Governor Whitmer Prioritizes Infrastructure and Housing in New Address
In a recent address at the Grand Rapids Chamber, Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized her commitment to road funding, housing development, and innovation. Her strategic plan involves directing taxes on gas sales towards road improvements and generating additional revenue from large corporations and the marijuana sector.
Meanwhile, the House Republicans have introduced a competing proposal that aligns with Whitmer’s gas tax approach but suggests reallocating funds from business incentive programs, like the SOAR Fund, to support infrastructure. Whitmer is open to discussions but cautions against dismantling programs that attract business investments.
“Maybe it doesn’t look exactly like the SOAR going forward. Maybe they’ve got additional thoughts about ways that we could sharpen our toolkit. But what we can’t do is unilaterally drop all the tools and think that we’re going to be able to go toe to toe with states that are trying to steal companies that are already here,” Whitmer commented during her speech.
Ongoing discussions are taking place regarding whether Democrats should introduce their own legislative bills or negotiate policy goals using the House bills as a foundation. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) stressed the importance of bipartisan and bicameral negotiations, stating, “We are eager to start serious negotiations about the budget and about the road funding concepts that are out there. The plans are great, but if they’re not bicameral. Not just bipartisan, but bicameral and bipartisan, it won’t succeed.”
Brinks also noted that road funding talks need to coincide with budget discussions, acknowledging that the upcoming state budget will likely be reduced due to a decrease in federal COVID-19 aid. Governor Whitmer echoed the need for fiscal prudence during her address.
On the housing front, Whitmer’s strategy involves leveraging a state agency to ensure the construction of more affordable housing units. Additionally, she advocates for funding a program aimed at repurposing former industrial sites for residential or commercial development. Whitmer expressed her intent to negotiate budget allocations to extend the lifespan of brownfield redevelopment funds, although she has yet to specify a funding target for the Transformational Brownfield Plans program.
This address was part of Whitmer’s “Road Ahead” series, which previously included speeches in Detroit and Washington D.C., focusing on similar themes of infrastructure and economic development.
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