State Representative Doug Wozniak has issued a response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2026 State of the State address, focusing on infrastructure, energy reliability, and the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Wozniak addressed the governor’s remarks about recent investments in Michigan’s roads. In her speech, Whitmer cited last year’s budget agreement as a significant achievement and thanked Speaker Matt Hall for his collaboration. However, Wozniak said this acknowledgment did not fully recognize the efforts of Speaker Hall and House Republicans.
“We all remember Gretchen Whitmer launching her bid for governor with the slogan ‘Fix the damn roads,’” said Wozniak. “Yet during her two terms in office, she has never produced a realistic plan.”
He criticized the administration for focusing road funding on state highways rather than local roads used daily by residents.
“It was House Republicans who went to the drawing board and developed a long-term funding solution that dedicates $2 billion annually to local and county roads and ensures the taxes paid at the pump go directly toward road improvements.”
“This is truly a historic accomplishment, and I can understand the governor wanting to share in the glory,” Wozniak said. “All I can say is, ‘Governor, you’re welcome.’”
On energy policy, Wozniak responded to Whitmer’s emphasis on clean energy expansion. While she highlighted increased production from wind, solar, nuclear, and hydrogen sources as beneficial for both environmental protection and powering homes, Wozniak pointed out that many residents are more concerned about rising utility bills and grid reliability.
“Since the Democratic trifecta enacted sweeping green energy mandates in 2023, Michigan families and businesses have seen their monthly gas and electric bills skyrocket without seeing any improvement in energy reliability,” Wozniak said. “We need to repeal these costly mandates and put better policies in place that focus on reliability, affordability, and long-term grid stability.”
He also noted that House Republicans worked with President Donald Trump to maintain operations at power plants across Michigan.
“Michigan families cannot afford higher energy bills or an unreliable grid,” Wozniak said. “That’s why we worked with President Trump to keep critical power plants online and make sure Michigan residents can keep the lights on and the heat running during the coldest months of the year.”
The future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base was another topic discussed by both leaders. After plans were announced by the U.S. Air Force to retire A-10 aircraft at Selfridge, House Republicans collaborated with federal partners to secure new missions for the base by obtaining funds for infrastructure upgrades.
In April 2025, President Trump announced that Selfridge would receive 21 new F-15EX fighter jets as replacements for its outgoing fleet of A-10s. The base will also receive KC-46A refueling tankers previously announced.
“Selfridge is a cornerstone of our community and a vital part of our national defense,” Wozniak said. “House Republicans worked with President Trump and partners at every level to secure this new fighter mission, protecting thousands of local jobs and strengthening America’s air defenses.”
