Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Archives

Grand Rapids, Other Cities Granted $275 Million for Development Projects

August 31, 2024August 30, 2024 The Center Square

As part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Make it in Michigan” plan, a state board has approved millions in subsidies for development projects in Grand Rapids, Northville and Greenville.

The Michigan Strategic Fund board authorized a $252.3 million Transformational Brownfield Plan incentive package for mixed-use development projects in Grand Rapids that include construction of the 12,000-seat Acrisure Amphitheater, an 8,500-seat soccer stadium, a riverwalk, and a 21-story mixed-use building with 475 rental apartments, 3,660 square feet of retail and 475 parking garage spaces.

Michigan Teacher Shortages Alleviated but Student Performance Has Not Increased

August 17, 2024August 16, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan has made progress addressing teacher shortages in hard-to-fill subjects and specialties within the past five years, the State Board of Education announced.

Since the 2017-18 school year, the number of certified teachers teaching math jumped 60 percent, 31 percent for science, and 53 percent for English as a Second Language and bilingual education. The number of early childhood education teachers increased by 171 percent.

Michigan Bill Signed to Combat Statewide EMT, Paramedic Shortages

July 27, 2024July 26, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan has a new way to address its EMT shortage.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law that would extend temporary EMT and paramedic licenses from 120 days to a year. House Bills 4613 and 4614 were sponsored by state Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River.

Michigan Republicans Sue Whitmer and Benson over Voter Registration Agencies

July 19, 2024July 18, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan’s governor, secretary of state and three other officials are facing a lawsuitfiled by the Trump campaign this week over granting some government offices the power to conduct voter registration.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order in December meant to designate certain state offices, including the Small Business Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to act as voter registration agencies.

Alternate Democratic Presidential Candidates Perform Better than Biden, New Polling Data Shows

July 17, 2024 Just the News

Mark Kelly, Wes Moore, Josh Shapiro, and Gretchen Whitmer in front of the White House (composite image)

The strongest potential Democratic presidential candidates in the poll were Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Gov. Wes Moore, D-Md., Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa. and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Mich.

Alternate Democratic presidential candidates perform better than President Biden against former President Trump, according to new polling from BlueLabs Analytics of 15,000 voters in seven swing states.

Democrats’ Plan B Whitmer Sued for Forcing Therapists to Help Kids Get Sterilizing Drugs Disavowed by UK

July 17, 2024July 16, 2024 Just the News

The U.K.-based Economist speculates that Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer could save her party from defeat in November if she replaces “doddering” President Biden on the ticket, by nationalizing her Great Lakes State strategy of “relentless targeting of suburban swing voters with simple messages: abortion rights, jobs and infrastructure.”

Voters might ask this scion of a political family, who acted out her motto “get sh*t done” by shutting down in-store gardening sections and in-state travel to second homes to defeat COVID-19, why she’s allegedly forcing counselors to help mentally fragile children “undergo permanent, life-altering medical procedures that many will come to regret.”

Democrats Say Whitmer Ready to Be Nominee and Win Presidency but State Energy Policy Will Be Tough Sell

July 11, 2024July 10, 2024 Just the News

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appeared, with good reason, on Democrats’ short-list of possible 2024 presidential nominees following President Biden’s halting June 27 debate performance.

Whitmer is the governor of a battleground state that is essentially a must-win for Biden and GOP challenger Donald Trump, an abortion-rights advocate in a race in which abortion is a key voter issue, and is known for having worked across the aisle during her roughly 14 years in the state legislature.

Controversial Election Bills Now Law in Michigan

July 10, 2024July 9, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan’s process of handling election recounts and fraud allegations has changed, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing two controversial bills into law Monday.

Senate bills 603 and 604 modify the requirements for conducting ballot recounts and prosecuting election-related crimes.

Michigan Budget Includes Tuition-Free Pre-K and Community College

July 6, 2024July 5, 2024 The Center Square

The recently passed Michigan budget would guarantee tuition-free community college for all residents, and expands access to tuition-free preschool.

