As time passes in her second and final term, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer faces pressure to fulfill several key campaign promises made during her successful 2018 run. While Whitmer has made strides in some areas, significant commitments remain largely unmet, including her vows to enhance infrastructure, increase the minimum wage, and improve transparency in state government.
Whitmer’s popularity was evident at the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where she was recognized as a rising star in the party. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledged her effectiveness, highlighting her grasp of critical issues. However, as Democrats solidify their control in Michigan, advocates question whether Whitmer will seize the opportunity to advance the causes she championed during her campaign.
Promised initiatives like “fix the damn roads,” increasing the minimum wage to $15, and repealing the emergency manager law are still in limbo. Some lawmakers and advocates express concern about the lack of urgency from Whitmer’s administration to push these laws forward now that her party holds the reins in state governance.
Although Whitmer has achieved some notable successes, such as codifying abortion rights and expanding the earned income tax credit, there are growing frustrations regarding empty promises. The goal of significantly improving Michigan’s roads has become increasingly complicated, especially after an unfulfilled gas tax proposal. The reliance on short-term bonds for road repairs has raised alarms about sustainable funding for future projects.
Whitmer’s commitment to governmental transparency was echoed in her 2018 Sunshine Plan, which aimed to extend Freedom of Information Act protections to her office. However, critics argue that her administration’s use of nondisclosure agreements contradicts her pledges of accountability.
The emergency manager law, which gives state officials authority over distressed local governments, remains unchanged despite Whitmer’s campaign stance against it. Legislative efforts to repeal the law are pending, as concerns linger about the potential for its misuse in struggling communities.
In addition, persistent challenges with the $15 minimum wage pledge highlight the complexities of Michigan’s legislative landscape. A recent Supreme Court ruling could put pressure on the governor to adapt her stance on wage increases, as business groups express anxiety over potential impacts on their operations.
With only a limited timeframe for concrete action, many in Michigan’s political sphere are watching closely to see if Whitmer will utilize her party’s advantage to deliver on her original campaign promises before her term concludes.