FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Whitmer’s 2022 State of the State Address as Prepared for Delivery
REDFORD, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today will deliver her 2022 State of the State Address. Please see below for her remarks as prepared for delivery.
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Good evening, Michigan. Today is our state’s 185th birthday. To celebrate, we’re at Detroit Diesel, built in 1938 to help us win World War II. A lifetime later, it’s home to cutting-edge electric vehicle technology built by the hardworking men and women of UAW Local 163. Places like this are where Michigan’s future will be forged, and I am thrilled to be here to deliver my State of the State address.
But before we begin, let’s take a moment to honor those who are not with us. Let’s remember the 4 young Michiganders we lost in Oxford-Madisyn, Tate, Hana, Justin. And those living with lifelong injuries and carrying the weight from that horrific day. The Oxford community is in all of our hearts. Michiganders, if you want to help, please go to oxfordcommunityvictimsfund.com
Let’s also remember the over 30,000 Michiganders we’ve lost to COVID-19 and thank the first responders, healthcare professionals, and Michigan National Guard for everything they do to keep us safe.
Michigan’s National Guard is the best in the country. They go above and beyond-at home and oceans away. Recently, I had the honor of pinning Purple Hearts onto 3 guard members who were injured during a ballistic missile attack in Iraq. Michiganders salute their sacrifices. They represent the best of us.
I also want to acknowledge my partner in governance-Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist. He is an innovative, optimistic champion for Michigan. I am so glad to have him by my side.
And finally, I want to thank my husband, my girls, my family, and friends. I love you.
Clearly, this year’s speech is different. Due to COVID, we are not in the capitol. Right now, healthcare professionals are working hard to keep us safe as Omicron surges. While 2021 wasn’t as miraculous as any of us wanted, we have made progress. We’re stronger in large part thanks to science and life-saving vaccines. We have come a long way, and I am encouraged about the path ahead.
After a polar vortex, pandemic, national recession, multiple 500-year flooding events, a kidnapping and murder plot, I’ve been asked-how the heck do I keep doing this?
My answer is simple. I show up for every Michigan family. I want to keep delivering on the kitchen-table issues. On a personal level: I want my girls to see their mom stand her ground and live her values even through unexpected challenges and constant threats.
Isn’t that what we all want?-to make a difference for the people we love most? And the truth is, we want the same things.
A good-paying job.
Great schools.
Clean water.
Safe communities.
Thriving small businesses.A chance to get ahead and hope for the future.Tonight, I will stay focused on the things that unite us. I’ll speak to the progress we’ve made together, the opportunity we have right now, and why we all believe in Michigan.The state of our state is strong… and it’s getting stronger every day.First, let’s talk about the roads. The pandemic slowed us down a bit, but since I took office, Michigan has repaired, rebuilt, or rehabilitated over 13,000 lane miles of road and over 900 bridges in every region of our state while supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. That’s enough miles to drive from the Michigan-Ohio border to the Mighty Mac over 40 times.In 2021 alone, we fixed Gratiot in Macomb; I-496 in Lansing; 196 in Allegan; 69 in Genesee; 94 in Kalamazoo; US-41 in Marquette; and we’re forging ahead on the Gordie Howe Bridge in Detroit, which will be taller than the Statue of Liberty when it’s completed.Recently, the Army Corps of Engineers answered our call to invest in the Soo Locks, securing funding to finish the job in Sault St. Marie. That’s a big deal for the UP and our state’s economy.Last year, I reinstated prevailing wage for state construction contracts. That means we will get the best-trained workforce and the best value for our tax dollars.Our task on infrastructure-from roads to lead pipes to high-speed internet-is large… due to decades of neglect and underfunding. That’s why we’re fixing our roads and bridges with the right mix and materials, so they stay fixed. And we’re creating good-paying, skilled trades jobs along the way-the kind you can raise a family on, with solid benefits and a secure retirement.Thanks to many in our congressional delegation and […]
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