LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, on Wednesday released the following statement after the governor’s annual State of the State address:
“People across our state and nation spoke clearly last November — they want action and results, not the same old poll-tested talking points. Sadly, for the past six years, it’s been more of the same from Gov. Whitmer, and Michiganders keep paying the price.
“Government spending has increased over 40% under her watch, including the decimation of a $9 billion surplus as soon as her party gained full control of the state’s purse strings. Yet those roads that she promised to fix are still a mess, bridges are crumbling, and potholes are swallowing tires. Our students are struggling more than ever before — just one of every four Michigan fourth and eighth graders can read proficiently. Hardworking Michiganders cannot afford to continue footing the bill for big business tax-dollar giveaways while their state suffers from the stagnation of the past six years.
“It’s time to prioritize the people of Michigan over bloated government and corporate handouts. It’s time to take a DOGE approach to our state government — cut the fat, slash the bureaucracy, rethink how we operate, and make Lansing work for the people it serves. The Department of Government Efficiency isn’t just a federal idea; it’s a Michigan necessity. We can fix our roads, help our students succeed, keep our communities safe and fund what matters most without increasing the tax burden on hardworking Michigan taxpayers.
“Michiganders deserve a government that operates responsibly, with common sense and delivers results. It’s time to get to work and start putting Michigan first. The message is simple: no more decline, no more stagnation.”