Whitmer To Deliver Democratic Response At East Lansing High

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address at East Lansing High School, where her daughters are currently enrolled. It happens in East Lansing Tuesday.

“I’m honored to discuss the Democratic Party’s vision of action for our nation from East Lansing High School, where my daughters are learning and preparing for the future,” Whitmer said. “Americans are good, hardworking people who expect our elected officials in the highest offices of government to work just as hard as we do every day. Democrats across the country have a plan to improve education, fix our infrastructure, expand and protect health care coverage, and build an economy that works for everyone. Our nation deserve this type of leadership, and we are ready to take action to get it done.”

East Lansing Supt. Dori Leyko said the district welcomes Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and their families.

"As the leader of this wonderful district, I look forward to hosting our guests and to providing a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience to some of our students and staff,” she said.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi first announced that Whitmer would deliver the Democratic response.

"Since day one, Governor Whitmer has rolled up her sleeves to get things done for the people of Michigan," said Pelosi in the announcement. "During her time in public service, she has led the charge to expand health care to hundreds of thousands of people, expand protections for hard-working middle-class families and ensure clean drinking water in our communities. Her decades of hard work on behalf of the people should serve as a model for our nation. She's a forward-looking leader who is laser-focused on solving problems for everyday Michiganders and is uniquely qualified to deliver Democrats' message of progress for all Americans."

Trump's address begins at 9 p.m.