Ilsa Minor | Daily Press Governor Gretchen Whitmer takes to the podium during the Governor's Luncheon at the U.P. State Fair Thursday. During her talk and the question and answer session that followed, Whitmer spoke about a variety of topics from mask requirements in healthcare settings to the state budget.

By Brian Rowell

browell@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made her annual visit to the U.P. State Fair Thursday. Whitmer, along with members of her cabinet and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessell, toured the fairgrounds and attended the Governor’s Luncheon.

During an address to luncheon attendees, Whitmer outlined bipartisan efforts and other achievements that benefit the U.P.

Whitmer focused on the state budget, which she said started with a projected deficit, but ended up as a surplus. One of the benefits of the budget, she said, is increased per student spending that has “closed the gap” in funding for students throughout the state. In Delta County, Whitmer said, funding has increase by approximately $1,000 per student.

A quarter of a billion dollars is also being allocated for school infrastructure.

Whitmer also cited the rebuilding of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette as a budget item that benefited the U.P. Whitmer said she worked closely with State Sen. Ed McBroom to make the new facility a reality and provide funding.

Whitmer also mentioned funding in the budget for mental health services, expansion of high speed internet in rural areas, and enhancing the food and agriculture industries in the state.

Whitmer mentioned the importance of the state’s Pure Michigan campaign. Pure Michigan is an advertising effort to promote Michigan and draw tourists here. She said the campaign is especially important to the U.P.

“We want to draw people to the U.P.,” she said.

Whitmner said there have been major economic advancements in the U.P. that the state has supported. She cited the expansion of the Soo Locks on the federal level. She also mentioned a $6.5 million investment at Calumet Electronics in the Western U.P. and expansion of a wood products factory in Dickinson County’s Sagola Township.

Whitmer also fielded written questions from the audience.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ended the Roe vs Wade decision, Whitmer said she has filed a lawsuit and got an injunction from having a Michigan law banning abortion from being put into force.

“We all have the option to vote on a ballot initiative in November,” she said.

On the topic of bringing more high speed internet service to the U.P., Whitmer said it is an important part of the U.P.’s future.

You can work from anywhere now if you’re connected,” she said. “If you’re going to work, why not work in paradise.”