Lansing, Michigan – President Donald Trump has re-appointed Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Council of Governors in a significant White House decision. This decision emphasizes her ongoing impact and dedication in a bipartisan effort to handle important concerns of homeland security, disaster response, and National Guard operations.
Democrat Governor Whitmer has been a member of the Council since President Joe Biden initially appointed her in 2021. Her renewal confirms her position among the 10 governors from all political backgrounds who work with different federal authorities to improve the security and emergency responsiveness of the country.
“I am honored to be re-appointed to the bipartisan Council of Governors,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, I’ve worked with Republican and Democratic colleagues across the country to address challenges that we all have faced including rebuilding communities after historic flooding and advancing legislation to make our kids safer in schools. I look forward to serving on the council once again, continuing my work as co-chair of a work group focused on National Guard recruitment and retention, as we focus on solving problems that make a real difference in people’s lives and protecting our national security with investments in bases like Selfridge.”
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Under her governance, Michigan has seen notable strides in strengthening safety and security measures:
- National Security and Emergency Response Initiatives:
- Activation of the Michigan National Guard for security operations at the southwest border.
- Securing bipartisan support for disaster relief funds aiding Michigan families, farmers, and businesses affected by emergencies.
- Committing $100 million to upgrade infrastructure at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, bolstering Michigan’s defense industry.
- Investments in Public Safety:
- Allocation of over $1.6 billion in state budgets to support the hiring, training, and retention of police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
- Enhancement of school safety through additional funding for school resource officers and the implementation of risk assessments and critical incident mapping for schools.
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Established under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 and triggered by Executive Order in 2010, the Council of Governors provides a central forum for cooperation between state leaders and federal agencies. It seeks to create a cooperative atmosphere for talking about and carrying out strong plans for civil support and public safety. Working with high-ranking federal officials including the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, among others, the Council’s membership consists in equal numbers of five governors from each political party.
In addition to marking her as the longest-serving current member, Governor Whitmer’s reappointment emphasizes her major contributions to the council’s continuous efforts to properly serve and protect the American people. Her knowledge and leadership will be very important in advancing the Council’s goals and guaranteeing a coordinated response across federal and state levels as the country keeps facing different security issues.