our extreme 1931 abortion ban and expanded the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, protecting fundamental rights. And we made record investments to build more housing and fund community revitalization. We’ve gotten a lot done in 2023 and I look forward to more good work ahead. Let’s keep getting it done.”
The Governor’s office released a timeline of accomplishment to show voters that their mandate was heard loud and clear.
- January 13: Announced that Michigan became one of the first states to support expecting mothers by covering doula services.
- January 13: Announced $176.6 million in funding to build or improve nearly 700 affordable housing units across 17 projects from Cheboygan to Detroit.
- January 17: Awarded nearly $25 million to support the hiring of 195 school resource officers (SROs) for the next three years in 195 school districts.
- January 31: Signed a bill that invested in building affordable housing, revitalizing communities, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- February 1: Signed Senate Bill 13 increasing the impact of Michiganders’ votes, boosting Michigan’s economy.
- February 3: Signed an executive directive to improve the State of Michigan’s contracting process by increasing business opportunities for Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs) to contract with the state.
- February 3: Worked with legislators to roll back the retirement tax and quintuple the Working Families Tax Credit, cutting taxes by $1 billion for working families and seniors through the Lowering MI Costs plan.
- February 6: Issued an executive order to build and refurbish more affordable housing faster.
- February 13: Announced that Michigan won 2,500 good-paying auto jobs.
- February 23: Announced the first series of payments for the MI Future Educator Fellowship and Stipend programs.
- February 24: Signed a bill into law to invest in special education, student meals, safe schools.
- March 1: Announced the launch of a new website to connect Michiganders to good-paying career opportunities in the rapidly expanding automotive mobility and electrification industry.
- March 8: Signed a bill that provides $10.8 million to establish the Office of Community Violence Intervention Services to partner with community-based organizations already working to reduce violent incidents.
- March 8: Signed legislation to secure 2,500 good-paying jobs at the Ford facility in Marshall, support health care workers, and lower costs.
- March 10: Announced grants to help communities expand access to low or no-cost child care.
- March 13: Announced new initiative, lowering the cost of college.
- March 16: Signed bills to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, reaffirming legal protections for sexual orientation and expanding coverage to include gender identity and expression.
- March 16: Announced the launch of the new $10 million Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund.
- March 21: Announced Operation Safe Neighborhoods has taken 350 illegal guns off the streets.
- March 24: Signed the Restoring Workers’ Rights bill package, restoring and protecting workers’ rights in Michigan.
- March 24: Restored parents’ rights in deciding what’s best for their child’s education.
- April 3: Protected preventive healthcare insurance coverage.
- April 4: Repealed the dangerous 1931 abortion ban.
- April 4: Announced a new bold approach to market Michigan as the home of opportunity for all.
- April 5: Announced a new partnership to attract and retain investment professionals in Michigan.
- Following February’s shooting at Michigan State University, Governor Whitmer has worked with legislators to pass common sense gun violence prevention legislation, including background checks, safe storage, and extreme risk protection orders.
The full address by Governor Whitmer can be watched here.
