Since the beginning of her term, repairing infrastructure, specifically state roads, has been one of her main goals.

"Last year, I proposed a real solution that would have fixed our roads by 2030 and freed up funds for the education of our kids," Whitmer said. "That was Plan A, it was a serious solution. It was a real solution. It was an honest solution to the problems that we inherited."

Whitmer explained this plan was not "warmly embraced" and that it was time for "Plan B." She said she plans to ask the State Transportation Commission to issue state road bonds in order to begin fixing roads immediately. Her plan is to "save time, save money and save lives," without selling bridges or taking from teacher pensions.

Regarding inaction due to a lack of party collaboration, Michigan State Sen. Rosemary Bayer said a new course of action for collaboration is needed by Republican lawmakers.

"I don't think they see that they were not acting. There's a disagreement on how to go forward," Bayer said.

State Representative of the 94th District Rodney Wakeman said the issue of inaction starts with Whitmer.

"There was a point in the negotiations of the budget last year in which that both leaderships in the House and the Senate were negotiating in good faith with the governor and with the governor's office, including all summer long, which she has suggested that we need to come back out of our summer break to finish up the the budget deal," Wakeman said. "Well, the problem is the governor was the one who literally got up and walked away from the negotiating table."

The Michigan Association of Counties, or MAC, said Whitmer's road proposals are only the start of a larger discussion on how local and state government are to best implement a comprehensive road plan, according to a statement from the group.

“We’re pleased that the governor is keeping her focus on infrastructure and that she plans to push for more local road dollars in the budget process this year,” Executive Director of MAC Stephan Currie said. “But a big bonding plan, where the money can only go to state roads, is just the start of a solution. Counties are responsible for 74% of the road miles in our state, yet the proceeds from her bonding proposal would not touch them.”

Wakeman said he has a plan in the House at this time for fixing Michigan roads. His plan would allow local road agencies to relist which roads are the worst without using the 75%, 25% road funding allocation currently required by law.

"Seventy-five percent of the money allocated to a road agency has to be used on primary roads with 25% of the fund to be used on secondary roads. The secondary roads are the roads that most people live on," Wakeman said.

Wakeman's plan would focus on roads in the worst conditions overall, instead of making the distinction between primary and secondary roads.

Whitmer also focused on employment, citing the creation of 11,000 jobs in the automotive industry and plans for the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, while also explaining that Michiganders might need more than one job to cover basic necessities.

"The truth is that many Michigan residents have a job. The problem is many have to have more than one," Gov. Whitmer said. "And 43% of our neighbors cannot afford basic expenses, like food and housing."

Whitmer discussed the need for education reform in her speech.

"Protecting our workforce is one step. Preparing our workforce is another and that starts with our kids. Michigan ranks in the bottom 10 states for overall literacy. We're doing something about that too," Whitmer said. "This year we're doubling down on the commitment to invest in early literacy, we're working to make pre-K universal for kids living in districts where test scores are low or poverty is high."

Whitmer addressed accessible childcare, training for teachers to support struggling readers and ensuring that every child receives the assistance necessary to succeed in the Michigan workforce.

State Rep. Nate Shannon said that investing in Michigan's children is an investment into Michigan's future, according to a statement released once the address concluded.

“If we are going to make Michigan a leader in education again, we have to rededicate ourselves to the teachers and students in our communities, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed," Shannon said in the statement.

Whitmer also emphasized access to affordable healthcare for Michiganders.

"Many residents lack access to affordable health care. You know, they don't have insurance at all, or the costs are so high they can't get the coverage and care that they need. You would think that Washington would be trying to figure out how to improve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) instead of using our court system to kill it," Gov. Whitmer said. "Dismantling the ACA would be disastrous for our state and devastating for our people. One of the most important ACA provisions prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to people with preexisting conditions. Without that provision, the coverage of millions of people in our state would be at risk."

Whitmer mentioned tackling health crises by providing mental health services, combating opioid addiction, supporting new mothers and eliminating disparities in care for new moms of color.

"The people of Michigan are on the move," Whitmer said. "It's time for Lansing to catch up. It's time for action. Let's get to work and let's move some dirt."