State Rep. Greg Markkanen, of Hancock, issued the following statement following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s annual State of the State address:

“The last year has been incredibly tough on workers and families across the U.P. I am hopeful the next year is highlighted by Gov. Whitmer working with the Legislature on sustainable, practical ways to offer lower income and property tax burdens.”

“Many people I talk to across the western U.P. are clear. Small-business owners want to continue to provide jobs and serve as a lifeline for their local economies. Hard-working people want to keep more of what they earn, and families want to make sure they have the resources available to thrive.

“I have worked to support Main Street, save drivers money on out-of-control car insurance costs, get our kids back in the classroom with record-high investments in education, provide more access to child-care, bring large-scale economic development projects to the state and protect our most vulnerable. The governor tried to pad her polling numbers and take credit for many of these measures, but at the end of the day these plans went through the Legislature, earned the governor’s signature and got done for the people. That’s what people expect and deserve from a state government that is working for them.

“Many are hurting now in the face of inflation and shortages, and they are concerned as they hear plans in this address to grow government’s role in their lives. As people see costs rising, I will continue working to make sure their taxes aren’t too.”

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