Lansing Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged a move toward common ground with Republican lawmakers Wednesday during her third State of the State address as she called for ending the COVID-19 pandemic and boosting the economy.
The less-than-30-minute speech was short on criticism but emphasized working together despite high-profile clashes with Republican lawmakers as recently as Wednesday afternoon. She mentioned focusing on what unites us and improving how we talk to each other. My mission is to find common ground so we can emerge from this crisis stronger than ever, Whitmer said.
Speaking from her Capitol office, the governor spent much of her address reflecting on 2020, a year defined by a pandemic and a contentious presidential election, touting past accomplishments and renewing appeals for past proposals. There were new ideas included, such as the announcement that she ll reconvene a school advisory council to examine how to promote a comprehensive recovery.
GOVERNOR WHITMER S 2021 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Good evening.
Last year, I gave my second State of the State address in the House Chamber here in the capitol.
Like much of the last year, this State of the State is different, because it has to be. Tonight, it’s just me and a few people in my Capitol office.
And while it’s different, it s an opportunity to speak directly to you the people of Michigan about the past year, and our priorities in 2021.
At the risk of losing you in the first minutes of this speech, I’m going to use a Latin phrase: Annus horribilis: a year of horribles. Before I tell you more, take comfort in knowing that tough years like 2020, our annus horribilis, are usually followed by great years – and yes, there’s Latin a phrase for that too: annus mirabilis.
January 28, 2021
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan is resilient and pledged more bipartisanship during her virtual State of the State address Wednesday night. The Governor announced last night a “Michigan Back to Work” plan to help grow the economy and get Michiganders back on their feet with initiatives and projects dealing with tech, mobility, manufacturing, clean energy and road construction. She also said she would be reconvening the members of the Return to School Advisory Council to provide
guidance to policymakers, districts and schools about how best to promote a recovery. Her budget will include funds for academic recovery, school infrastructure improvements, and support for students’ physical and mental health. Near the end of the 24 minute address, the Governor said she would be going on a “Fixing the Damn Road Ahead” tour to focus on what unites us, improve how we talk to each other, and fix the road ahead.
LANSING – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sounded a hopeful note in her third State of the State address Wednesday, delivered online for the first time in Michigan history amid a pandemic that could soon be significantly reduced because of vaccine distribution.
On a night typically dedicated to pomp and procedure in front of lawmakers and dignitaries inside the state Capitol, Whitmer spoke directly to the camera, surrounded by only a few staff members, and used the virtual speech to reflect on challenges and achievements over the last year while calling for unity moving forward. It s easy to look back on this last year and focus on the bad, Whitmer said in a speech that took less than 30 minutes to deliver. But we cannot forget the actions we took to protect ourselves and our families.
GOVERNOR WHITMER S 2021 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Good evening.
Last year, I gave my second State of the State address in the House Chamber here in the capitol.
Like much of the last year, this State of the State is different, because it has to be. Tonight, it’s just me and a few people in my Capitol office.
And while it’s different, it s an opportunity to speak directly to you the people of Michigan about the past year, and our priorities in 2021.
At the risk of losing you in the first minutes of this speech, I’m going to use a Latin phrase: Annus horribilis: a year of horribles. Before I tell you more, take comfort in knowing that tough years like 2020, our annus horribilis, are usually followed by great years – and yes, there’s Latin a phrase for that too: annus mirabilis.