This is the second in a six-part series outlining Rep. Doug Wozniak’s responses to key issues raised in the governor’s 2026 State of the State address.

State Rep. Doug Wozniak continued his response this week to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, focusing on job creation and economic growth.

During her speech, the governor stated Michigan must stay competitive with states like Ohio and Indiana and make it easier for businesses to grow and create good-paying jobs.

“I agree with the governor, and I’m glad she seems to have recognized that her long-standing policy of corporate handouts isn’t the solution to economic growth and job creation,” said Wozniak. “It took long enough, but better late than never.”

Wozniak continued by saying he was glad the governor seemed to be getting on board with policies he and his Republican colleagues have been advancing since last year. House Republicans have been passing a series of bills as part of their Red Tape Reduction Initiative, which focuses on cutting red tape and rolling back burdensome regulations so Michigan businesses can expand, hire, and compete. Wozniak said these efforts are designed to create more jobs, lower prices, and increase wages for Michigan workers.

Wozniak also emphasized that the state must ensure taxpayer dollars used for economic development are spent responsibly and deliver real results.

“Taxpayers deserve accountability for every dollar spent on economic development,” Wozniak said. “Expensive corporate handouts haven’t always delivered the results people were promised, and Michigan families deserve better value for their tax dollars.”

Instead of relying on subsidies for large corporations, Wozniak said he is focused on supporting small businesses, which remain the backbone of Michigan’s economy.

“Small businesses power our local economies,” Wozniak said. “By continuing to cut red tape and remove unnecessary barriers, we can create an environment where Michigan businesses grow, reinvest in their communities, and create good-paying jobs.”