LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After more than five months of meeting to address plans to revert declining population trends in the state, the Growing Michigan Together Council is now expected to deliver its proposals later than planned. 

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer assembled the council in June, it was tasked with attracting talent and keeping more residents in the state, and to deliver its findings on Dec. 1. 

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“The best thing about Michigan are the people who call it home and this council will ensure our state is able to attract talent and provide expanding opportunities for families,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer over the summer. 

The council also reached out to the public on Monday for more input as it assembles its plans, encouraging Michganders to take the following survey-to answer what would make Michigan “an even better place to call home.”  

“We are committed to listening to our state’s residents about their hopes and dreams for Michigan. Their voices are the compass guiding us toward a future that is diverse, vibrant and rooted in honest feedback,” said Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe in a statement. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution to growing the population. Findings from the survey have demonstrated this and shined a light on challenges our communities are facing, but also what they love most about calling Michigan home. Leveraging this critical information will allow us to grow a better and bolder Michigan that reflects the aspirations of our diverse communities.”

However, that initial goal has shifted after a two week extension afforded by the Governor’s Executive Order, spurring some response from legislators, including House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township). 

“I don’t know why the governor’s council needs more time when the tax hikes they’re writing were locked in place from the beginning,” he said in a statement. “I’ve said all along the Democrats were out of ideas to stop Michigan’s population loss, and Gov. Whitmer wanted to raise taxes instead of investing the resources we already have in local roads, bridges, and Michigan students.” 

Rep. Hall reiterated previous concerns about the council’s purpose and objective to justify higher taxes for residents. 

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“The insiders on this council have already made it clear that they are doing as they were told — calling for billions of dollars in new taxes on the people of Michigan,” he said in a statement. “As other states lower their taxes, the governor’s tax hike dream won’t help us compete for jobs or new residents.” 

The lone Republican State Representative Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet) shared her concerns as the council has shown slowness in producing solutions, pointing out an Energy Bill package in the legislature which would ban natural gas use in the state’s future. 

“A vast amount of Michigan’s manufacturing industry relies on natural gas to run their plants,” Rep. Wendzel said in an email to Michigan News Source. “In the House version of the energy package, it’s banned.  When their source of fuel is eliminated, businesses will leave the state – taking jobs and talent with them.” 

She, like Rep. Hall, expressed her uneasiness about the council’s potential to be used as a vehicle for a tax increase. 

“I’m deeply concerned this council is being used to justify a massive tax increase on Michigan families when they can least afford it,” Rep. Wendzel said in the email. “One presentation was dedicated to “explaining that Michigan is not a high tax state.” The reality is that policies matter, and no matter how much of other people’s money the government spends, it’s pro-growth policies, certainty in the regulations, in energy policy, and a highly skilled workforce that will result in Michigan attracting and retaining talent.   

The council encourages the public to fill out the following survey before Nov. 15.