LANSING, Mich. — It was a pivotal State of the State address from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday night, as she laid out her priorities for what is all but sure to be a key year in Michigan legislative and electoral politics.
"Tonight, that's what I'll focus on: How we can keep lowering costs, improve education to set up our children for success, make more stuff right here in Michigan and compete with the world," the governor said as she addressed a joint session of the state legislature.
Among them were priorities from education, expanded in-state manufacturing and a need for affordable housing.
Whitmer pushed for a number of new proposals, including free community college for all high school graduates meeting certain requirements and a tax credit for family caretakers.
"The new Caring For MI Family tax credit could save thousands of Michigan families up to $5,000 on their taxes," Whitmer said. "That'll put money in the pockets of Michiganders who care for an aging or sick relative."
The speech came against the backdrop of both a critical election year in this key battleground state and a very different scene from the unified Democratic control she enjoyed last year.
With the state House still equally divided – 54 Democrats to 54 Republicans, with two seats up for grabs in special elections set for April – the governor delivered a speech laden with both nods to state and national Democratic priorities, but also with appeals to common ground.
"At our best, that's what we are: A home of opportunity for people seeking a great life at a good cost of living," Whitmer said.
Some of the governor's Democratic allies applauded the governor's message, signaling that the speech set the tone for the focus of their year ahead.
"The speech was broad, you saw main themes, we're going to continue on those themes," said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). "There will certainly be other things that we work in there, priorities of our caucus. We're going to continue to work around the things you saw her mention though, lowering costs for families, making sure education is accessible and making sure that we're strengthening our economy, supporting entrepreneurs."
But as half the chamber remained seated in many instances through the night, some Republicans expressed skepticism in its aftermath.
"You know, I think every speech that talks about the state of the performance, the state of the state, is about positiveness and to talk about things that are free," Senator Mark Huizenga (R-Walker) said. "Those are all great things to talk about because they sell; they sell to the general public. There's a reality check of who's going to pay for that."
Other GOP lawmakers offered more pointed criticism, asserting that the governor's address fell short.
"It's a disappointment," House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) said. "You know, we missed an opportunity to hear how are we going to fund our roads moving forward, how are we going to improve education, how are we going to get people to want to live in our state, and I didn't hear that from [Whitmer]."
"She seems to be loading up on these promises, and then leaving the bill to the next legislature and the next governor, whoever funds it," Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) said.
As for the governor, in a 1980's fashion that served as a common theme for much of her address, she had this to say about where the state stands and where it goes from here:
"My fellow Michiganders, the state of our state is ready to rock."
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.