MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer today delivered the keynote address at the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference. Updated: Feb 6, 2023 / 11:40 AM EST. AndI askall of you, as leaders, to lean in and help Michigan address the challenges it faces. I started each conversation by talking aboutmy girls, wondering what their futures would look like, where they work, if they could or would start families right here in Michigan. All rights reserved. I knowthatdespite its faults, it's worth fighting for. Gov. Administering more than five million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccine in under four months is a big deal, but weve still got a lot more work to do, said Gov. COVID-19 visits and longer hospitalizations is pushing our system and our healthcare workers to the brink.". I didn't want a facilitator, and while the obvious public safety concerns meant we had to be thoughtful about who was in the room, I wanted to speak to Michigandersdirectly. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. I'll strive to see the humanityevenin those who fail to see I'm a real person too. I see it. So, weinvitedsmall groups of three to eight people at a time to sit down andtellme about their lives. The bill concerning lawsuits against gun manufacturers and sellers requires them to exercise reasonable controls in making, selling and marketing weapons, including steps to keep guns from being sold to people known to be dangerous or to buyers who might buy weapons on someone elses behalf. That we'd rather getnothingdone alone thansomethingdone together. My mom was an AssistantAGfor Democratic Attorney General FrankKelleyand my dad was the Director of Commerce for Republican Governor Bill Milliken. LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) - UPDATE: Gov. Michigan represents the nation in our demographics, our politics, our industries, our geography, and crucially, our shared priorities. Andwe made a$3.5 billion investment in our roadsthrough the Rebuilding Michigan bond. Gretchen Whitmer will hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. Thursday to update residents on COVID-19's status in the state. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference with other state leaders on Monday to discuss what Democrats are calling the . I am very proud of what we've accomplished over the last couple of years. I've worked at alumber yard, stocked shelves at Target, and worked the line at Royal Fork Buffet. Recently, we unveiled theMI New Economyplan, a$2.1 billion proposaltogrowour middle class,supportsmall businesses, andinvestin our communities. We sawbrutalattacks on lawenforcement andthe culmination of so many issues: disinformation, partisan rancor, and political violence come together in a tragic day. Inspired by her family, shes devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone. and last updated 7:55 AM, Dec 21, 2021 (WXYZ) Governor Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on the uptick in omicron variant cases and overall COVID spread in Michigan on Tuesday. But we are. And with those resources, we can make. inspiration-sometimes it'sfrom my fellow Michiganders - the unsung heroes doing good workto help their neighbors,little kids getting ready forthe school year,making time for agoofy picture,or just getting outside with myfavorite guys:Kevin and Doug. The briefing began at 3 p.m. You can watch the full replay above.. Whitmer was joined by Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Hard work is in our DNA in Michigan. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. But it is themostcriticalthing we must do. In addition to urging youth sports to suspend in-person activities, Governor Whitmer is asking high schools to utilize virtual instruction for the next two weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19. Because for better or worse, I'mblessed by hope. manifestation of thefundamental issue we all face: our political divide. That weassume the worstof each other and, give each other any grace, much less the benefit of the doubt. Mental health. Whitmer press conference on lowering costs 6 News at 5 / Feb 6, 2023 / 09:35 AM EST 2-6 Storm Team 8 Forecast, 5 a.m., 042223 Weather / Apr 22, 2023 / 05:23 AM EDT Unseasonably chilly. llinois Gov. So how do I keep up hope? Sonder is the realizationthat each random passerby is living a life as complex as your own-with their own hopes and dreams, fears and faults,routinesand idiosyncrasies-their own story. And I'll infuse kindness andhumorwhereverI canto diffusetension. The budget will put $500 million into our rainy day fund-the largest one-time depositever. One of the kids bumped into a woman and, . Gretchen Whitmer is expected to provide an update on Michigan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Lansing. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's March 10, 2021 coronavirus press conference. 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Health experts stated that even if you are fully-vaccinated you can still get COVID and spread it but it reduces your risk of being hospitalized. A couple of things. In Michigan, you can have both. We're all invested in Michigan's success. That's why the work we do in this space continues to be so important. The officials will discuss the state's ongoing response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. I enjoyedeveryminute of it. Healing our dividewilltake a long time. WATCH LIVE: Whitmer to hold COVID-19 press conference at 3 p.m. East Lansing police seek help identifying subjects in Raising Canes theft, vandalism, Mother arrested for leaving children home alone to go to gym, police say. The swagger of the Bad Boys. Whitmer will reportedly propose a $1 billion increase in the transportation budget. Education funding. Starting Monday, March 22, gatherings can be increased up to 20. I do too. