Tate Attends State of the State, Highlights Transit, Affordability

Tate Attends State of the State With SMART General Manager Tiffany J. Gunter, Highlights Transit, Affordability

State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) standing with guest Tiffany J. Gunter, General Manager of SMART at the State of the State Address on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 on the House Floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing.

State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) stands with guest Tiffany J. Gunter, General Manager of SMART at the State of the State Address on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 on the House Floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing.

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2026 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State Address before a joint legislative session yesterday, setting forth her priorities for the year ahead. Tate attended the address alongside his guest, Tiffany J. Gunter — the General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).

“I was proud to have Tiffany Gunter join me for the address because transportation and affordability are deeply connected in our communities. Reliable bus service plays a critical role in helping Detroit-area residents reliably reach jobs, classrooms and medical care,” said state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “When transit works, families and individuals spend less on transportation and have greater access to opportunity. That’s why last term I supported legislation to ensure communities in Wayne support the regional SMART Transit system. As we head into the budget process, I will continue fighting for investments that strengthen regional transit by improving reliability and keeping fares affordable.”

In 2024, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 6088, now Public Act 236 of 2024, which amended the Public Transit Authority Act to ensure communities in Wayne County cannot voluntarily opt-out of the millage that supports SMART. This law provides greater and more consistent transit options, enhancing healthcare outcomes and regional economic development opportunities.

“The Governor’s State of the State makes clear that Michigan’s future depends on connecting people to opportunity and reliable public transit is essential to a strong Southeast Michigan economy,” said SMART’s CEO and General Manager Tiffany J. Gunter. “At SMART, we’ve dramatically improved on-time performance by focusing on accountability and service that riders can count on. We applaud Rep. Joe Tate, Governor Whitmer, and bipartisan leaders for their support of strengthening a robust public transit network that connects people to jobs, education, and opportunity across our region.”

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