Gretchen Whitmer
About Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer Governor of Michigan
Gretchen Whitmer was inaugurated as the 49th governor of Michigan on January 1, 2019. Whitmer's leadership has been marked by significant legislative actions and reforms, including the signing of a historic auto insurance reform legislation and initiating a $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan bond plan aimed at repairing the state's infrastructure. She has also focused on healthcare issues, contributing to the Medicaid expansion that now provides affordable health care to more than 750,000 Michiganders.
Gretchen Whitmer Education and Expertise
Gretchen Whitmer earned both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Michigan State University. Her academic background provided a foundation for her career in public service, law, and politics. Whitmer has applied her legal training and expertise in various roles, including working as a prosecutor for Ingham County, where she focused on survivors' rights and reformed handling of sexual assault cases.
Gretchen Whitmer Political Background
Gretchen Whitmer's political career began with her election to the Michigan House of Representatives. She later served in the Michigan Senate, becoming the first woman Senate Democratic Leader. In this role, she worked across party lines to pass Medicaid expansion into law and managed to close a $2.2 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. Her bipartisan efforts and leadership have been integral to her political successes and policy implementations.
Gretchen Whitmer Major Legislative Achievements
During her tenure, Gretchen Whitmer has been instrumental in several key legislative achievements. Notably, she signed a historic auto insurance reform bill aimed at reducing costs for Michigan drivers. She also initiated the $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan bond plan to address the state's deteriorating road infrastructure. Additionally, her efforts in Medicaid expansion have provided affordable health care to more than 750,000 residents, marking significant progress in the state's healthcare accessibility.
Gretchen Whitmer Personal Life
Gretchen Whitmer resides in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband Marc and their two daughters. The family also includes their dogs, Kevin and Doug. Whitmer's personal experiences and family life ground her in her public service roles, reinforcing her commitment to the well-being of Michigan's residents and communities.