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to provide an update on Michigan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Lansing. If we believe, as most of us do, that disagreeing without being disagreeable is astrength; wehave toembrace it. Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference Friday morning to provide an update on the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic as conditions worsen across the state. I started each conversation by talking aboutmy girls, wondering what their futures would look like, where they work, if they could or would start families right here in Michigan. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. The State of Michigan continues to implement health policies and mitigation measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including a statewide mask mandate, limits on indoor social gatherings larger than 25 people, expanded testing requirements for youth sports, and dozens of pop-up testing sites across the state. So, I hope you will join me at a future Fix the Damn Road Ahead event or give me a chance to work at your business alongside your hardworking employees. This increasesMichigan's death toll to 16,586. Becausewhowe aretodaydoes not define who we will betomorrow. In the first quarter of 2021,personal income was up 19.1%, the fourth-highest nationwide,and ourGDP grew 7.6%, the, in the Midwest. Familieseverywherefrom Ingham to Iron; Macomb to Mackinac; Kent to Keweenaw; county to county to county largely care about the same fundamentals. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will provide an update . We'vehadbitter elections. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json. from Ingham to Iron; Macomb to Mackinac; Kent to Keweenaw; county to county to county largely care about the same fundamentals. that demonstrate this. That intentiondrives a lot of the conversations I've been having withpeopleallacrossour state. It's why I have stayed centered on the kitchen-table issues. ", 52 years later, Coach Ted Lasso, quoted Walt Whitman and remindedusall to "Becurious,notjudgmental.". Gretchen Whitmer will give an update on the state's coronavirus response. So, Izoomed with groups of grocery clerks, nurses,teachers, doctors,child careworkers, utility workers, and sanitation workers to name a handful. Iknow it is easy to think that the things happening in Lansing or DC"don't impact my life"or"my bottom line,"but in this case,the, perpetuate the problem. But it was a feeling that's difficult to sum up in a word. They confirmed some of myconcerns. Michigan is competing with everyone to lead the future of cars, chips, and clean energy. Monday will be chilly, with wind chills as low as 30 degrees. That pamphlet told the story of a man who was riding the subway in New York City. We would. I willmake an effortto understand with compassion and love. It appears that we live, increasingly, intwoMichigans. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. Theyhelpedfix each other's roofs despite having opposing yards signs and disagreeing vehemently about politics. If you want a pest-free patio this spring, the most important thing you can do is take away those elements that bugs find desirable. All the conversations I had during Fix the Damn Road Ahead and interactions I had during WorkWithWhitmerreinforcedthatmost of ushave the same wants and needs, hopes and dreams, fears and faults. In Michigan, too many communities are struggling, unable to attract families to build their lives or businesses to fill their main streets. It willalsofully fund the Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners,expand childcare to 105,000 morekids at low or no-cost,repair 100 bridges, replacelead service lines, and so much more. It's been a busy month for Michigan's Democrats looking to weaken gun rights. In the next 10 years, what excites you and what concerns you most about your life and the state? For more information on additional test sites, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirustest. Governor Gretchen Whitmer today deliveredthekeynote addressat the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference. We need todo moresupportmoreentrepreneurship in MichiganandMEDC needsmore tools in its toolboxtocompete on a global levelandboostour speed to market. Iknow it is easy to think that the things happening in Lansing or DC"don't impact my life"or"my bottom line,"but in this case,thedisengagedperpetuate the problem. Additional Coronavirus information and resources: View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University. Michigan Gov. --- As we begin, I want to start by quoting two famous Americans. Climate change. That day, we all saw theclearest, mostvisceralmanifestation of thefundamental issue we all face: our political divide. