NILES, Mich. (WSBT) — Some of the area’s biggest issues and some of our country’s most debated topics took place in Niles Thursday.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke about jobs, tariffs, and the state’s economy at the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce.
The governor believes many things in Michigan are on the right track.
While the governor tackled many topics, her main message on Thursday was speaking about what still needs to get done for her remaining 18 months of her 2nd term as Michigan’s Governor.
“We’ve sharpened our economic development toolkit, and we’ve landed some important investment, but certainly we know that Michigan has a unique economy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer, (D) Michigan.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan’s economy is on an upward trajectory pertaining to jobs and investing in the workforce.
She is also proud of where Michiganders are with cutting financial barriers, getting people skills they need to enter the workforce with programs like Michigan Reconnect.
The governor also pushing for the auto industry to be more competitive with China pertaining to EVs.
“I think that GM and Ford and all of those are really focused on how do we make sure people have good choices on there and we just want to make sure the playing field is level,” said Jeff Rea, Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce.
Whitmer did question President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, expressing her concerns about not having a long-term strategy.
“It is an economy that is the most vulnerable to I think the shockwaves that come from international policy around tariffs that we’re more sensitive to it than other states,” said Governor Whitmer.
Her solution for Michigan is making sure the state government is investing more in the people with rebuilding infrastructure, especially roads.
But the governor’s first priority is asking residents to encourage their legislators to get the state budget done.
“We could make some real headway here, but hearing from constituents saying we need you to deliver a budget that reflects these priorities and get it done on time, I think could be a helpful and important way that your voices could impact what’s going on in the city,” said Governor Whitmer.
Governor Whitmer says Michigan has been excellent at attracting talent to the state due to affordable living, great education, and high quality of life.
She is also encouraging local business owners to use their platforms and ask for help from the government when needed.