Thumb Reporter

State Senator Kevin Daley, a Republican from Lum, expressed his concerns about the governor's priorities in the 2024 State of the State address. He questioned whether the governor was aware of the challenges faced by struggling families and small business owners across the state. According to Sen. Daley, Michigan is experiencing negative trends under the governor's leadership.

Sen. Daley highlighted the concerns of Michiganders, who are worried about basic necessities such as feeding their families and heating their homes, as well as the education of their children. He criticized the governor for praising "Bidenomics" while Michigan ranks poorly in terms of unemployment and median income. He also expressed his apprehension about the Michigan Green New Deal, which he believes threatens jobs and farmland.

Regarding education, Sen. Daley pointed out that Michigan's fourth graders rank 43rd nationally in reading, with only 32% of them proficient in math. He criticized the new Democrat majority for passing laws that lower classroom standards and weaken school accountability. He urged a focus on providing support to students, parents, and teachers to raise Michigan's K-12 schools to a top-ranking position.

Sen. Daley also criticized the governor's proposal to allocate $25 million of tax dollars for new car purchases, primarily for electric vehicles. He argued that many Michiganders can barely afford used traditional cars and questioned the allocation of a record $9.2 billion surplus on pet projects and corporate handouts instead of fixing the state's roads.

Furthermore, Sen. Daley expressed concern about Michigan's declining population growth, which currently ranks 46th in the nation. He believes that too many residents are seeking better opportunities elsewhere. He pledged to continue fighting against radical policies that harm the state's future and expressed his willingness to work with the governor and across the aisle to provide meaningful tax relief, invest in infrastructure, improve education, and set Michigan on the right course for the future.

In conclusion, Sen. Daley's statement criticizes the governor's priorities in the 2024 State of the State address. He raises concerns about the state's economic performance, education standards, and allocation of funds, while also expressing a commitment to work towards a better future for Michigan.