Watch replay: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers State of the State
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It will be a return to form for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week as she takes the rostrum to deliver her first in-person State of the State address since the coronavirus pandemic seized the world and tossed many annual events into virtual formats.
The impetus for the State of the State address goes back to before Michigan became a state in 1837. The then-territory's 1835 constitution required the governor "communicate by message, to the legislature, at every session the condition of the state, and recommend such matters to them as he shall deem expedient." Similar language remains in today's constitution, and governors have typically addressed the legislature and the public in a speech each January.
Whitmer delivered State of the State speeches in person in 2019, her first year in office, and 2020. But in 2021 and 2022 COVID-19 concerns resulted in virtual events, limiting the traditional pomp and circumstance by skipping the large, in-person gathering.
More:Gov. Whitmer to have live audience for State of the State for first time in 3 years
On Wednesday, Whitmer will once again address lawmakers and the state from the House chamber in Lansing. Here's more on what we expect and how to tune in:
When is Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's speech?
Whitmer's State of the State address starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the House chamber in the Michigan Capitol. Only elected leaders, state officials and invited guests can join in person, but the rest of the state is invited and encouraged to watch from afar.
How do I tune in?
The speech will stream on a state website: michigan.gov/StateOfTheState
It will also be available on the governor's Facebook and YouTube channels. Some local TV stations also plan to carry it. You can check your local listings at tvguide.com.
What's she expected to address?
While we won't know exactly what the governor's thinking until the big speech, she has dropped some hints in the lead-up, including at a roundtable the Free Press covered Tuesday. Among the topics we expect her to tackle are gun control and increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit.
How can I participate?
The Free Press will be talking to Michiganders who watched the speech about what they thought. If you plan to watch and would be willing to answer a few questions after the speech takes place, please email reporter Dave Boucher at dboucher@freepress.com.
Emily Lawler is the State Government and Politics editor for the Free Press. Reach her at elawler@freepress.com or on Twitter: @emilyjanelawler
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Watch replay: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers State of the State