FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Believe in Michigan: Investing in Education and Talent Michiganders celebrate why they believe in Michigan through video series leading up to Governor Whitmer’s State of the State address
LANSING, Mich. – Leading up to the Governor’s State of the State address, Gov. Whitmer’s team set out to hear from Michiganders across the state on why they believe in Michigan. We’ll share their thoughts each day leading up to the address in a video series.
“I will always strive to make bigger, bolder investments in our kids, teachers, and schools because when they succeed, we all succeed,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Every Michigander deserves a path to a high wage job, and I am committed to making that dream a reality for more residents.”
“I want to see my state government focus on infrastructure, clean water, better roads and bridges, and ample power supplies. Creating opportunities for us all to live equitably, regardless of your county, your salary, your school district or your race,” said Kendra Barclay, Midtown Detroit resident and teacher. “I also would like to see a focus on teacher retention and attracting more people to the profession. “
Barclay, who spent a year working on an island of South Carolina, shared her thoughts on why she believes in Michigan and is glad to be back, “I believe in Michigan because even though I know there is room for teachers here and across the country to be better compensated for what we do, leaving the south and working here in Michigan afforded me a better lifestyle. I want all of our residents to feel the way I do about Michigan. It’s a great place to be.”
Governor Whitmer’s Focus on Education, Talent
From her first day in office, Gov. Whitmer has worked to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for Michiganders. Governor Whitmer made the largest education investment in state history-without raising taxes-to close the funding gap between schools in Michigan, expand access to preschool program for 22,000 more four-year-olds, and distribute resources to expand mental health supports for our kids. These historic investments ensure our schools have the funds to help each and every Michigander reach their full potential.
The Governor also believes that every Michigander deserves a path to a high wage job, and she is committed to making college degrees and skill certificates available and affordable for more residents. Since last Sept., over 170,000 Michiganders applied for scholarships through Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners, two programs she created to put people on tuition-free paths to better-paying jobs. Here are a few other key numbers to celebrate:
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Believe in Michigan: Investing in Education and Talent
