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'I’m excited at the prospect of a new year.' Gov. Whitmer reflects on 2020, her hopes for 2021

Posted at 9:18 AM, Dec 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-31 17:45:24-05

(WXYZ) — Without question, the year 2020 has been a challenging year in many ways. From the global pandemic to the fight against racial injustice, and don't forget about the murder hornetsthat made an appearance.

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The challenges across the country were certainly reflected in Michigan. On top of the global health crisis and an economy turned upside down, Whitmer faced backlash over the statewide COVID lockdown and was even the primary target in an elaborate kidnapping plot. But heading into 2021, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's hope is that the state has a positive shift by getting back on track economically, getting kids back in school and seeing COVID numbers drop.

“As I think about 2020, the phrase annus horribilis comes to mind, which means a horrible year. But it wasn’t all horrible, cause some really good things happened this year and there are sources of inspiration no matter where you look,” Whitmer said. “As we go into 2021, it is my hope we get our economy back up and humming, we get our kids back in school, and that we put Michigan on the path to real prosperity. I think we are up to it. I know we are up to it. And I’m excited at the prospect of a new year and a new chapter for all of us.”

Whitmer released a video on social media on New Year's Eve addressing the struggles and accomplishments of 2020, and her priorities for the next year.