Written by Tanya Terry, with photos provided by the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II recently told the Courier what he felt were some of the most important things he and Governor Gretchen Whitmer did in 2023 and why what they do continues to be important to them.
Gilchrist said he and the governor worked to to deliver a billion dollars in tax relief. Previously, people who were retired and on fixed incomes were taxed in order to give tax breaks to rich people and large companies.
“We fixed that and righted that wrong,” stated Gilchrist. “Now people can get their full retirement in Michigan. A half a million families, including a lot in the Flint area, are going to be able to see an average of $1,000 more in their bank accounts and their pockets because of that repeal on the retirement tax. “
Gilchrist added Michigan is also the #1 economy for clean energy job growth. He said the numbers speak for themselves in terms of the number of battery plants and electric vehicle investments.
On January 20, Gilchrist was at Flint Engine in Flint to announce a significant investment. At that time, he said: “GM has invested more than $1.1 billion in Flint Engine since 2011, and more than $3.2 billion across all its Flint manufacturing plants during that same time.”
“There’s still good UAW jobs that are going to continue to be here and persist.”
The Working Families Tax Credit was created for families who are working hard and still struggling to make ends meet.
“This policy is going to deliver on average about $3,000 to 7,000 families,” said Gilchrist.
Gilchrist said on February 13, families who are eligible for that tax credit this year will get an average of $550 sent directly to them.
“We offer to deliver free breakfast and free lunch to every kid who goes to a public school in Michigan. That’s 1.4 million kids…So many of our kids go to school hungry and never say anything. But they also aren’t able to focus as a result of that. So, this takes that out…and it saves families money!”
Gilchrist said Michigan has underinvested in public schools for a generation. For 30 years, some school districts got much money than other school districts.
“We know, and the research all shows, that when families are fighting poverty, we need to invest more money into public education in their neighborhoods. We’ve worked to do that and equalize that funding in the last two years. Now, we’re laying a good level playing field for kids to be their best. I care about that as a parent of three kids that are in public schools. My kids are in Detroit. I’m a public-school kid. The governor is a public-school kid. Her daughters went to public school, and we care very deeply about investing in the right way.”
Gilchrist added he also cares about supporting education professionals, who have been disrespected in the past. He pointed out student teachers are paid now, and do not have to wait several months like they did before.
Gilchrist talked about the Michigan Reconnect program, which provides free in-district tuition at a Michigan community college to earn an associate degree or Pell-eligible skill certificate. Also, the Going PRO program allows people to get on-the-job training to get an industry-recognized certificate or credential.
Gilchrist stressed that the environment is changing, which has led to flooding and other catastrophes across the state, and we have see our infrastructure fail us in Michigan.
“Now we have a standard that’s going to create an opportunity for businesses to step up and create innovative ways for us to meet our goals….And we’re getting close to completing a new replacement of service lines and the fixtures for people’s homes in the city of Flint and other communities across the state of Michigan where we’re seeing continued persistent challenges with lead exposure.”
On October 19, Whitmer signed bipartisan bills to protect children in Michigan by requiring the installation of water filters in childcare centers and schools to prevent lead contamination, known as Filter First bills.
Whitmer and Gilchrist have invested more than a billion and a half dollars in public safety alone, which he said he knows is of great importance to the people of Flint. They also have passed legislation to help defend fundamental rights, as well as passed gun laws.
“We think we are creating a Michigan where everybody is safe and can see themselves in the future and the present, and that’s not true in all states…”