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. I know you get up every day andfightfor the things you care about,just like I do. We wouldallbe better served if we started listening to each other's stories. Many ofyouhave said that you'd neverwant toswitch places with me. I also ask you, as business leaders,to take a stand against efforts to undermineourelections and voting rights- including right here in Michigan, by opposing efforts that would create new barriers to voting. Contact the Governor. Many of the Michiganderswith whomI spokesaid the same. I've been thinking a lot about these two interlocking ideas;seekingto understand with compassion and love; and being curious, not judgmental. It's that core mission that brought me into public service in the first place-to. In a press conference following Mondays deadly shooting at Michigan State University, Governor Gretchen Whitmer pledged support to impacted students and families, saying both the state and federal government will do what is necessary to help the MSU community heal.Feb. 14, 2023. Let'scontinue in that spirit of collaboration toputthebillions of federal dollarswehavetowork. LANSING, Mich. Today at 10:30 a.m., Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will provide an update on the state's response to COVID-19, and continued efforts to slow the spread of the virus. We're the rich sound of Motown. Let'scontinue in that spirit of collaboration toputthebillions of federal dollarswehavetowork. It's a Herculean task in this environment. They're an investment of time,they may be uncomfortableand may not necessarily end with a concrete answer. Governor Whitmer said at a press conference on Tuesday, April 6 that increasing restrictions was not the solution to controlling the spike. (April 30, 2023). And in that moment, everything changed for her because she saw hishumanity. Becausewhowe are, We are a beautiful, big-hearted state defined by our complexity. And we all know the best plans in the worldonly matter if weexecute. A recession, a long overdue racial reckoning, a devastating dam failure and flood in Midland, a kidnapping plot, an election, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. MDHHS issued guidance to schools strongly encouraging them to enroll in the departments testing program if they are open to in-person instruction. Butit was the, that mattered-connectingwith one another. It will certainly be cooler with highs in the upper 40s. "If you need emergency care, you should seek it. In conjunction with these designations, schools across Michigan work to encourage and educate students to be lifelong bicyclists and safe road users; and. As webegin, I want to start by quoting two famous Americans. I willlive my values. The Michiganders I spokewithalso shared their concerns:Social media. But I believe-andI know-thatour good daysoutnumber our bad days. Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on the state's coronavirus pandemic and response during a news conference Wednesday morning. We arecreatorsand doers and collaborators. We're the rich sound of Motown. Acknowledgingthe factthat we haveso much in commonisimportantbecause it makes it harder toexcuse why we're so divided. I mentioned my plan to get out andFix the Damn Road. As I finish up, I want to ask all of you to live our shared values and. Weaskedsimple questions to guide our talks: Who are the most important people in your life? And sitting on the sidelines isnotan option. That we'd rather get, done together. Having these conversations also brought me back to one of thetoughest timesinmy own life:when Itookcare of my mom at the. InMidland-I talked tofarmers who worry that a century of their family's work ends with this generation. Hard work is in our DNA in Michigan. Andon the toughest daysIseekinspiration-sometimes it'sfrom my fellow Michiganders - the unsung heroes doing good workto help their neighbors,little kids getting ready forthe school year,making time for agoofy picture,or just getting outside with myfavorite guys:Kevin and Doug. I wanted to talk to a range of people who representedmanycommunities and viewpointswithinourgreatstate. Therefore, the health department said no food service establishment may have more than 75 patrons at one time. As webegin, I want to start by quoting two famous Americans. Because the truth iswe can't find common ground if we don't talk to each other. And we have amassive influx of federal funds-billionsto invest in Michigan. The swagger of the Bad Boys. (April 30, 2023), Rain showers are falling across West Michigan Sunday evening and into the night. Washington is the 10th state after California, Hawaii, Illinois and New York to enact such a law. To better understand someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes-or a more doable task for a governor-work an hour in their boots. No camerasandno mics. Governor Whitmer's office is available to assist Michiganders with matters pertaining to a state government department and agencies. When it comes to lower taxes, her actions have too frequently failed to match her words. