LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder gave his final State of the State address tonight. In response, state Rep. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:
“Tonight I joined many colleagues on both sides of the aisle in wearing an orange ribbon in support of Dreamers, to remind people that Michigan is a welcoming state. Michigan was built by immigrants, and our agricultural economy depends on migrant workers to remain robust. I sponsored a bipartisan bill package to make living, working and participating in our economy in Michigan easier for undocumented workers by allowing them to obtain driver’s licenses or ID. It’s time to act on this legislation.
“I was also pleased to hear Gov. Snyder speak about the Gordie Howe International Bridge and welcome Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi. The construction of this bridge is already providing jobs in Detroit and will continue to do so for years. I am proud of the work we have done in the past few years to advocate for residents in Delray and Southwest Detroit who will be affected by its construction and the increase in truck traffic. We have always had a consistent message – we need a ‘bridge with benefits.’ I look forward to continuing our community-led advocacy to ensure jobs for local residents and protection for our health and quality of life. Michigan needs an infrastructure upgrade across the state, from roads and bridges to the pipes that carry our water and sewage, and the school buildings with young students, we need to address the crumbling of our infrastructure before it causes an economic sinkhole.”