It was Governor Whitmer’s first State of the State address after a month and a half in office.
She hit on all the key topics she touted on the campaign trail and overall the quality of the speech was well received but the substance left people wanting.
“We got a lot of casing, not a lot of sausage and definitely not the list of ingredients,” said Representative Tristan Cole of Mancelona.
The lawmakers I spoke to since the State of the State address applauded her style but are questioning the substance
“Governor Witmer came out energetic enthused wanting the best for Michiganders,” said Senator Wayne Schmidt of Traverse City.
“It’s time that we lay it out,” says Senator Curt VanderWall of Ludington, “Let’s see what sticks, it’s always in the details.”
Some say they expected Governor Whitmer’s first State of the State address to be loose outline of her plans. While others say her experience should have allowed her to hit the ground running.
“From her time in the legislature, she knows the process. She knows what the House needs to do. She knows what the Senate needs to do, she’s been in both bodies,” says Cole, “II would’ve liked to of seen a lot more substance behind the rhetoric.”
It’s a common complaint in politics, too much talk about promises, not enough action for those who need it.
“We’ve had a great run with businesses in the last eight years,” says Representative Sara Cambensy of Marquette, “We’ve made a lot of strides getting our unemployment down but we still have 40% of people in Michigan living at or below the poverty line.”
Not many on either side of the aisle disagreed with the problems mentioned by the Governor but the divide comes with the how.
“There’s going to be a discussion as to what gets that funding,” says Representative Jack O’Malley of Lake Ann, “Is it possible? Are they raising taxes? Are they bonding?”
In the speech, Whitmer even admitted the details were coming, when the budget is introduced.
“The budget is coming up next month and I think we’re going to have a clear path on where we’re going soon,” says Cambensy.
Governor Whitmer plans to keep the same budget schedule set by former Governor Rick Snyder, introducing it in late winter to have it finalized and approved by June.
© 2023 - 910 Media Group
