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‘Do What We Need to Do,’ Lawmakers React to State of the State Address

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9&10 News spoke to several lawmakers after Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State Address and received statements from many more.

The consensus was it was a nice speech, but it all comes down to putting action to her calls for bipartisanship.

In a non-COVID year, the governor’s address would literally bring both sides of the aisle together, cramming them into the House chambers.

Now it’s to be seen if the plans laid out will bring the two sides together, especially in a very contentious election year.

“I thought it was a very positive speech and exactly what the governor needed to do right now in a re-election year,” said Sen. Curt VanderWall, a Republican from Ludington.

More money in Michiganders’ pockets. More affordable healthcare. Expanded access to electric vehicles. All ideas anyone can agree on but actually doing it, is another story.

“It’s exactly what I think we all wanted to hear,” said VanderWall, “It gives us an opportunity to work together to do what we need to do.”

The governor and the legislature have had a contentious relationship but as she looks toward re-election, as do many lawmakers, will it bring an attitude change?

“The first two and a half years, she did not want to work across the aisle,” said Rep. Jack O’Malley, a Republican from Lake Ann. “So many of the things could’ve been discussed over the last two and a half years. But now it’s an election year so they’re coming to the forefront.”

Election years could bring cooperation or it could drive each side to their corners. Maybe redistricting makes this year different.

“We have the most level playing field in Michigan in decades and that means folks aren’t going to be playing to their bases,” said Rep. Donna Lasinski, minority House leader from Scio Township. “There’s going to be presenting ideas on a level playing field. Then Michiganders are going to have to make the decisions about them.”

Tax cuts are wanted by both sides, each have their own ways of doing it.

“Her earned income tax credit? 20%? Senator Schmidt has already a bill for 30%,” said O’Malley. “So the Republicans are already actually offering more.”

Which one wins out? What compromise is made? Will it all stall? Those are the answers looking to come out of this address.

“I’m as political as the next person but I think I can work together during the day and then at night we can work on our campaign differences,” said Sen. Jim Ananich, the minority Senate leader from Flint. “Let November happen but I don’t think we have to. I definitely think we can get work done before then.”

The first test of backing up her plans laid out in the speech will be her budget proposal. The first draft is expected to be unveiled in the next couple weeks.

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