At the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Governor Whitmer announced a new plan to grow the economy. The $2.1 billion program, which needs legislative approval, is focused on growing Michigan’s middle class, supporting small businesses and investing in communities.

Mathew Hetcher/Getty Images
Mathew Hetcher/Getty Images
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Whitmer said in a video released on her BigGretchWhitmer TikTok account,

"This plan is all about you and making sure Michiganders succeed."

She added,

"I’m here to announce the MI New Economy, an economic agenda that is laser focused on getting Michigan back to work and helping us become the kind of state that we strive to be."

@biggretchwhitmerA behind the scenes look at my economic agenda.♬ original sound - BigGretchWhitmer

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
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Here is a press release from her office:

"To grow the middle class and educate workers, the Governor is calling for a $215 million expansion of Michigan Reconnect and Future for Frontliners, $70 million investment to growing the pipeline of talented workers to industry, a $100 million influx for the Going Pro credential program, and further investments in programs that offer work experience to Michiganders earning their GEDs and help those reentering society after incarceration transition into the workforce.

To support small businesses and create better jobs, the Governor is building on her $300 million Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, which offers grants to restaurants, place-based businesses, and microenterprises with further dollars to attract more start-ups. She outlined a $200 million investment to create a more conducive business environment for high-tech, high-growth start-ups and create jobs of the future in Michigan. The Governor put forward $40 million to speed up electric vehicle charging infrastructure and $100 million to prepare manufacturers and the workforce for opportunities of the future. Finally, she proposed an $11 million investment into the STEM Forward program, which places STEM students in internships in Michigan and improves talent attraction and retention.

To invest in our communities, Governor Whitmer expanded on her previous proposal to put $100 million towards building 2,000 units, create 1,600 jobs, and house 6,000 Michiganders. She’s proposing a further $50 million to create a healthier, cleaner, and more energy efficient homes, $100 million to rehabilitate vacant buildings, and $200 million to redevelop brownfield sites. She also proposed $100 million to build development-ready sites conducive to business investment."

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