GRETCHEN WEITMER:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been a Michigander all her life and is committed to making a difference in people’s lives. She is an attorney and an educator. She is most proud of her MOM title. Inspirated by her family, she has dedicated her entire life to building Michigan stronger and has governed through unprecedented, colliding crises.
Governor Whitmer led Michigan through this extraordinary period, but she has always remained focused on the right thing: acting decisively and following the science. Her leadership was instrumental in controlling the once-in-a-century pandemic and laid the foundation for rebuilding Michigan’s economy.
The Governor focused on improving the roads and drinking water, as well as expanding opportunities for all. The Whitmers administration created 11,000 new jobs in autos and worked to diversify the economy. It also established the Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs in order to create a more dynamic and educated workforce.
She is committed to investing in small businesses. They are the lifeblood of our communities. She will make sure they have the support and infrastructure they need to survive and rebuild our economy. The Governor is taking bold steps to improve schools and create more jobs for Michiganders. She has made major investments in education. She is offering free training and job training for adults over 25 years old and essential workers to make education more affordable to those who cannot afford it.
This was achieved by Governor Whitmer along with the most diverse cabinet in state History and three dynamic elected leaders: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gillin Gilchrist, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
The Whitmer administration will work to ensure that every Michigander has access to a high-quality public education, a path to a well-paying job, clean drinking water in every community, and that everyone can safely drive to work or drop off their children at school without having to blow a tire. She will continue to fight for Michiganders and tackle the big challenges Michigan faces every day with bold solutions.
Governor Whitmer and Marc Mallory, her husband, live in Lansing together with Kevin and Doug. Her older daughter, Sherry Mallory, is a student at University of Michigan. Sydney, her younger daughter will be joining her sister in fall. The state is home to her three stepsons, Mason and Winston. Governor Whitmer received a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from Michigan State University. Gretchen Whitmer, a lifelong Michigander is honored to be Governor of Michigan.
ABOUT LISA WOZNIAK
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
/
michiganlcv.org
Lisa’s career spans over twenty years of environmental and conservation advocacy in politics. She is a nationally recognized expert in non-profit management and growth, and a leader in Great Lakes conservation. Lisa is a University of Michigan graduate with a Bachelors degree and two subsequent Masters degrees in Education and Social Work.
Lisa serves as a cohost and content partner on 89.1 WEMU’s “1st Friday Focus on Environment”.
RESOURCES:
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Building Michigan Together Plan
TRANSCRIPTION:
David Fair: This is 89 WEMU and I would like to welcome everyone to the April edition First Friday Focus on the Environment. David Fair is my partner in this monthly conversation series. Lisa Wozniak is mine. She is the executive director of Michigan League of Conservation Voters. Today we will discuss the Building Michigan Together Plan which was approved by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. This spending plan, worth $4.7 billion, is expected to have a lasting impact on our water, infrastructure, and the environment. Lisa Wozniak: It’s great to be back with You.
Lisa Wozniak: David, it’s always a pleasure to be with you. And Governor Gretchen Whitmer, our guest today, is a very fortunate person. Governor, thank you so very much for taking the time to speak with us.
Gretchen Whitmer Oh, how I am glad to be with both of you. Thank you.
David Fair: Both chambers approved the budget deals on March 24th. Members of both parties were excited about their ability to fix our water infrastructure dams. Bridges, roads, and bridges. They also claimed that they could remove lead pipes. They also promised to invest in state parks and local parks. Before we get into the details, Governor, I am curious to know what you took away during the negotiation process, at a time where public perceptions remain deeply divided in partisan state governments.
Gretchen Whitmer I appreciate your question. I believe that sentiment is expressed. We’ve certainly had our robust debates but I have signed 800 bipartisan laws since becoming governor. We have three budgets that were completed on time and in a bipartisan manner, and they are balanced. The $7 billion General Motors investment that we received as part of our economic development package shows that we can build batteries, look forward and find common ground. This is just one example. If we remain focused on the issues that matter to Michiganders we can still find common ground. This is just one great example.
Lisa Wozniak: Let’s get into the details, Governor. Water infrastructure improvements will receive more than $1 billion. This includes the replacement of lead service lines in cities like Detroit, Benton Harbor and many other cities and the construction of a new Flint water tower. When do you expect these communities to start to reap the benefits of these investments.
Gretchen WhitmerIt was, you know…thanks for pointing it out. It costs three hundred and twenty-five million dollars to replace the lead service lines in the store, and $55 million for communities to tackle toxic contaminants like PFAS. There is also $43 million in assistance to small and disadvantaged communities. This is a real investment that has seen the benefits of this quickly. As the ground is starting to thaw, we plan to move dirt quickly because these investments are more profitable if they can be done quickly.
David Fair:I was happy to see that schools are another beneficiary of the federal infusion of funds. Even in the most affluent areas, such as Ann Arbor, there have been times when expensive bottled waters–in plastic–have become a necessity because lead contamination. Will these investments solve those problems statewide? Or is this just the beginning of the problem?
Gretchen Whitmer These investments will make a big difference, I believe. As you all know, I have been trying hard to get more money because of all the discussions and budgets I have introduced in Lansing. This will allow us to ensure that water is safe for our children, teachers, and everyone else who uses it. This is an opportunity to upgrade the infrastructure of our schools. I have also introduced a budget. These negotiations are ongoing so it isn’t complete. I am hopeful that we can invest a million dollars in school infrastructure to improve their quality, make them more sustainable, as well as to ensure clean air and water for all who attend our schools. This will be the second part, but it is a significant step forward that will address many of the remaining issues with water quality in schools.
