Great Lakes Wire

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) recently passed a law establishing the Building Michigan Together Plan. The plan aims to invest approximately $5 billion in bipartisan investments to provide affordable, attainable housing and expand access to reliable, high-speed internet service throughout the state, according to a press release from the governor's office. 

The governor's move was praised by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (D-Mich.).

“As a former computer engineer and software developer, I know how important access to high-speed internet can be for our communities,” Gilchrist said. “By expanding access to affordable, accessible high-speed internet, we can grow our economy, better educate our kids, and improve healthcare outcomes. The Building Michigan Together Plan is a historic step forward that will fund the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office we established last year and help us connect tens of thousands of families and small businesses in communities across Michigan. Gov. Whitmer and I will continue working hard to connect our communities and make a difference for Michiganders.”

The plan will expand on the progress that has already been achieved since Whitmer took office by growing the economy, improving infrastructure, supporting jobs, and investing in every region of the state, the press release said.

“Every Michigander deserves an affordable, attainable place to call home and fast, reliable connection to high-speed internet. Both housing and high-speed internet form the foundation for economic success, and I am so proud that the Michigan legislature and I were able to come together to invest in both through the Building Michigan Together Plan,” Whitmer said. “This plan makes bold, bipartisan investments in the kitchen-table issues that matter most to Michigan families, including clean water, smooth roads, fast internet, and beautiful parks, and will set up Michigan’s economy for decades of success. It is a testament to what is possible when we put Michiganders first.”

The plan is expected to help bridge the digital divide, using a $250 million investment to connect thousands of households and small businesses to reliable, high-speed internet service. This will help Michigan residents participate in the global economy, according to the press release.