The tuition-free community college program is paid for by $330 million in taxpayer dollars, an increase of $30 million from last year. The new program gets rid of income caps, so any student can receive free tuition at an in-district community college.

MSTAR Program Given Additional $10 Million for EV Semiconductor Research

June 8, 2024June 7, 2024 The Center Square

by Carly Moran Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave another $10 million toward the Michigan Semiconductor Talent and Technology for Automotive Research, a private-public partnership that wants to make the Great Lakes State a leader in electric car innovation. The MSTAR initiative was launched a year ago and has developed a portfolio…

Expert: Michigan Nuclear Energy Could Help Decarbonize Electricity Sector

April 26, 2024April 25, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan’s top business group says “we can’t get” to the 100% clean energy standard by 2040 without nuclear energy.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, bipartisan lawmakers and organized labor support restarting the 800-megawatt Palisades nuclear plant on Lake Michigan’s Eastern shore, expected to return online in 2025.

Michigan Republicans Want Audit of Newcomer Program

April 13, 2024April 12, 2024 The Center Square

House Republican Leader Matt Hall asked Michigan’s Office of the Auditor General to audit a Gov. Gretchen Whitmer administration program that offers up to $500 in monthly rent assistance to certain people for up to 12 months.

The letter from Hall, of Richland Township, urged Auditor General Doug Ringler to examine eligibility determination.

Commentary: The Vast and Rapid Expansion of Mail-In Balloting Facilitates Election Skulduggery

March 19, 2024 Michigan Star Staff

In the absence of an extremely unlikely recovery of public confidence in the President and the Democrats, the voters will attempt to return the White House and the Senate to the Republicans in November. As to the presidency, Trump is the beneficiary of an accelerating collapse in the traditional Democratic coalition that rested on a foundation of white working class and minority voters.

Michigan Lawmakers Want Mass Transit Between Grand Rapids, Detroit, Ann Arbor

March 6, 2024March 5, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan Democratic lawmakers want mass transit between Grand Rapids, Detroit and Ann Arbor but don’t know how to pay for it.

State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, majority caucus chair & Education Committee chair, posted on social media that mass transit would prevent young people from leaving the state.

Eligible Michigan Residents to Receive Additional Tax Credit

March 2, 2024March 1, 2024 The Center Square

by Carly Moran Michigan plans to send $219 million in tax credits back to taxpayers over the next few weeks, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced. Whitmer said a supplemental Working Families Tax Credit will be sent to Michigan families who already received a 2022 tax year Michigan Earned Income…

Lawmaker: Vehicle Repair Fund Exists Because Michigan Roads Aren’t Fixed

February 10, 2024February 9, 2024 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2025 budget includes $5 million for a car repair program.

The program would fund vehicle repairs, purchases and other services to obtain and retain employment not to exceed $2,000 in the past year – the same cap as last year’s budget but more than double from the $900 cap in the year prior.

Republicans Wary of Whitmer’s Proposed Taxpayer-Funded Programs

January 27, 2024January 26, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed expanding the Michigan government by at least new five programs costing an unknown amount.

In a video talking to a potato, Whitmer proposed that taxpayers fund two years of community college for all high school graduates.

Michigan State Police Ticket, Warn 1,563 People over New Distracted Driving Law

January 4, 2024January 3, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan State Police have given 1,563 citations and written warnings for the new distracted driving law over about five months.

From July through late November 2023, MSP issued 720 citations and 843 verbal warnings for the law to keep drivers focused on the road to prevent distracted driving and road deaths, according to documents obtained through records requests.

Michigan’s Whitmer Spent $285K on Seven-Day Japan Trip

October 27, 2023October 26, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spent $285,709 on her seven-day trip to Japan.

The September trip marked her third privately funded trade mission this year including trips to Switzerland ($44,117) and Austria ($55,705).

New Law Requires Filtered Water Filling Stations in Michigan Schools

October 24, 2023 The Center Square

Schools through Michigan must test for lead in water and install wall-mounted water filtration systems after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills into law.

