Gretchen Whitmer's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Gretchen Whitmer.

Gretchen Whitmer is the 49th and current governor of Michigan, serving since 2019. A Democrat, she previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006 and then in the Michigan Senate from 2006 to 2015. She is a lawyer by profession and has dedicated her career to public service in the state of Michigan.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2005: Voted Most Effective Democrat of the Michigan House

In 2005, Gretchen Whitmer was voted Most Effective Democrat of the Michigan House.

2013: Key role in passing Michigan's Medicaid expansion

In 2013, as Senate minority leader, Gretchen Whitmer played a key role in passing Michigan's Medicaid expansion, delivering the Democratic votes needed for its approval.

August 2018: Became Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee

In the August 2018 primary, Gretchen Whitmer became the Democratic nominee for governor of Michigan, winning 52% of the vote.

2018: Elected Governor of Michigan

In 2018, Gretchen Whitmer was elected governor of Michigan, defeating Republican nominee Bill Schuette.

2020: Signed bill ending surprise medical billing

In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill into law to end surprise medical billing in Michigan. The law requires providers to negotiate bills for out-of-network emergency services with a patient's insurance company instead of the patient.

October 2021: Expanded Property Tax Exemptions for Small Businesses

In October 2021, Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation that expanded property tax exemptions for small businesses, providing $75 million in savings.

December 2021: Created SALT Tax Cap Workaround for Small Businesses

In December 2021, Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation creating a SALT tax cap workaround for small businesses, providing a total of $200 million in tax savings.

2021: Michigan to Accept Afghan Refugee Families

In 2021, Governor Whitmer declared Michigan's readiness to welcome Afghan refugee families fleeing the Taliban takeover, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlighting Michigan's history of multiculturalism.

2021: S&P and Fitch Announced Rating Outlook Upgrades for Michigan

In 2021, S&P and Fitch both announced rating outlook upgrades for Michigan, citing the state's responsible fiscal management and economic success emerging from the pandemic.

2022: Signed bills to reduce prescription drug prices

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan package of bills into law aimed at reducing prescription drug prices in Michigan. The legislation requires pharmacists to disclose prices of cheaper generic drugs to patients and mandates that pharmacy benefit managers be licensed and file drug-price transparency reports.

2022: Re-elected as Governor

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer was reelected as governor, defeating Republican nominee Tudor Dixon.

2022: Michigan Rainy-Day Fund Reached All-Time High

In 2022, under Gretchen Whitmer's governorship, Michigan's rainy-day fund reached an all-time high of $1.6 billion, thanks to a $500 million deposit made in 2021 and an additional $180 million deposit in 2022 as part of bipartisan spending agreements.

March 2023: Expanded Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act

In March 2023, Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections against discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill passed with bipartisan support in both the Michigan House and Senate.

March 2023: Repealed "Right-to-Work" Law

In March 2023, Gretchen Whitmer signed the repeal of Michigan's 2012 "right-to-work law", making Michigan the first state in 58 years to repeal such a law. She also signed legislation reinstating a prevailing wage law.

2023: Signed $1 Billion Package of Tax Cuts into Law

In 2023, Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan $1 billion package of tax cuts into law. The legislation repealed the retirement tax, quintupled the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, and allocated up to $500 million per year of corporate taxes towards the state's fund for business incentives.