State Rep. Mike Mueller, of Linden, today released the following statement in response to the governor’s State of the State address:

“I was encouraged to hear the governor publicly commit to repealing the pension tax and lowering the health care for Michigan families, two reforms that are already in the works in the Legislature. Both ideas have are priorities of mine because they will help families and seniors in our community. In March of last year, I was proud to vote in favor of a plan to cap the cost of insulin and lower the cost of other drugs, so Michiganders can afford the medication they need.

“It was interesting to hear the governor spend so much of her speech taking a victory lap for other people’s actions – accomplishments that happened not because of her, but despite her. She took credit for offering pandemic relief to small businesses and the people they employ, but she forgot to mention the resistance she had to the idea. When job providers needed relief the most, her vetoes forced them to wait nearly a year before they could get help to keep their doors open, putting our economic recovery on hold.

“Gov. Whitmer championed bipartisanship and working together, but much of what she’s done in the past is contrary to that. She’s earned a reputation as one of the most veto-happy governors in state history, frequently even rejecting bipartisan measures. Instead of waiting until a bill reaches her desk to voice her opinion, the people of Michigan will benefit more if she sits down with legislators to reach a consensus.

“As we start the new year, I hope the governor changes course and follows through on her word to work with the Legislature. This will help us deliver solutions to the real problems that keep Michiganders up at night, like keeping kids in the classroom and putting food on the table while the price of gas and groceries are on the rise.”

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