Whitmer says she won’t be ‘the hold-up’ in passing state budget ahead of possible overseas trip

Gov. Whitmer joins ribbon cutting in Grand Rapids Gov. Gretchen Whitmer takes questions from media members after a ribbon cutting for 16 future homes on Garden Street in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Monday, August 25, 2025. Whitmer also gave an update on the state’s progress building 75,000 new homes by 2026.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would not confirm a possible trip to Japan reportedly scheduled just days before a state budget deadline that could result in a partial government shutdown if missed.

But when it comes to passing a budget if she’s not in the state, Whitmer told media Monday, “I will not be the hold-up, I can tell you that.”

Government and Education Reporter

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