Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer discusses the state's efforts to protect reproductive rights, including enshrining abortion rights in the state's constitution and signing new laws protecting IVF and decriminalizing surrogacy contracts. She emphasizes the importance of safeguarding reproductive freedoms in the face of potential threats and expresses skepticism about the Republican stance on these issues. Whitmer also addresses President Biden's approach to reproductive rights and the upcoming election, highlighting the mobilization of Democrats and independents as crucial in Michigan's close elections.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer faced criticism on social media for omitting the name "Israel" in her statement about the recent attack by Hamas terrorists. Critics accused her of not showing enough support for Israel and condemned her for failing to mention the perpetrators of the attack. After receiving pushback, Whitmer made a follow-up post including Israel's name and condemning the violence. The criticism highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of clear and unequivocal statements of support.
A Michigan jury has acquitted three men of state charges related to the plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. The verdicts were delivered after a two-week trial, with the defendants facing charges of providing material support for a terrorist act and illegally possessing firearms. State prosecutors argued that the men participated in military-style drills and cased Whitmer's vacation property, but the defense claimed they did not actively take part in the plot and did not consider it a serious threat. While disappointed with the verdict, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel noted that five other defendants were convicted or pleaded guilty on state charges related to the plot.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a $24.3 billion education budget for Michigan that increases per-pupil spending, provides free school meals, and expands access to the state-funded preschool program. The budget includes a 5% increase in the foundation allowance, making it the highest per-pupil funding in state history. It also allocates $160 million for free breakfast and lunch for PreK-12 students, expands eligibility for the preschool program, and includes funding for students' mental health, school safety, and teacher training. The budget passed with support from both Democrats and some Republicans.
