news

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) today released the following statement after Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her annual State of the State address.

“Tonight, Governor Gretchen Whitmer outlined a plan to rebuild our economy, save our small businesses, reopen our schools, and reward our inspiring educators,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “With her policies for economic recovery, we can get Michiganders back to work, support struggling businesses, and begin to lift the burden on families suffering from unemployment. Defeating COVID demands a united force of governments and citizens willing to show each other compassion and practice public health measures like wearing our masks, washing our hands, and keeping our distance.

“But as we enter the critical next phase of distributing vaccines efficiently and equitably, the Governor needs allies in the state legislature, not adversaries. We need to come together to accelerate the production of vaccines and improve delivery to the communities that need them most. Nearly a year after this pandemic first began upending our daily lives, it’s long past time to put partisan politics aside and work together for the Michiganders we all represent.

“Back in Washington, we need to finally provide our state and local governments with the funding they need to protect our communities from COVID. Every single day I hear from local elected officials and business leaders asking when their federal government will hear them. Governor Whitmer made clear tonight that she will utilize every resource she has, but clearly support from Congress and the federal government would save lives and businesses. They shouldn’t have to wait another day.”

###