Governor Whitmer Begins Post-State of the State Tour in Flint

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

January 27, 2022 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Governor Whitmer Begins Post-State of the State Tour in Flint 

Reiterates proposal to cut taxes for retirees and working families, lower costs on insulin and electric vehicles, and expand access to mental health 

FLINT, MICH. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer began her Post-SOTS tour in Flint today. She reviewed her proposals to cut taxes for seniors and working families, lower costs on insulin and electric vehicles, and expand access to mental health.  

"During my State of the State, I put forward proposals to cut taxes for seniors and working families, lower costs on insulin and electric vehicles, and expand access to mental health, said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "In Flint, I look forward to meeting with Michiganders and getting their input as I prepare my budget proposal. I will work with anyone to keep delivering on the kitchen-table issues and putting Michiganders first. Together, we build a bright future." 

State of the State Proposals 

1) Repeal the Retirement Tax:  

Michiganders who worked hard, played by the rules, and saved deserve to keep their hard-earned dollars. That's why Governor Whitmer proposed phasing out the retirement tax, which would save half a million households an average of $1,000 a year.  

2) Raise the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit 

The EITC is a bipartisan tax cut for working families. That's why Governor Whitmer proposed raising the EITC to save 730,000 Michiganders an average of almost $3,000 through their combined state and federal refund. 

3) Lower Cost of Insulin 

For years, drug companies have been jacking up insulin prices, reaping billions in profit. Attorney General Nessel launched an investigation into one of the three largest insulin makers in the U.S. and Governor Whitmer will work with the legislature to lower the cost of insulin and save lives. 

4) Lower Cost of Electric Cars 

Michigan is building the future of electric vehicles, and I want every Michigander to be part of it. That's why I proposed a $2,500 electric vehicle rebate for families-$2,000 for the car and $500 for in-home charging equipment- which will build on the $7,500 federal electric vehicle credit and lower the cost of an electric vehicle by nearly $10,000. 

5) Expand Access to Mental Health 

Governor Whitmer knows mental health is just as important as physical health. She proposed an expansion of the Michigan Loan Repayment Program for mental health professionals to increase access. She will also make another substantial investment to grow the mental health workforce in schools. 

Fixing the Damn Roads 

Since Governor Whitmer took office, Michigan has repaired, rebuilt, or rehabilitated 13,198 lane miles of road and 903 bridges in every region of the state, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. Michigan is fixing the roads with the right mix and materials, so they stay fixed, and creating tens of thousands of good-paying, skilled trades jobs along the way.  

Key Stats 

• Michigan has created 20,000 auto jobs since Governor Whitmer took office. 
• Drivers will receive $400 refund checks per vehicle by May 9th, 2022 because of bipartisan auto insurance reform Governor Whitmer signed. 
• Michigan has made the largest education investment-without raising taxes-three years in a row, closing the funding gap between schools and investing $8,700 into every student in every district. 

• Michigan's economy has added 220,000 jobs since December 2020. 
• Payrolls have increased for eight consecutive months. 

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