Oakland County Electeds Respond to Governor’s State of the State Speech
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 13, 2019)
Lansing, MI- The Capitol was bustling as Senators and Representatives from around the state and their guests gathered to hear Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s first State of the State address.
In the hour before the speech, guests mingled in the common areas, munching on food at receptions and posing for photos to remember the day. Afterwards officials shared their views on Whitmer’s address and the direction Michigan is moving in.
“I was proud to see Gov. Whitmer lay out a bold vision for Michigan — one that prioritizes our children and our future —  as I was joined by Chancellor Provenzano, who has for years opened up new doors and possibilities for young people who sought to better themselves at Oakland Community College. I look forward to partnering with the governor to ensure we are doing all we can in Lansing to help those across the state who seek to uplift themselves and their families, said Representative Robert Witttenberg whose guest was Peter Provenzano, Chancellor of OCC.
Wittenberg was one of those selected to escort Governor Whitmer into the joint legislative session for the speech.  Also selected as an escort was Representative Brenda Carter of Pontiac.  “This is an historic day,” she said. “We have strong leadership in Michigan and I’m happy to be here at this time to be part of the positive change.”
Carter, who is a former School Board President in Pontiac Schools, added “I think we’re going to start seeing some improvements to education that we’ve been pushing for all these years.”
Education was also a key topic for Representative Padma Kuppa of Troy. She attended the address with her son Shreyas Tadepalli.
“Education is the key that opens the door to success in the future — not just for the individual receiving their education but for their community as a whole,” Kuppa said.  “Today’s students are tomorrow’s teachers, engineers, doctors, scientists and leaders, but only if they are able to receive the training they need to get there. That’s why it’s critical we tackle rising higher education costs now, to put an end to our kids being priced out of the future they deserve. Through programs like the MI Opportunity Scholarship, we can provide opportunities for motivated students who may otherwise not be able to afford college or skills training following high school and ensure we’re truly preparing the talented workforce we need to remain competitive in the 21st Century.”
State Senator Rosemary Bayer of Beverly Hills chimed in on another hot  topic – the roads.  “Michiganders deserve safe roads to their schools, offices, businesses and homes. It’s time we fix our roads. Michigan drivers have been paying more in taxes at the pump and for car registration, yet the roads in Oakland County — and across our state — are crumbling. I am grateful for Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to ensure families and businesses have the reliable connections they need, and I look forward to working with her.”
To read Whitmer’s speech click here.