What Happens When Dems Govern? Housing, Childcare, Health

by Kyle Davidson, Michigan Advance
January 24, 2024

In a speech sprinkled with references to ‘80s classics and nods to the Detroit Lions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took stock of her administration’s biggest accomplishments in 2023, while laying down plans for 2024. 

From protecting abortion rights to providing free school meals, expanding protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders and taking action to end natural hair discrimination, her 2024 State of the State address highlighted a myriad of accomplishments from Democratic lawmakers. 

“All great albums from the ‘80s have some things in common. Chart-topping hits that everyone loves, deep cuts for the fans and a few experimental tracks. At their best, these are timeless records whose impacts transcend a single year or artist,” Whitmer said. 

 “At our best, that’s what we aspire to do, too. Get things done that outlast us. Make policy for future generations. Over the past year, our record, like any great album, had something in it for everyone, and all the tracks — or policy — were bound by a common theme: making a real difference in people’s lives,” Whitmer said. 

She highlighted the rollback of the state’s retirement tax, the expansion of the state’s earned income tax credit from 6 to 30% of the federal level, alongside bringing the state’s rainy day fund to an all-time high of $2 billion.

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