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. We should heedthe words of Bobby Kennedy and Ted Lasso andmake an effortto understand with compassion and love-to be curious, not judgmental. Today, thanks to our effective management of the once-in-a-century virus, Michigan's economy is poised for a once-in-a-generation recovery. A man in. These peopleinspiredme. It's easy to feel discouraged and divided. Follow Detroit Free Press on Twitter (@freep), Instagram (@detroitfreepress) and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). The budget will put $500 million into our rainy day fund-the largest one-time deposit. In us. And most of all, I am a believer in people. The plan would send inflation relief checks to tax payers as well. Iknowhow much bitterness and hate there is in the world. It reminded me that while it's easy to glean differences, what, is where our opportunity, our strength, and our best futuretakes shape. President Joe Biden commends the leadership of Washington Governor Jay Inslee and legislative leaders as well as the advocates, survivors and elected officials who fought for years to make today a reality, she said. She. Whitmer also addressed the rise in cases and urged the unvaccinated population to get vaccinated and boosted to prevent becoming infected by the omicron and Delta variants. This is not a game. Whitmer was joined by Lieutenant Governor G Just when she was about to read him the riot act, he turned to her and told her that his wife just died of cancer. May is National Bike Month, which includes National Bike to Work Week from May 15 21, 2023; and National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19, 2023. Gov. Whitmer. I was glued to the TV that day, sitting with my husband and kids, watching instunned silence. No camerasandno mics. None of us has time or energy to waste. Contact Amy Huschka: ahuschka@freepress.com or follow her on Twitter (@aetmanshuschka). Wecannot wastethis opportunity, and I ask you to work with me and the legislature to get this done. how much bitterness and hate there is in the world. And at that point, one of the wonderful hospice people gave me a pamphlet and suggested I read it. But it is themostcriticalthing we must do. The groups sued in US district court in Tacoma on Tuesday, saying the law violates the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Safe roads and bridges so we can get to work or school. Whitmer announced Monday that the checks will be worth $180. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. We haveput forward, plans- much ofwhichyouhelped inform. Theseare issues we all need to address. I, Whitmer Signs Restoring Workers Rights Bill Package Into Law. I approached these conversations as a fellow Michigander. First, my girls. The truth is:I am a firm believer in our. the middle class. Soask yourself-what tangible action can you takeeverydayto turn down the temperature and focus our energy on solvingbig, structural problems? https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json, Governor Whitmer's 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference Keynote Address as Prepared for Delivery. IE 11 is not supported. In Michigan, too many communities are struggling, unable to attract families to build their lives or businesses to fill their main streets. Since I last took this stage,a lothas happened. In the last two years I've often been thetargetof it. So how do I keep up hope? (April 30, 2023), Women and girls took over downtown Grand Rapids for the Gazelle Sports SHE RUNS 5K, 10K and a half marathon Sunday morning. cracking an axle or blowing a tire. More than once, I heard about families who don'tevensee one another anymore because of political arguments. An additional 25 COVID-19 deaths were reported Thursday; however, 24 of those deaths were identified through the state health department's regular review of previous death certificates. I know that at our core, we are so much more alike than we are different. Wemustlive it. our speed to market. In general, students are healthier and more attentive, traffic is less congested, and busing costs are reduced in schools that continually participate in Safe Routes to School programs; and. Another 74 COVID-19 deaths were also reported Tuesday. We saw, attacks on lawenforcement andthe culmination of so many issues: disinformation, partisan rancor, and political violence come together in a tragic day. Heck I even sent a birthday cake to MikeShirkeya few days after he called me"batshit crazy.". COVID-19: Find the latest news on the outbreak in West . Whitmer pledges support after MSU shooting: We must act and we will, In a press conference following Mondays deadly shooting at Michigan State University, Governor Gretchen Whitmer pledged support to impacted students and families, saying both the state and federal government will do what is necessary to help the MSU community heal., SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off after launch delays, First Republic Bank is taken over by FDIC and sold to JPMorgan, Vigil held for the five victims shot to death by their neighbor in Texas, At least 1 dead, 5 injured in Massachusetts house party shooting, 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers player drowns after falling into pool, Tornado strikes Virginia coast, leaving behind trail of damage. More: Michigan reports 2,629 new COVID-19 cases, 25 deaths, 14% of people 16+ fully vaccinated, More: Pandemic makes some women choose between work and family. Whitmer press conference News / May 24, 2021 / 10:16 AM EDT Michigan governor issues apology after caught on camera breaking state's COVID rules BIG CHANGES: From sunshine to severe. Michigan's death toll is now 15,835. We are a beautiful, big-hearted state defined by our complexity. Just when she was about to read him the riot act, he turned to her and told her that his wife just died of cancer. Families. One from our past and one from our present. In the last two years I've often been thetargetof it. In addition