The Warren Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer drew attention to her accomplishments, which highlighted government expansion, at the State of the State address on Jan. 27.

Whitmer spoke of nine government expansions with zero limitations and spent the majority of her remarks talking about the negative repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I’m going to use a Latin phrase: Annus horribilis: a year of horribles. Before I tell you more, take comfort in knowing that tough years like 2020, our annus horribilis, are usually followed by great years -- and yes, there’s Latin a phrase for that, too: annus mirabilis,” Whitmer said, according to WSBT22.

Some of the governor's suggestions, like renewing the Good Jobs for Michigan program, won't assist with public health or the economy, according to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

“The government is throttling small businesses across the state," Michael LaFaive, senior director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center, told the Center's website. "Asking them to pay more, especially right now, so that a few large corporations can pay less, is regrettable. Good Jobs for Michigan and other taxpayer subsidies are expensive, unfair and ineffective.”

Other expansion proposals from Whitmer are executing changes that were advocated by the prescription drug task force, having a permanent supplement of unemployment benefits, small business assistance, passing the "MI COVID Recovery Plan," school funding and a $2 per hour pay increase for Michigan's home health care workers. 

Additional proposals included raising taxes to improve the roads and spending extra money on the water infrastructure for Michigan.  

“This year is about fixing the damn road ahead -- finding common ground to grow our economy and get families and businesses back on their feet,” Whitmer said in her address to the state. “The Michigan Back to Work plan that I’m announcing today will help us do just that. We will leverage all of the resources of state government to rebuild our economy back better, harnessing every economic tool at our disposal, and working with leaders in state government, business and beyond to create an environment where entrepreneurs can create more good-paying jobs for all Michiganders. This is how we can jump-start our economy and help families and business owners thrive in our state.”