Put Michigan First Launches First Ads in New Months-Long Program Focused on Engaging Black Michiganders on Issues Impacting Families

Today, Put Michigan First announced the launch of a new months-long program to substantively communicate directly with Black Michiganders about the everyday issues facing families and communities across the state, and how the policies that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist fought for created opportunities and helped improve lives.

First reported by the Michigan Chronicle, the program is kicking off with a first wave of new digital video and audio ads that highlight the voices of Michiganders sharing the ways that Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist listened to the needs of Black families and worked in communities to deliver results. Watch the digital ads here and here.

Specifically, the ads highlight the ways that Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist worked to help families navigate the challenges of the pandemic and rising costs by delivering policies that helped communities get ahead, even in tough times. Together, they’ve developed a strong record of expanding affordable child care, providing tuition-free community college, delivering $400 auto insurance refund checks, and closing the gap in school funding by making record investments — all without raising taxes.

The ads will air across a wide array of platforms and are the first part of a broader seven-figure investment to highlight key aspects of the governor’s agenda to create opportunity in Black communities across the state.

“From staying safe during the pandemic or being hit hard by rising prices, Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist understand the challenges families face and know Michigan can’t go backward. That’s why they never stopped fighting to create more opportunity and are getting real results,” said Put Michigan First Spokesperson Sam Newton. “These ads are just the first step in a program focused on communicating and engaging Black Michiganders on the issues impacting lives every day.”

See below for the full transcripts of the video ads: 

“Working Hard for Us”

Mrs. Murphy: The past couple years have been tough, but Gov. Whitmer never stopped working for us.

Mr. Murphy: Others promised — but she delivered.

Mrs. Murphy: She helped parents get back to work by lowering child care costs. She made school funding fair, giving these guys a better chance at success.

Mr. Murphy: And that $400 car insurance rebate helps with the bills.

Mrs. Murphy: On these issues, Gov. Whitmer has worked hard for us and delivered.

“Our Side”

Chris: There isn’t a lot that’s working well in the country these days, but in Michigan, we have a governor that’s been on our side.

Billions invested in public schools for all our kids, not just the wealthy districts. Tuition-free community college and job training programs that provide a path towards good-paying jobs. 

Investment in things that make a difference in my community — without raising my taxes.

That’s why I’m with Gov. Whitmer on these issues — because she’s worked hard for us.

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