LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her sixth State of the State this evening from the Capitol in Lansing. 

“Michigan’s story can be seen in our people’s stories,” said Governor Whitmer in a statement about the address tonight. “We are a state full of humble, hardworking people with simple dreams for themselves and their families. After one of the most successful years in our state’s history, we’ve delivered on our promises to Michiganders, ranging from record tax cuts for families and free school meals for students to safer communities and more personal freedoms under the law. I look forward to sharing my vision for how we continue getting things done so everyone can build a brighter future in Michigan.”

What are Whitmer’s priorities?

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So far she has revealed that some of the priorities that she wishes to address include increased funding for those seeking higher education after high school, proposing free community college for two years for high school graduates.

Additionally, Gov. Whitmer has also proposed plans to invest $1.4 billion in affordable housing in the state and work to renovate more than 10,000 homes. 

Republican Legislative leadership weighs in ahead of address. 

House Republican Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) shared some of their concerns for the future of Michigan, especially related to the report provided by the Growing Michigan Together Council. 

Hall in particular recognized that the House, which has an equal number of Democrat and Republican Representatives, needs to collaborate with one another to work out a “coordinated growth plan,” referencing the population focused council’s report. 

Similarly, the pair criticized her first five years as too focused on short term programs instead of addressing long term problems in the state, some of which were outlined in the population council’s report. 

“For far too long, Gov. Whitmer has let huge problems in our state fester — without any plans to solve them,” Rep. Hall said in a statement. “Her own population council laid out a serious indictment of her record. She has no economic growth plan. She and Democrat lawmakers haphazardly spend the people’s money without any strategy, raising taxes in the process.” 

How to watch the 2024 State of the State Address:   

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Stay tuned for ongoing updates from the Michigan News Source team.