Michigan governor keeps it brief in her third State of State speech, while Republicans block appointments and threaten to withhold federal COVID funding unless Whitmer relaxes business and school restrictions.
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LANSING – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sounded a hopeful note in her third State of the State address Wednesday, delivered online for the first time in Michigan history amid a pandemic that could soon be significantly reduced because of vaccine distribution.
On a night typically dedicated to pomp and procedure in front of lawmakers and dignitaries inside the state Capitol, Whitmer spoke directly to the camera, surrounded by only a few staff members, and used the virtual speech to reflect on challenges and achievements over the last year while calling for unity moving forward. It s easy to look back on this last year and focus on the bad, Whitmer said in a speech that took less than 30 minutes to deliver. But we cannot forget the actions we took to protect ourselves and our families.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, said during a joint news conference that Whitmer delivered a State of the State address on Wednesday without that much content. He said he appreciated her appearance and delivery style though, echoing comments he made earlier in the day during a radio interview. When I saw her on the screen with her mask off and I said, she looked delightful, and I meant it but it also I think it could be the beginning of moving from this notion of control and fear into a different stage. It doesn’t mean masks aren’t important, it doesn’t mean that masks aren’t useful. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t wear masks, especially when we’re in places where people are going to be vulnerable, Shirkey said.