Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called on Michigan lawmakers Wednesday to give all workers in the state “breathing room” by creating a new program to offer them paid family and medical leave, a proposal that some worry could amount to a tax on Michigan’s businesses and workers.

Whitmer, a Democrat who is increasingly gaining national political attention, made guaranteed paid time off for workers after the birth of a child or for health reasons a key policy priority in a speech about her legislative goals for the remainder of 2023.

    • TransplantedSconie@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      They said the same thing about michigan two years ago. And look at them now

      Edit: And wisconsin is about to be fixed as well

      • TinyPizza@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Michigan only changed due to a citizens ballot initiative that created a independent board to redistrict the state. Not every state has that mechanism. I also wouldn’t characterize either the Governor or a large portion of our Dems as progressives, though they certainly do love to use language that leads many to think that.

      • LucidNightmare@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        My thought process has always been: “Well, it may not do anything, but at least I can say I tried.”

        I am also apathetic about current events and the direction our entire world seems to be going down, but I will at least try to put in the minimum effort to make this shitty place just a little bit more bearable for the next generation.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        I hope they do. I’m just not optimistic with the way Republicans have rigged everything that we’ll see the wealthy pay more taxes and the tax loopholes closed on a national level.

        • agent_flounder@lemmy.one
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          1 year ago

          The other issue is a regular joe can’t bankroll their own run. But hopefully it is less expensive at the local level.