to ponderingleadershipquotes from real politiciansand fictionalcoaches, I've been governing through a pandemic and facing down challenges thatnone of uscould have imagined. My family was like many in Michigan-bipartisan,hardworking, complex. , thatthey want results. We made thelargest education investmentinMichiganhistory-$17 billion-withoutraising taxes, meeting a decades-long goal to close the funding gap between public schools in Michigan. Visit our The Rebound Detroit, a place where we are working to help people impacted financially from the coronavirus. The live stream for this event has ended. When you work with someone, you better understand the complexity of their lives. In general, students are healthier and more attentive, traffic is less congested, and busing costs are reduced in schools that continually participate in Safe Routes to School programs; and. It allows the attorney general or private parties, such as the family members of victims, to sue over violations or damages. 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And inGrand Rapids-a mom who works in healthcaresaid she just wantsher boys to bekindbecause the world they're entering is full of bullies and bitterness. . Governor Whitmers office is available to assist Michiganders with matters pertaining to a state government department and agencies. You can watch it live on TV6 & FOX UP and the TV6 & FOX UP Facebook page. To better understand someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes-or a more doable task for a governor-work an hour in their boots. As we speak, the legislature is passing a bipartisan budget that we negotiated together in goodfaithand I look forward to signing itnext week. Also,housing is unattainable or unaffordable in several communities. And they made me appreciate just howbigandbig-heartedour state is. We've lost friends and family over politics. See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page. We arecreatorsand doers and collaborators. Just like there's no magic bullet to most of the problems we're confronting, there was no one takeaway from all these interactions. For the latest information on Michigans response to COVID-19, please visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. Despitethat-hell,in spite ofthat-I choose to believe in thecore decency and dignityofeachandeverysingle person. I worked withpeople. because the world they're entering is full of bullies and bitterness. I willkeepengagingin good faith to get things donebecause it is what our state needs and what our, deserve. There are times that may seem harder and harder to believe, but I will. 2,219 likes, 90 comments - TCD News (@dearborn) on Instagram: "During today's press conference, Governor Whitmer talked about the possibility of kids returnin." TCD News on Instagram: "During today's press conference, Governor Whitmer talked about the possibility of kids returning to school in the fall. You can watch the press conference live here. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will speak at a press conference at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Sonder is the realizationthat each random passerby is living a life as complex as your own-with their own hopes and dreams, fears and faults,routinesand idiosyncrasies-their own story. Ihopeyou'll join me. Two decades later, Istillthinkabout that story and thelessonit should teachus all. Jay Inslee signs house bill 1240, which prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of semi-automatic assault-style weapons in the state. There are countless studies, articles,data points, etc. In a press conference following Monday's deadly shooting at Michigan State University, Governor Gretchen Whitmer pledged support to impacted students and families, saying both the state and . The live. It's easy to feel discouraged and divided. Weneed workers to fill open jobs. If we believe, as most of us do, that disagreeing without being disagreeable is a, My commitment to you today is simple: I will make a seat at the table and work with, who wants to get things done forMichigan's families. Also,housing is unattainable or unaffordable in several communities. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. Call 248-641-8151 or email . We've let politics exacerbate the pain of a global pandemic. Contact the Governor (April 30, 2023), After a very hectic last few days during the NFL draft, Jeff Risdon, writer for Lions Wire, said Detroit did a great job of making the team better. But I will keep showing up every day and giving my level-best. It's why I have stayed centered on the kitchen-table issues. Governor Whitmer will hold a press conference on the state's reopening Tuesday at noon. What do you worry about for them and their futures? I willbe curious, not judgmental. are issues we all need to address. If youre interested in a career that allows you to make a difference, check out the state of Michigan career portal for a list of current openings in state government. Most of us worryabout our kids' futures, their schools, their debt, and their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Now she's expected to sign a new "red flag" bill into law. Andfranklyit's what I missed most through COVID-, . They also shared that the days of driving a combine downa two-laneroadwhere neighbors would pull overandwave -are lessfrequent and the growingtrend of angry drivers honking and flipping the farmer off has become more common.