"The state of our state is strong, and ready to go." Those words from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer last night, as she delivered her fifth State of the State address inside the state Capitol. 

 

The Governor outlined an agenda during a joint session of the house and senate. 

 

Whitmer first addressed Michiganders affected by inflation. 

 

"The #1 issue for folks trying to make ends meet is costs. First: let’s roll back the retirement tax, saving half a million households $1,000 a year. Second: let’s expand the Working Families Tax Credit, delivering at least $3,000 refunds to 700,000 families. And third: Pre-K for All to save families an average of $10,000 a year and ensure every 4-year-old in Michigan gets a great start. With inflation, every dollar saved makes a difference. That’s why we’re moving fast. Parts of the plan have already been introduced by Representatives Witwer and Shannon and Senators Hertel and McDonald Rivet. Let’s get it done." Whitmer said. 

 

With a state budget surplus projected to reach over $9-Billion by next fall, the Governor also proposed funding for free preschool access to all 4-year-olds in Michigan.   

 

"Let’s expand our bipartisan preschool effort—the Great Start Readiness Program—so every 4-year-old in Michigan can access a free, public preschool education by the end of my second term. This investment will ensure children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and saves their families upwards of $10,000 a year. It helps parents, especially moms, go back to work. And it will launch hundreds more preschool classrooms across Michigan, supporting thousands of jobs. Together, we can lower costs for Michiganders feeling the pain of inflation right now. For our seniors, families, and kids, let’s get this done." Whitmer said. 

 

Whitmer also announced wanting to have universal background checks for people who want to buy firearms and strict safe storage laws. 

 

To read the full speech CLICK HERE