State Rep. Parker Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs, on Wednesday released the following statement regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. The governor’s speech had a “think Michigan” theme, even after she recently proposed a significant cut in Pure Michigan promotional funds which aim to boost tourism and investment throughout the state:

“According to data published by the Michigan Retailers Association, in June of 2024, tourism generates $48.5 billion dollars in economic impact each year, and supports 324,000 jobs, while pumping $3.2 million dollars in tax revenue into local communities, and providing an overall return on investment of more than $11 to every $1 spent on the Pure Michigan campaign.”

“Pure Michigan is the driver behind tourism in the Upper Peninsula and northern lower Michigan. We’ve all seen the billboards and television commercials, heard the radio ads, and seen all the other quality content put out by Pure Michigan to boost our travel industry and desirability as a place to live and grow businesses. If the governor were to stop and “think (northern) Michigan,” she certainly wouldn’t be seeking to gut the one program that promotes everything our beautiful state has to offer.”

The Pure Michigan campaign received $40 million dollars in state funding in last year’s budget. This year, the governor recommendation is to cut the program 35% cut to $26.5 million.

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