Lansing, MI. – On Aug 18th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer continued her visit to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to highlight her fourth balanced, bipartisan budget that does not raise taxes by a dime, pays down billions in debt, and delivers on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families in the UP and every region of the state. 

“I am thrilled to be back in the UP to meet with veterans, small business owners, students, and Michiganders and focus on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to them,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Last month, I signed my fourth balanced, bipartisan state budget that included game-changing investments in the UP from building a veteran’s home, funding rural economic development, and improving our education system from preschool to postsecondary. The UP—like every region of our great state—is home to talented, kind people and innovative businesses who work hard every day to get things done and move Michigan forward. I cannot wait for my next trip up to the UP!” 

Laborers Skilled Training Summer Camp Graduation 

For her first stop of the day, Governor Whitmer delivered celebratory remarks to graduates of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council’s inaugural Building Trades Summer Camp. Over the last 6 weeks, program participants learned invaluable skills to help them get a jumpstart on their careers or further training or education after graduating. This incredible program prepares talented, hardworking young Yoopers to pursue their potential and land good-paying jobs. Governor Whitmer will work with anyone to continue diversifying Michigan’s talent pool and expanding opportunities for Michiganders to learn and apply their skills by investing in career and technical education, apprenticeships, and programs like Michigan Reconnect that offer tuition-free associate degrees or skills training.  

Upper Peninsula State Fair 

Governor Whitmer attended the annual UP State Fair to welcome attendees and their families. She expanded on key components of the recently passed bipartisan budget that invests in people, unleashes Michigan’s potential, and funds key projects all around Michigan. Specifically, for the Yoopers, Governor Whitmer highlighted the new, modern veteran’s home in Marquette to replace the Jacobetti Veteran’s Home, the increased funding for the Office of Rural Development, and record investment in the Pure Michigan program that will bring more tourism and recreation dollars to the UP. She also talked about regional challenges including child care and housing, and touted recent business expansions in the UP from Calumet Electronics, a high-tech semiconductor supply chain firm, and LP Building Solutions, an international leader in manufacturing wood building products. 

Veteran of the Year Award 

Governor Whitmer attended a ceremony celebrating Tracy Tippett, the 2022 UP Veteran of the Year. Tracy is a Marine who served her nation in uniform for six years and has been an anchor of the UP veteran community for decades. The governor presented Tracy with a special tribute from the State of Michigan in recognition of her community service which includes organizing toy drives, volunteering at the Jacobetti Veteran’s Home, and participating in notable events like the UP 200, 4th of July parades, and more. Tracy’s tens of thousands of hours of service to her nation in uniform and as a member of the community are admirable. She represents the best of Michigan.