Lansing — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has departed on a trade mission to Japan and Singapore, her office announced Sunday, 31 days before the Oct. 1 deadline by which lawmakers must approve a new state budget.
Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) are leading the trip, which will include the first ever official trade mission by a Michigan governor to Singapore, a statement from Whitmer’s office said. The press release didn’t reveal how many days the Democratic governor would be outside Michigan.
The Detroit News first reported the venture to Japan on Aug. 21. Two sources who had knowledge of the plans but spoke on the condition of anonymity previously said Whitmer was expected to be on the trade mission to Asia for about two weeks.
“Singapore is one of the most dynamic economies in the world, a global hub for finance, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.” Whitmer said in a statement. “By making this first-of-its-kind visit, we are opening the door for new trade opportunities, building connections with business leaders and showing that Michigan is a reliable and innovative partner for the future.”
For months, Whitmer’s office, the Democratic-led Senate and the Republican-controlled House have been struggling to reach a deal on Michigan’s next budget, which provides funding for state departments, K-12 schools, road projects and local governments for the rapidly approaching fiscal year.
The Legislature failed to meet its self-imposed July 1 budget deadline.
The next fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, meaning if there’s no budget approved by then, a partial government shutdown would happen because there would be no funding allocated for continued state operations. While Whitmer could participate in negotiations over the phone while in Japan, her expected absence might become a point of contention in the the Capitol.
On Friday, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, posted on social media that Whitmer was spending time in Japan “instead of getting a budget for our state.”
Whitmer and the delegation traveling with her will meet with company executives, government leaders, Michigan university alumni and trade representatives, the governor’s office said.
The delegation will also attend the Midwest U.S.–Japan Association Conference, a gathering of business and government leaders. The conference will take place Sept. 7-9 in Tokyo, according to its website.
The new trade mission is Whitmer’s fourth international trip of 2025.
In June, she went on a week-long trade mission to Australia as lawmakers were attempting to meet their initial July 1 budget deadline. In March, Whitmer led a delegation to the United Kingdom and Ireland. In February, she went to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The delegation traveling with Whitmer this week includes Quentin L. Messer Jr., the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited, Justin Fischer, mayor of Novi, and David Coulter, executive of Oakland County, and Mark Behnke, mayor of Battle Creek.
Behnke previously said he was leaving for the trade mission Friday and would be gone for nine days.
“I am honored to join Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the MEDC on this mission to Japan,” Behnke said. “Battle Creek has been building relationships with Japanese companies for more than 50 years.”
The governor’s office said the trip is being financially supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
cmauger@detroitnews.com
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