Whitmer speaks at UP Fair Governor’s Luncheon

ESCANABA -- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made her annual visit to the U.P. State Fair on Thursday to take part in the Governor's Luncheon.

Whitmer, along with members of her cabinet and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessell, also toured the fairgrounds.

In her address to luncheon attendees, Whitmer outlined bipartisan efforts and other achievements that benefit the Upper Peninsula.

Whitmer focused on the state budget, which she said started with a projected deficit but ended with a surplus. One of the benefits of the budget, she said, is increased per-student public school spending that has "closed the gap" in funding for students throughout the state. In Delta County, Whitmer said, funding has increase by approximately $1,000 per student.

A quarter of a billion dollars is being allocated for school infrastructure as well.

Whitmer also cited the rebuilding of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette as a budget item that benefited the U.P. Whitmer said she worked closely with state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, to make the new facility a reality and provide funding.

In addition, Whitmer pointed to budget funding for mental health services, expansion of high speed internet in rural areas, and enhancing food and agriculture industries in the state.

The governor mentioned the importance of the state's Pure Michigan campaign, an advertising effort to promote Michigan and draw tourists here. She said the campaign is especially important to the Upper Peninsula.

"We want to draw people to the U.P.," she said.

Whitmer said the U.P. has seen some major economic advancements that the state supported. She cited the expansion of the Soo Locks on the federal level. She also mentioned a $6.5 million investment at Calumet Electronics in the western Upper Peninsula and the $194 million expansion at the LP Building Solutions mill in Dickinson County's Sagola Township, aided by a state grant and tax incentives.

Whitmer also fielded written questions from the audience.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ended the Roe vs Wade decision, Whitmer said she has filed a lawsuit and obtained an injunction that keeps a 1931 Michigan law banning abortion from taking effect.

"We all have the option to vote on a ballot initiative in November," she said.

On the topic of bringing more high speed internet service to the Upper Peninsula, Whitmer said it is an important part of the U.P.'s future.

You can work from anywhere now if you're connected," she said. "If you're going to work, why not work in paradise?"

Daily Press Editor Brian Rowell can be reached at 906-786-2021 or browell@dailypress.net.