House Bill 4341, HB 4342 and Senate Bill 88 establish the new mandates, and installation of new filter systems is covered by an $600 million state budget appropriation dedicated toward clean water access and rebuilding sewage lines.

Michigan to Begin Testing Children for Lead Poisoning

September 26, 2023 The Center Square

Starting January 1, Michigan minors will be screened for lead poisoning unless a parent or guardian objects.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 31, which requires children be tested for lead poisoning at certain ages, the testing be recorded on their certificate of immunization and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) develop rules to implement the bill’s requirements.

Last Three Men Acquitted in Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Chock-Full Of FBI Meddling

September 16, 2023September 15, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

The final three men on trial for a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer were found not guilty Friday, according to ABC News.

Fourteen men were charged over the plot to kidnap the governor from her Antrim County vacation home in 2020. Eric Molitor, along with twin brothers William Null and Michael Null, were found not guilty on all charges by a jury Friday after a three-week trial, ABC News reported.

Chinese Parent Behind Company Building Michigan Battery Plants Employs 923 CCP Members

September 1, 2023August 31, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

The Chinese parent company of Gotion Inc., which intends to build two electric battery plants in Michigan, employs 923 Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members, including its CEO, according to its 2022 ESG report.

The Fremont, California-based Gotion Inc. — which is “wholly owned and controlled” by Gotion High-Tech Power Energy Co., according to a Foreign Agents Registration Act filing — seeks to “invest $2.4 billion to construct two 550,000-square-foot production plants” for electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Big Rapids, Michigan, Fox News reported.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer to Pursue Paid Family Leave, 100 Percent Clean Energy Standard

August 31, 2023August 30, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed enacting a paid family leave program, a 100% clean energy standard and codifying the Affordable Care Act in her “What’s Next” speech that outlined the fall agenda Wednesday morning.

The second-term Democratic governor outlined her priorities as state Democrats control the governor’s office, House and Senate in Michigan for the first time in 40 years.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Seeks to Codify Obamacare, Give Legislative Priorities Update

August 30, 2023August 29, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appears to be taking advantage of the Democratic majority in Lansing and plans to call on state lawmakers to pass legislation which would protect key provisions in the Affordable Care Act.

The Governor’s call-to-action comes as the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” faces a battle in federal court.

Legal Opinion on New Michigan Education Agency ‘Premature,’ AG Nessel Says

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has said it’s too early to determine whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new education agency is legal or not.

On August 8, the State Department of Education requested an attorney general legal opinion regarding the constitutionality of Whitmer’s executive order creating the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

$13.5 Million in Grants Going to Train 8,500 Michigan Workers

August 7, 2023 The Center Square

About $13.5 million in taxpayer grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund will help train 8,500 workers across nearly 300 Michigan businesses to earn industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state’s greatest asset – our people – helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and ‘make it’ in Michigan,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “These grants help us put thousands of Michiganders on paths to good-paying jobs and empower hundreds of Michigan businesses across the state develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy.”

Michigan Digital Equity Director’s Qualifications Questioned

July 11, 2023 The Center Square

When Allie Herkenroder applied for the digital equity director position of Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), she admitted no experience working in state government, broadband, or as an ombudsman.

She still got the job.

Michigan Dems Have ‘Pleaded’ with Gretchen Whitmer to Run for President in 2024: Report

July 7, 2023July 6, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Democrats in Michigan have “pleaded” with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to run for president in 2024, citing concerns about President Joe Biden, according to Politico’s Jonathan Martin.

State lawmakers are encouraging Whitmer, Michigan’s two-term Democratic governor, to seek the party’s nomination in 2024 despite her previously ruling out a White House bid, sources familiar told Martin. Several Democratic colleagues from other states have pushed the Michigan lawmakers to plead with the governor to reconsider, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, citing concerns over the president’s low approval ratings.

Michigan Governor Shifts Tone on Police Funding, School Resource Officers

June 28, 2023June 27, 2023 The Center Square

There’s been a shift in tone from Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer on policing issues, most notably on the funding of the state’s police and adding school resource officers.

