Governor Whitmer to Deliver “Protect and Defend Michigan’s Economy” Speech

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2025

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer to Deliver “Protect and Defend Michigan’s Economy” Speech

LANSING, Mich. - On Tuesday, in Lansing, Governor Whitmer will deliver her “Protect and Defend Michigan’s Economy” speech. In a time of economic uncertainty driven by federal tariffs, last week's disappointing jobs report, and troubling signs in America’s manufacturing sector, it's more important than ever for elected officials, especially in Washington, to do what they can to protect their constituents from further economic pain. That’s why it’s critical for state legislators to do their job and pass a state budget swiftly to protect Michiganders from further disruption. This speech comes on the heels of yesterday’s concerning jobs report revision, signaling further trouble for the U.S. economy.

“Federal tariffs are driving economic uncertainly, leading to massive job loss, instability in our nation’s manufacturing sector, and concerning signs for our economic future,” said Governor Whitmer. “Elected leaders need to set aside politics, do our jobs to protect and defend our constituents, and work together so we can create a bright future for every American. In Michigan, that includes passing a balanced, bipartisan budget that lowers costs, invests in education, healthcare, public safety, and roads. I look forward to laying out the stakes on Tuesday.” 

“Michigan’s strength has always come from our ability to adapt, innovate, and lead,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II. “As we face economic headwinds, we must double down on what works: investing in people, protecting good-paying jobs, and building a future where every Michigander can thrive. I will continue to work with anyone to stand tall for Michigan’s economy.”

Tariffs & Economic Uncertainty 

Companies and consumers are bearing the brunt of tariffs as costs continue to skyrocket. This is causing large and small companies to lay off workers, raise prices, or even close operations. Consumers will be the hardest hit as companies are projected to pass on 60% of their tariff costs to consumers. This means that American consumers could lose out on anywhere between $2,100 and $4,900 each year. That is thousands of dollars that American families will no longer have to spend on groceries, electricity bills, car payments, and more. A recent report shows the impact of tariffs on job loss in the manufacturing sector. According to the report, “manufacturing firms have slowed their hiring and are creating new positions at rates well below 2024 levels.”

That's why Michigan must take action to invest in communities, lower costs, and create jobs by passing a balanced, bipartisan state budget as soon as possible. The state budget will lower costs for families and keep them safe by continuing tax cuts, investing in education, childcare, healthcare, roads, and public safety, all ensuring Michigan is a great state for people to build their lives and create good paying jobs.

This builds on the governor’s previous work passing six bipartisan budgets done on time, announcing over 40,000 good-paying auto jobs and bringing supply chains home to Michigan, signing over 1,500 bipartisan bills, cutting taxes for working families, seniors and small businesses, and lower the cost of higher education and skills training so more Michiganders have a path to a good paying job. The governor introduced her budget over 200 days ago to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, grow our economy, fix the damn roads, improve academic results, and support Michigan seniors, and she and her administration have brought both houses of the legislature together dozens of times to make progress on a budget over the last six months.

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