Investing in Michigan Communities

State of Michigan – March 18, 2022

Dear Michigander,

Michigan’s economy is on the rise. Our unemployment numbers are decreasing faster than almost every other state, job growth has continued steadily increasing for nine months straight, and wages and home values are going up. This is something to celebrate.

But there is more work to do. I am committed to lowering costs for families, putting money in the pockets of Michiganders, and supporting our families and businesses. Over the last couple weeks, I’ve also signed several pieces of bipartisan legislation, proving that when we work together to put Michiganders first, we can achieve great things. I am so proud of the work we’ve done to make Michigan the best state to live, and I am excited for the work we have planned to make it even better.

Protecting Public Safety

As governor, keeping Michiganders safe is a top priority. Every family, in every community across Michigan, deserves to feel safe at home and in their town or city. Last week, I signed two bipartisan bills that center victims and ensure groups of violent criminals are kept off the street. These bills allow the Michigan Parole Board to deny parole for violent incarcerated individuals for up to five years after a majority vote and written report. This ensures victims of horrific, violent crimes to do have to relieve traumatizing experiences each year at parole hearings.

Whitmer signing public safety bills — Photo provided by Office of Gov. Whitmer, State of Michigan

I am grateful for the survivors and everyone else who worked to get this legislation passed. In my budget recommendation for next year, I proposed surging resources to local communities to help them retain and recruit more cops and first responders. I also proposed using federal funds to tackle our court backlog and increase resources available to law enforcement. I will never stop fighting to protect Michigan families.

Expanding STEM Programs in Schools

It is so important that we invest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and careers. These careers are expected to grow at more than twice the rate of other occupations in the years ahead. This week, I invested in STEM programs in Michigan by awarding $2.7 million to expand STEM in our schools. In my 2023 budget, I’m proposing the biggest per-student investment ever and $1 billion for school construction and renovation projects – that means more funding to build more computer labs, classrooms, and science facilities to support our kids pursuing an education or career in STEM.

These investments are critical to ensure our schools have the funds to help each and every Michigander reach their full potential. We want to make sure every young Michigander is prepared for high-tech, high-skill careers that will serve as the backbone of Michigan’s economy in the future. I will continue to invest in STEM to keep Michigan at the forefront of scientific advancement and lay the groundwork for economic prosperity for years to come.

Update: Fixing the Damn Roads

Since I took office in January 2019, Michigan has rebuilt, replaced, or repaired over 13,000 lane miles of road and over 900 bridges while supporting 82,000 jobs. This is incredible progress, but it does not mean our work is over. I will keep working hard to jump start more projects to fix the damn roads with the right mix and material so they stay fixed.

LG posing with construction team at I-375 — Photo provided by Office of Gov. Whitmer, State of Michigan

Just this week, I announced that we are moving forward with plans to replace the outdated I-375 freeway with an urban boulevard to boost economic development and provide easier access between adjacent areas of Detroit. Decades ago, I-375 paved through two prosperous Black neighborhoods, displacing 130,000 people, hundreds of small businesses, churches, and more. While we cannot change the past, we must work harder to build a more just future with equity at the core of our infrastructure. That starts with engaging with and listening to the community and taking deliberate steps to make sure we get this done the right way.

We are also tackling infrastructure projects throughout the state. Some of our latest projects include:

For more information or to check on projects near you, please visit michigan.gov/mdot.

Clean Water Grants

As the Great Lakes state, we know how important it is to have access to clean water. The MI Clean Water Plan invests in Michigan communities by helping local municipalities improve their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This week, I awarded more than $2.8 million in grants issued under the MI Clean Water Plan to help six Michigan communities ensure residents have access to clean, safe water. This plan creates jobs, protects public health, and lowers costs for Michigan families. This week, we invested in these communities:

City of Southgate: $599,219
City of Lincoln Park: $562,637
City of Mount Pleasant: $492,231
Berlin Township in Monroe County:$489,552
City of Woodhaven: $418,544
City of Bad Axe: $260,058

Lake Superior shoreline — Photo provided by Office of Gov. Whitmer, State of Michigan

I am proud to continue investing in Michigan’s water infrastructure under my MI Clean Water Plan. The grants I’ve awarded will help local communities across our state upgrade their water infrastructure, protect systems from toxic contaminants, and boost access to clean water for local residents. I am committed to keep investing in communities throughout Michigan. We will keep getting things done on the issues that matter most to people’s lives like clean water, safe roads, great schools, and lower costs.

Don’t Forget! MIHAF Offers Homeowners Assistance

On February 13th, the Michigan State Housing and Development Agency (MSHDA) launched the Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund (MIHAF). This program helps Michiganders who experienced housing-related hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I strongly encourage anyone homeowner looking for some assistance to apply for the program. The MIHAF program can provide up to $25,000 to help with:

Mortgage/housing expenses and escrow shortages
Land contracts, mobile home consumer loans, park lot fees
Property taxes
Condominium/homeowner’s association fees
Homeowner’s property insurances, hazard, flood, or mortgage insurance
Utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer
Internet broadband services

I am committed to making a difference in the lives of Michiganders and helping families have a safe, reliable place to live. If you or a loved one may be eligible, please apply for this assistance by either visiting Mi.Gov/MIHAF or by calling 844-756-4423.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan