North Michigan News

State Senator John Damoose from Harbor Springs responded to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's 2025 State of the State address. In his statement, he expressed appreciation for the governor's outline of policy priorities and acknowledged efforts to find common ground.

Damoose commented on the speech: "I always look forward to hearing the governor outline her policy priorities during her annual State of the State address, and I try to look past our differences and find the good in what is being presented."

He noted a particular interest in Whitmer's focus on additional housing, which he deemed significant for Northern Michigan. He also agreed with her emphasis on ensuring effective results from educational investments and repairing infrastructure. "Ensuring our taxpayers are getting solid results from our investment in education has been a top priority of mine, and I was happy to hear the governor acknowledge this need as well. And I definitely agree that we need to work diligently to repair our broken infrastructure," Damoose stated.

Earlier this year, Damoose had called for civility in politics and working together for Michigan's benefit. He observed a similar tone in Whitmer’s address: "The governor seemed to strike the same tone in her speech. We need to lead by example and show people that things aren’t as divisive as they seem."

While acknowledging differences with some proposals, Damoose indicated openness to collaboration: "While we don’t agree on everything, there were many items included that I found myself willing to support, and I think some of the proposals could be successful if we work together to get them done."