Michigan Gov. savages Indiana & Ohio for “bigotry” as conservatives fume

Conservatives are fuming after Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called out Ohio and Indiana for restricting LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights in her 2023 State of the State address.

“Bigotry is bad for business,” Whitmer exclaimed while discussing the need for Michigan to expand reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination laws in the state.

Whitmer explained that not only is protecting these civil rights the right thing to do, but it’s also good for the economy because states lose talent when their laws are too extreme.

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She then issued a direct challenge to her neighbors.

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“Together, we are going to change Michigan from a state with century-old bans to forward looking protections. Our message is simple: we will fight for your freedom. And you know what? Let’s go on offense. I’ll go to any state that restricts people’s freedoms and win business and hardworking people from them. I’m looking at you, Ohio and Indiana.”

“I’ll go to any state that restricts people’s freedoms and win business and hardworking people from them. I’m looking at you, Ohio and Indiana.”

— Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) calls out neighboring states that are trying to enact abortion restrictions pic.twitter.com/E4vfXKAneO

— The Recount (@therecount) January 26, 2023

Michigan is currently experiencing a Democratic trifecta, with Democrats holding a majority in both legislative chambers and the governorship. Democrats also control the office of the Secretary of State and Attorney General. It is reportedly the first time in 40 years that Democrats control all levels of power in the state.

Ohio and Indiana have the exact opposite, with every significant office dominated by Republicans.

The Michigan GOP was not happy with Whitmer’s comments.

Republican House Rep. Andrew Beeler, told Fox2, “I think that it is remarkable that our state plan for economic development is to lure more businesses and people with the prospect of being able to kill unborn children.”

The state GOP, itself, tweeted out angrily, “No. You know who is losing talent? Michigan. Here it is again, Gretch – more people moved OUT of Michigan in 2022 than in.”

But many were quick to criticize the tweet for failing to recognize that last year, Republicans were in control of the legislature.

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This is a trend thanmt has been going on for over 20 years. Remind me again, who has had control over the state the majority of that time?

— DeirgVanStein (@DeirgVanStein) January 26, 2023

Misleading.

Retirees and lifestyle changes after pandemic.

Southern and 2 western states have highest “move to” numbers and cold Midwest states have highest “move out” numbers.

Going to blame Gretchen for the weather here too?

— Juliette G (@JulietteG987) January 26, 2023

There just so happened to be a GOP majority. Don't worry, the Dems will straighten out the GOP mess.

— [email protected] (@Tatertatertot1) January 26, 2023

Who controlled the legislature in 2022?

Not even Republican voters believe this trite nonsense.

Either roll up your sleeves and get to work fixing what you broke, or shush and let the grownups do their jobs.

— Mitchell Robinson (@mrobmused) January 26, 2023

Who was top in the legislature, who make the laws, over the last…. 40 years or so…

Yeah. I’m sorry but this isn’t the flex you seem to think it is.

— Michael Bedard (@Mike_Bedard) January 26, 2023

Based on the latest election, the people who moved out were Republican voters. No wonder you’re concerned.

— Sheila Walsh (@dbq_sheesh) January 26, 2023

Damn if only I could remember who was in charge of the legislature

— Jen (@jenelaina) January 26, 2023
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