After the George Floyd murder in May 2020, Whitmer said that she supported the “spirit” of efforts to defund the police as a way of reallocating resources, the Detroit Free Press reported. A few years later, the state is hiring more than 200 school resource officers with state police funding on the rise.

After Wisconsin Line 5 Ruling, Michigan Business Leaders Say Build the Tunnel

June 20, 2023June 19, 2023 The Center Square

A federal court on Friday ordered Canadian oil company Enbridge to cease the flow of oil and decommission within three years the segment of its Line 5 pipeline in Wisconsin trespassing on the reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Concurrently, Michigan’s business leaders urged the United States Army Corps of Engineers to give the approval needed for the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Order Creating Statewide LGBTQ Commission to Address Policy ‘Inequality’

June 13, 2023June 12, 2023 Admin

Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order on Sunday creating a statewide LGBTQ commission to address inequality and discrimination.

The commission will advise Whitmer and the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on policy which directly impacts the state’s LGBTQ community, the executive order reads. The commission will also identify ways to attract members of the LGBTQ community to Michigan by assuring them that the state “is a safe place where its members and their families can thrive.”

Michigan Facing Nearly a Billion Dollar Revenue Drop from Tax Changes

May 23, 2023May 22, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan faces a nearly $900 million revenue loss this year thanks to recent tax changes as lawmakers plan a record $81 billion budget for fiscal year 2024.

At Michigan’s Revenue Estimating Conference, state Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, Senate Fiscal Agency Director Kathryn Summers, and House Fiscal Agency Director Mary Ann Cleary reached a consensus on revised revenue figures for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Whitmer Celebrates $28M Selfridge Air National Guard Base Spending

May 16, 2023May 15, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined federal, state, and local leaders to break ground on a 41,900 square-foot facility to transform two hangars into a new hangar equipped for fighter maintenance at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The new facility will house maintenance on the main level and leadership/staff offices and classrooms on the second floor.

Whitmer Opposes Transparency in Michigan’s Budget Process

May 9, 2023May 8, 2023 The Center Square

Lawmakers are crafting the next budget, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office is trying to hide accountability measures while boosting spending.

In 2018, Whitmer made a transparency pledge while running for office. Now, in her second term, her office is trying to hinder transparency efforts in the next budget process.

Jobs Data Conflicts with Whitmer’s Claim of ‘Securing’ 35,000 Auto Jobs

April 11, 2023April 10, 2023 The Center Square

In a video released Monday morning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer touted Democrat’s accomplishments in their first 100 days of office.

She again claimed that she “secured” 35,000 auto jobs since 2019.

Almost $800,000 Grant Will Fix Roads in Michigan County

April 2, 2023April 1, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer awarded a $790,000 state Transportation Economic Development Fund grant to upgrade Shelby Road in Oceana County to an all-seasons roadway, which will allow Perdue Farms and Peterson Farms expand their businesses.

The grant will support what the governor’s office claims will create 128 new jobs at a cost of $6,171 per job.

Teacher Courses Promoting Critical Race Theory Were Funded by Michigan Pandemic Relief

March 17, 2023March 16, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used federal pandemic relief funds to create virtual courses for teachers about anti-racism and social justice, which encouraged teachers to engage with sources espousing critical race theory.

The CARES Act in 2020 included funds for governors to award to education-related entities via the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund. Whitmer and state officials allotted $1.4 million to Michigan State University College of Education, the University of Michigan’s School of Education and Michigan Virtual to create professional learning modules for K-12 teachers.

Whitmer: COVID Restrictions in Hindsight ‘Don’t Make a Lot of Sense’

March 14, 2023March 13, 2023 The Center Square

Three years after COVID struck Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer now admits that many of her early lockdown rules, in retrospect, “don’t make a lot of sense.”

“We had to make some decisions, that in retrospect, don’t make a lot of sense,” Whitmer said in a CNN interview clip posted by the Twitter account @Breaking911.

