Lansing Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered a speech outlining legislative priorities for Michigan, including measures to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs, enact a 100% clean energy standard and protect reproductive rights, among other initiatives. These proposals were presented in Lansing, Mich., Aug 30, according to a news release from Whitmer's office.

“After a productive year, let’s stay focused on getting things done,” Whitmer said in her release. “Today, I shared priorities for ‘what’s next’ — the health of our people, planet, economy and democracy. 

"These are several policies we must pursue to lower costs, make a real difference in people’s lives, and build a brighter future for Michiganders," Whitmer added, according to her release. "Together, let’s enact paid leave and establish a 100% clean energy standard, lower health care and prescription drug costs, protect reproductive freedom and our democracy. This is an ambitious and achievable agenda. Let’s do what we do best — roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Following the governor’s address, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce shared its concerns about some of the policies and plans, according to an Aug. 31 Chamber release.

"We recognize competitive employee benefits are key to attracting and retaining talent, supporting employees and building team health and wellness, but a one-size-fits-all mandate of this type and magnitude would just result in bureaucracy and hurt the very people it is intending to help – especially small businesses and Michiganders living paycheck-to-paycheck," the Chamber said in the release.

In her speech, Whitmer emphasized the need for increased clean energy sources to fuel Michigan and expressed her ambition to establish a 100% clean energy standard, shifting the state's energy production entirely to "wind, solar or other sensible sources." To address this clean energy standard, the governor advocated for enhancing the Michigan Public Service Commission's jurisdiction, allowing it to authorize clean energy projects and incorporate considerations of "climate and fairness" in their regulatory determinations, the Chamber release reported. 

“A clean energy future is vitally important, but how we get there matters and must be realistic," the Chamber said in the release. "We simply can’t ignore the necessity of safe, reliable and affordable energy. We need to have serious conversations around rational goals and how we can responsibly advance clean energy without posing significant economic burdens on families, businesses and communities.”

The Chamber aligns with the governor's aspiration to enhance Michigan's population and foster a robust, prosperous state. However, the Chamber expressed reservations about certain ideas presented in the governor's speech, believing they may hinder rather than support these goals, the release reported. 

They emphasize the importance of Michigan's economic competitiveness, emphasizing the need for a business-friendly environment conducive to growth and prosperity and expressing concerns about potential regulatory burdens, according to the release.

“We have grave concerns with creating a new, $1 billion-plus annual payroll tax on every worker and business to fund a massive, new paid leave government insurance program," Wendy Block of the Chamber, said, according to Click On Detroit.

State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-20th, criticized Whitmer's address, accusing her of pursuing a radical agenda driven by her presidential ambitions and her party's narrow legislative majority, according to WSJM. Nesbitt expressed concerns about Whitmer's proposals to increase income taxes on families and impose new taxes on small businesses and nonprofits at a time when he believes taxes should be reduced, questioning whether moderate Democrats will oppose her. 

State Rep. Pauline Wendzel, R-39th, also voiced criticism, accusing Whitmer of "gaslighting" Michigan residents with promises of lower rates to implement her green energy goals, arguing that the costs of creating new green infrastructure will burden Michigan ratepayers with higher utility bills, especially during a period of inflation, WSJM reported.