Gov. Whitmer Delivers SOTU Response, Lifts Up Work of Democratic Governors Across the Country

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been praised as a model for Democrats in the age of Trump, just delivered the Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address.
Instead of responding to Trump’s falsities, Whitmer used her response to focus on what Democratic governors like her are actually doing to make Americans’ lives better.
Gov. Whitmer and fellow Democratic governors across the country have been moving the agenda forward on the kitchen table issues voters care about and protecting families from Donald Trump and his allies’ dangerous policies. From protecting health care to investing in public education to rebuilding the crumbling infrastructure, Democratic governors are getting things done.
As Gov. Whitmer said, “Listen to what people say – but watch what they do. It’s time for action. Generations of Americans are counting on us. Let’s not let them down.”
And that’s exactly what Democratic governors are doing. Gov. Whitmer has been a leader in this charge, working to ensure clean water for every Michigander, to increase education and job training opportunities, and to deliver a brighter future for every child.
In her remarks, Gov. Whitmer cited specific examples of the great work happening across the country:

• In Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a multi-billion dollar plan to fix the state’s roads and bridges.
• In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy is working to replace dangerous lead pipes across the state.
• In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly is working across the aisle to keep Medicaid expansion moving forward.
• In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation codifying key protections of the Affordable Care Act into law to protect health care coverage regardless of what happens on the federal level.
• In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf is expanding overtime pay rules.
• In Nevada, Gov. Steve Sisolak delivered on a key campaign promise, giving all educators in the state a pay raise.
• In North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper is fighting every day to make sure teachers in his state get a well-deserved raise
• In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers increased education funding by $65 million.
• In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis established free all-day kindergarten across the state.

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