Economists: Railroad Derailments Highlight Necessity of Line 5

February 28, 2023February 27, 2023 Admin

As two train derailments – one in Ohio and one in Michigan – remain national news, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel continue their crusade to shut down the Line 5 pipeline.

If successful in their efforts, moving the petroleum products would transition from pipelines to tanker truck and rail transportation, according to experts interviewed by The Center Square. This transition would likely drive up prices for consumers, increase carbon emissions, and prove less safe, they say.

Surprise $750 Million Ask for Ford Site Prep Confounds Michigan Lawmakers

February 24, 2023February 23, 2023 The Center Square

When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Ford’s new $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant last week, her office’s news release said it would cost taxpayers $1 billion.

Nine days later, state officials asked for $750 million more to prep the Marshall site – bringing the possible total cost, if approved by lawmakers, to $1.75 billion.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer 2024 Budget: $10 Million for State Fleet’s Electric Vehicle Transition

February 23, 2023February 22, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed $79 billion budget aims to allocate $10 million to transition the state’s automotive fleet to electric vehicles.

The governor budgeted $318 million on EV incentives: $150 million to help school districts buy 500 electric school buses; $65 million for EV charging stations; $48 million over two years for an EV sales and use tax exemption; and $45 million for local governments and businesses to transition their fleets to EVs.

Whitmer Kidnapping Trial Advances in Michigan

February 21, 2023February 20, 2023 Admin

More than two years after the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was foiled, criminal cases against alleged perpetrators are still working their way through the court system.

The Antrim County County Circuit Court has approved two motions from the state in the trial of five alleged co-conspirators charged with providing material support in the plot to kidnap Whitmer. Judge Kevin A. Elsenheimer approved the motions on Wednesday, which asked that the cases be joined for trial and that the court allow the admission of co-conspirator statements.

Study Recommends Michigan Update Telehealth Laws

February 17, 2023February 16, 2023 The Center Square

A new report from the Reason Foundation recommends Michigan update its telehealth laws from temporary pandemic policies to permanent status.

When COVID started, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-86, which expanded telehealth options for Michiganders by authorizing and encouraging health care providers to use these services when appropriate and after getting consent from patients. The order took effect immediately and continued through June 10, 2020.

Michigan Bill Aims to Ease Substitute Teaching Requirements

February 7, 2023February 6, 2023 The Center Square

A bill introduced in Lansing aims to make it easier for Michigan schools to hire substitute teachers.

State Rep. Brad Paquette, R-Niles, introduced House Bill 4038, which aims to allow a district employee to substitute teach under certain conditions, without having 60 college credits.

Proposal Would Send Inflation Relief Checks to Michiganders

February 6, 2023February 5, 2023 The Center Square

All Michigan taxpayers will get inflation relief checks and retirees will average four-figure savings in a plan Michigan’s top Democrats say answers the call for helping families.

The size of those relief checks wasn’t announced.

Whitmer Signs Bill to Move Presidential Primary to February 2024

February 4, 2023February 3, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law that aims to move the presidential primary to earlier in the 2024 primary season.

Whitmer said the change would boost the economy.

Michigan Legislature OKs $1 Billion in Tax Changes

January 29, 2023January 28, 2023 The Center Square

The Michigan Legislature late Thursday approved about $1 billion in tax changes highlighted in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address.

The two changes include boosting the earned income tax credit and repealing the retirement tax.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Calls for ‘Immediate’ Relief in State of the State Address

January 27, 2023January 26, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for “immediate” relief to some Michiganders from rising prices in her State of the State address Wednesday evening.

Whitmer, the Democrat who won a second term in November, said three proposals will make a “real difference” to many residents who are “facing the pinch right now” at the grocery store and with medical bills and prescription costs.

After FBI Warning, Michigan Gov. Whitmer Still Posting on TikTok

January 4, 2023January 3, 2023 The Center Square

After the FBI declared the popular Chinese video app TikTok a national security threat, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to post on the platform.

Whitmer posted three videos in three days to her 186,000 followers. The most recent post is video of her second inauguration on Jan. 1.