LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 24, 2024) — Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “State of the State” address tonight:
“I have dedicated my life and my career to public service, working to improve the lives of all residents in my district and around the state, no matter their race, income level, or zip code. As the first Black woman to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee, and as a part of the first Democratic trifecta in 40 years, the stakes are higher than ever before. It is my privilege and opportunity to shepherd a budget through the process that delivers for the people of Michigan — from 5-year-olds to 85-year-olds. Our first budget delivered historic levels of funding for education, talent, and affordable housing — transformational investments in communities that have been overlooked for far too long.
“Tonight, we look at the year ahead and aim to continue that work. The governor talked a lot about policies ‘for all,’ and I strongly echo that sentiment. Because the flip side of that is the fact that for too long, Michigan elected officials were only governing ‘for some.’ With the new leadership in Lansing, we have and will continue to do things differently. State revenues, political winds and hot topics may fluctuate, but our values and priorities will remain constant. That will continue to be clear as the policies and budget investments we make this year stay laser-focused on leveling the playing field for all Michiganders.”
###