David Fair: WEMU’s First Friday Focus on the Environment continues with Lisa Wozniak of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters as our guest and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Lisa Wozniak: Governor, another component of your infrastructure plan that you mentioned is particularly important in our region in Washtenaw County along the Huron River Watershed is PFAS contamination. How far will this investment help us to clean up and prevent further spread of these so called forever chemicals?
Gretchen Whitmer I appreciate the efforts of LCV and the other stakeholders. We have some of our most aggressive and effective standards, and we are more successful in detection than other states. We are leaders in this area. This is a problem all over the world and we have committed $55 million to help eliminate toxic contaminants like PFAS. It’s a great start, but I suspect as we detect more, there will be more work in this area. It’s a huge investment, but I’m happy to get it started.
David Fair: Another area that can make a difference is upgrading storm and wastewater systems. This can obviously be a source for water contamination. What is the best way to determine the priority for each round of allocation given the state’s aging systems?
Gretchen Whitmer First, I’d like to mention that the $712 million is for clean water initiatives. That’s six hundred seventy-five million for storm and wastewater management, thirty five million dollars for loans for septic system repairs, $20 million to reduce public health risks, and eight million dollars to address emerging contaminants. I believe the work will move quickly. Prioritizing where there are the most compelling needs will determine how we can move in communities with the greatest need. That work will be ongoing but driven by the science and facts that we have gathered from our state assessment. We will prioritize the communities that are most important and move quickly.
David Fair: This is 89 WEMU. Lisa Wozniak, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and I are discussing our monthly series, First Fridays Focus on the Environment.
Lisa Wozniak: Governor Whitmer, roads and bridges are often what we think of when we think infrastructure. That’s certainly part and parcel of this package. Extreme weather events have made it clear that we need to improve our infrastructure to deal with the increasing frequency of heavy rains due to climate change. How will this legislation prepare the infrastructure for dealing with these frequent extreme weather events related to climate change?
Gretchen Whitmer It is clear that these 500-year flood events that occur over and over again are not 500-year events. Our climate is changing. Our climate is changing. We have to act now to address the issues we face. This bill would make it appear that there is $210million to repair dams and 40million to address the repair and rehabilitation of dams statewide. But this is an investment we need to make right now to support our longer-term goals. Addressing pumps, for example, on our highways to ensure that the unseasonable rainfall last year doesn’t cause dangerous conditions and lead to highway flooding, is another priority that this bill will prioritize. We have the short-term ability and long-term goals to address these issues. These are all aspects of our response to the incredible events that are occurring more often because of the climate change.
David Fair: We also see more of the freeze-thaw conditions that cause so many road accidents as a result of the changing climate. These materials and methods of repair and replacement may not be adequate. There are many ways to look at climate adaptation. We should be looking at better, more durable materials to address these climate conditions, even though it may be more costly upfront.
Gretchen Whitmer Absolutely. It’s obvious that we are seeing the intersection of climate change, and insufficient infrastructure investment. It can be frustrating to feel like they are fixing the same road repeatedly. We haven’t invested enough resources in infrastructure rebuilding over the past decades. These patches are temporary and don’t last. We need to recognize that we have work to do in both the climate and infrastructure space. As we rebuild the right way, we can get more for our money by using the right materials. But, even more important, we can also have a longer, more resilient infrastructure that serves our needs and keeps us safe. This will allow us to be more competitive economically and do our part in limiting the climate change impact.
Lisa Wozniak: With $4.7billion in investment, there is a lot of work ahead. I think it’s safest to assume there will be many jobs required to make these repairs and invest. Could you please talk about the impact of these investments on our economy?
Gretchen Whitmer First, these investments show that Michigan is ready to tackle the fundamentals that are preventing businesses and people from moving forward. The Building Michigan Together Infrastructure Plan represents 15 times the annual investments we make in water-related infrastructure. It was home to 20 percent of the world’s freshwater. It is vital that we demonstrate our ability to manage and protect water. We also know these investments will support over 504,000 jobs as we invest these dollars and begin to rebuild. It builds on the more than $2 billion that we have already invested in water in the last three years. These are important investments. They enable families and businesses to succeed. They are a sign that Michigan is capable of solving problems. This makes us more attractive for future investments. These jobs are filled with hardworking, honest people. We pay them prevailing wages to ensure that our tax dollars are used effectively and that families who work can provide for their own needs. There are many economic benefits for both individuals and the state.
David Fair: Governor, thank-you so much for taking time to visit us today. We do appreciate it.
Gretchen Whitmer We are grateful to you both. It was great to be there.
David Fair: [00:11:01]Governor Gretchen Whitmer is our guest on First Friday Focus on the Environment. Lisa Wozniak is my content partner and cohost of his monthly conversation series. She is the executive director of Michigan League of Conservation Voters. Lisa, I am so grateful for your kindness and look forward to seeing you in May.
Lisa Wozniak: David, we are grateful. Thank you, Governor Whitmer. It was a pleasure.
David Fair: I’m David Fair. This is your community NPR Station.
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