UP Gazette

State Representative Dave Prestin, a Republican from Cedar River, has criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her failure to deliver on her promises for the state of Michigan. In response to Governor Whitmer's State of the State address, Rep. Prestin expressed his concerns about her green energy plan and electric vehicle initiatives.

According to Rep. Prestin, "Green energy and electric vehicles don't work in the Midwest." He criticized the governor for celebrating her radical energy legislation while ignoring the practical challenges faced by the people of Michigan. He questioned the effectiveness of Michigan's efforts to reduce emissions, stating that the state only contributes less than one percent of global emissions. Rep. Prestin also pointed out that expecting countries like Russia, China, and India to sacrifice their economies for emissions cuts, as Michigan did, is unrealistic.

Furthermore, Rep. Prestin raised concerns about the governor's plan to use taxpayers' money to incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles. He highlighted the issue of range anxiety, particularly in rural areas, and referred to the recent cold snap in Chicago to illustrate the limitations of electric vehicles in extreme weather conditions. Rep. Prestin emphasized the convenience of traditional vehicles with their ability to refuel easily, especially in remote locations.

Turning his attention to education, Rep. Prestin criticized the governor's allocation of funding. Despite an increase in education spending that outpaced inflation by $2 billion, he highlighted the disappointing statistics that seven out of every 10 fourth graders in Michigan schools are unable to read at grade level. Rep. Prestin emphasized the need to address the disproportionate underfunding of schools in the Upper Peninsula and questioned the governor's focus on providing two free years of community college tuition instead of building on the existing successful Early-Middle College program.

Rep. Prestin also raised concerns about the state of Michigan's infrastructure. He criticized the governor for not prioritizing the repair of local roads and bridges, despite a budget surplus. Rep. Prestin questioned how many more speeches the governor would give before taking action to address the crumbling infrastructure.

In conclusion, Rep. Prestin's statement highlights his disappointment with Governor Whitmer's performance in delivering for the state of Michigan. He criticizes her green energy plan and electric vehicle initiatives, questions the effectiveness of her policies, and raises concerns about education funding and infrastructure repair. Rep. Prestin's remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by Michigan and the need for effective leadership to address them.