FLINT, MICH. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer began her Post-SOTS tour in Flint today, on Thursday, January 27. She reviewed her proposals to cut taxes for seniors and working families, lower costs on insulin and electric vehicles and expand access to mental health.
“During my State of the State, I put forward proposals to cut taxes for seniors and working families, lower costs on insulin and electric vehicles, and expand access to mental health, said Whitmer. “In Flint, I look forward to meeting with Michiganders and getting their input as I prepare my budget proposal. I will work with anyone to keep delivering on the kitchen-table issues and putting Michiganders first. Together, we build a bright future.”
State of the State Proposals
1) Repeal the Retirement Tax:
Michiganders who worked hard, played by the rules and saved deserve to keep their hard-earned dollars. That’s why Whitmer proposed phasing out the retirement tax, which would save half a million households an average of $1,000 a year.
2) Raise the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit
The EITC is a bipartisan tax cut for working families. That’s why Whitmer proposed raising the EITC to save 730,000 Michiganders an average of almost $3,000 through their combined state and federal refund.
3) Lower Cost of Insulin
For years, drug companies have been jacking up insulin prices, reaping billions in profit. Attorney General Nessel launched an investigation into one of the three largest insulin makers in the U.S., and Whitmer will work with the legislature to lower the cost of insulin and save lives.
4) Lower Cost of Electric Cars
Michigan is building the future of electric vehicles, and Whitmer says she wants every Michigander to be part of it. That’s why she proposed a $2,500 electric vehicle rebate for families—$2,000 for the car and $500 for in-home charging equipment— which will build on the $7,500 federal electric vehicle credit and lower the cost of an electric vehicle by nearly $10,000.
5) Expand Access to Mental Health
Whitmer knows mental health is just as important as physical health. She proposed an expansion of the Michigan Loan Repayment Program for mental health professionals to increase access. She will also make another substantial investment to grow the mental health workforce in schools.
Fixing the Roads
Since Whitmer took office, Michigan has repaired, rebuilt or rehabilitated 13,198 lane miles of road and 903 bridges in every region of the state, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. Whitmer says Michigan is fixing the roads with the right mix and materials, so they stay fixed and creating tens of thousands of good-paying, skilled trades jobs along the way.
Key Stats
- Michigan has created 20,000 auto jobs since Whitmer took office.
- Drivers will receive $400 refund checks per vehicle by May 9, 2022 because of bipartisan auto insurance reform Whitmer signed.
- Michigan has made the largest education investment—without raising taxes—three years in a row, closing the funding gap between schools and investing $8,700 into every student in every district.
- Michigan’s economy has added 220,000 jobs since December 2020.
- Payrolls have increased for eight consecutive months.
