Yesterday, it was reported that Governor Whitmer’s proposed 2023 budget would feature a $1 billion additional allocation to aid Michigan’s continued efforts to repair roads and fund other key components of the state’s infrastructure.
The total proposed appropriation for this critical pillar of Michigan’s economy includes funds from the historic and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and would go towards initiatives like repairing and rebuilding roads and bridges, replacing lead water pipes, and expanding transit programs.
Whitmer’s budget will build on the $6.4 billion she’s invested since taking office to make critical repairs and replacements to nearly 13,200 lane miles of roads and over 900 bridges.
Meanwhile, not one of the many Republicans running for governor have indicated they would take any action to build on the strides Whitmer has made to bolster Michigan’s infrastructure:
- Tudor Dixon dismissed the federal infrastructure bill as “fake.”
- James Craig used his failed campaign reboot to broadcast that infrastructure was not “one of my priorities.”
- Garrett Soldano gave a vague broad criticism of the infrastructure bill, failing to address the thousands of good-paying jobs it would bring to Michigan.
- Despite having an issue page that addresses relitigating the 2020 election, Kevin Rinke hasn’t bothered to acknowledge the importance of infrastructure to Michigan’s economy and workforce.
MDP spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite issued the following statement:
“Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has shown that she’ll work with anyone to keep improving the infrastructure that maintains the strength of our economy and workforce. By contrast, James Craig, Tudor Dixon, Garrett Soldano, Kevin Rinke, and the rest of the chaotic Republican gubernatorial field have failed to offer plans to invest in Michigan’s infrastructure.”
