(LANSING) - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used her final State of the State address to highlight accomplishments from her two terms while outlining priorities for her last year in office, centering on education, housing affordability and health care costs.
Whitmer said Michigan has seen economic growth, declining crime and increased investment in schools and infrastructure since 2019, while acknowledging many residents still face rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
Literacy push and education funding
The governor identified reading proficiency as a major concern, noting Michigan ranks near the bottom nationally in fourth-grade literacy. She called for expanded early childhood education, including free full-day preschool for all children, statewide use of evidence-based reading instruction and additional tutoring for struggling students.
Whitmer also pointed to recent policies limiting cellphone use in classrooms and continued investments in school facilities, mental health services and tuition-free community college.
Housing affordability initiatives
Addressing a nationwide housing shortage, Whitmer said younger residents increasingly struggle to buy homes. She proposed a state affordable housing tax credit, reduced construction regulations and zoning changes to encourage building more homes, including multifamily housing and accessory units.
The state has already invested heavily in housing development, she said, reporting tens of thousands of new units built in recent years and assistance programs for first-time buyers.
Health care costs and medical debt
Whitmer called for measures to reduce health care expenses, including efforts to eliminate medical debt burdens for residents. Proposed actions include capping interest on medical debt, keeping such debt off credit reports and requiring hospitals to provide financial assistance programs.
She also emphasized maintaining Medicaid coverage for millions of residents amid potential federal funding changes.
Infrastructure, economy and public safety
Reviewing her administration's record, Whitmer cited road repairs, bridge upgrades, water infrastructure improvements and expanded clean energy production. She also highlighted balanced state budgets, business investment, workforce programs and increased funding for public safety.
Civil rights and social policies
Whitmer referenced protections enacted during her tenure, including anti-discrimination laws, reproductive rights protections and gun safety measures, and pledged to defend civil liberties during her final year.
Closing message
In a speech that also included personal reflections on her time in public service, Whitmer urged bipartisan cooperation in her final months in office and expressed optimism about Michigan's future despite political divisions and economic challenges.
Term limits prevent Whitmer from seeking a third term, making the 2026 address her last as governor.