LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, issued the following statement on Thursday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2025 State of the State address:
“I always look forward to hearing the governor outline her policy priorities during her annual State of the State address, and I try to look past our differences and find the good in what is being presented.
“I found her speech to be rather refreshing as she outlined the priorities for the upcoming year.
“The governor emphasized the need for additional housing — an issue that is especially important to Northern Michigan. Ensuring our taxpayers are getting solid results from our investment in education has been a top priority of mine, and I was happy to hear the governor acknowledge this need as well. And I definitely agree that we need to work diligently to repair our broken infrastructure.
“Earlier this year, I issued a statement on the Senate floor calling for civility and a single-minded focus on working together for the good of our state. The governor seemed to strike the same tone in her speech. We need to lead by example and show people that things aren’t as divisive as they seem. We must all sit down at the table, put in the work, and find out how to take on the issues that matter most to Michigan families.
“While we don’t agree on everything, there were many items included that I found myself willing to support, and I think some of the proposals could be successful if we work together to get them done.”
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