Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asks MML members to work together to solve problems facing state

No one is going to invest in a state that doesn’t invest in itself.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized local investment in her speech at the Michigan Municipal League’s 2019 Capital Conference earlier today, sharing information on her proposed budget and her vision for the future of Michigan.

“After 40 years of disinvestment in our state, we now find ourselves at a crossroads,” Gov. Whitmer said. “I’ve written a budget that is bold, that is an honest solution to the problems we face.”

One of these important problems currently impacting our state is disinvestment in our communities. Since 2002, more than $8.6 billion has been diverted away from Michigan’s cities, villages and townships.

Gov. Whitmer budget begins to reverse this disinvestment by increasing revenue sharing by 3 percent, with total revenue-sharing payments projected to increase by about $40 million.

“I understand how important revenue sharing is for our local units of government and I’ve always supported making revenue sharing a priority in the state budget,” Gov. Whitmer said. “When we fix the fundamentals, this is the place where people will want to come and stay… that businesses will want to invest in.”

Earlier this month, the League released a statement on Gov. Whitmer’s budget proposal, applauding her efforts to start investing in community infrastructure. However, this is only the beginning.

Throughout the day, speakers touched on a common theme – we need to work together to bring about change.

“I need your help now to make sure we make the right decision in this budget,” Whitmer said. “We have to fix this problem for everyone who lives in this state, for all the future generations who we want to live in this state.”

How can you help? Join the SaveMICity team and keep the conversation going. Together we can remake Michigan.