Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer takes questions from journalist Gretchen Carlson following her Build America Build Address in Washington, D.C. on April 9, 2025. | Screenshot
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the nation’s recent lagging jobs report and the uncertain nature of federal tariffs will be in focus during a speech planned next week.
The Democrat’s announcement also hinted that she’ll address Michigan’s stalled budget negotiations in what would be her first major public statement on the Legislature’s failure to put a spending plan in place. The current fiscal year ends Sept. 30, and the state government is facing an Oct. 1 shutdown.
Whitmer announced in a news release Wednesday that she will deliver an address to the state Tuesday. Her office said the governor would also touch on new troubling signs in America’s manufacturing sector.
All of that potentially bodes unwell for Michigan’s economy, and signals additional trouble for the nation’s economic status.
“Federal tariffs are driving economic uncertainly, leading to massive job loss, instability in our nation’s manufacturing sector, and concerning signs for our economic future,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Elected leaders need to set aside politics, do our jobs to protect and defend our constituents, and work together so we can create a bright future for every American. In Michigan, that includes passing a balanced, bipartisan budget that lowers costs, invests in education, healthcare, public safety, and roads. I look forward to laying out the stakes on Tuesday.”
Whitmer cited the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics current employment statistics preliminary national benchmark summary, and a report from the independent, bipartisan Center for American Progress. The latter asserts that President Donald Trump’s tariff trade war was squeezing middle-class manufacturing employment.
Whitmer’s speech will be delivered from the state capital in Lansing, but a time and location has not been announced.
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