Fact check: How Gretchen Whitmer delivered — and didn’t — on her promises

February 18, 2026

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address on February 25, with expectations for a modest agenda given her remaining time in office and divided government. A Bridge Michigan analysis shows she has fulfilled or partially fulfilled 42 of 62 promises from her previous seven addresses, including major accomplishments like securing long-term road funding through a bipartisan deal and banning classroom smartphone use. Her approach has evolved from making direct promises to Michiganders toward issuing calls for legislative action, reflecting changing political dynamics as she worked with Republican, Democratic, and now divided legislatures.

Who is affected

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan students in K-12 public schools (affected by smartphone ban and per-pupil funding)
Nearly 700,000 Michiganders with medical debt
48,799 children receiving subsidized child care (up from 44,510)
Road agencies (state, county, and local)
Schools in "CTE desert" districts
Selfridge Air National Guard Base personnel in Macomb County
Michigan residents using vaping products (proposed tax not implemented)
Professional licensing applicants
Housing recipients (12,414 housing units produced, preserved, or financed)
Republican House Speaker Matt Hall
Senate Democrats and House Republicans
Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond
Craig Thiel (Citizens Research Council research director)
Amanda Klein (American Heart Association state government relations director)

What action is being taken

Governor Whitmer is preparing to deliver her final State of the State address on February 25, 2025
The smartphone ban law signed by Whitmer is being implemented (will take effect at start of 2026-27 school year)
Road agencies are receiving funding from the $2 billion annual road funding deal (though receiving less this fiscal year due to timing issues)
The state is providing $543 million for subsidized child care covering 48,799 kids
Michigan State Housing Development Authority is investing $2.61 billion in housing statewide
Schools are receiving $10,050 per pupil foundation allowance
New earmark disclosure requirements are being implemented under laws Whitmer signed
$26 million in the budget is supporting the new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base
$70 million is being provided for career and technical education in "CTE desert" districts

Why it matters

This matters because it demonstrates how executive leadership performs under different legislative compositions and establishes accountability for campaign promises and policy commitments. The road funding represents a major infrastructure investment addressing a critical need that Whitmer campaigned on for years, though the $2 billion annual amount still falls short of the $3 billion experts say is needed. The smartphone ban addresses growing concerns about student distraction and mental health impacts of device use during instruction. The analysis reveals how political realities shape what governors can accomplish, with Whitmer's strategic approach of making fewer, more achievable promises resulting in a higher success rate compared to her predecessor. The budget impasse breaking a 16-year streak demonstrates how divided government can hinder basic governance functions, creating uncertainty for schools and state operations. Her final address will set priorities for her last year and potentially influence the policy agenda beyond her tenure.

What's next

Whitmer will deliver her State of the State address on February 25, 2025 at 7 pm in the Michigan Capitol House chambers
The school smartphone ban will take effect at the start of the 2026-27 school year
Whitmer's proposed budget includes new taxes on vapes, sports betting, and digital advertisements to raise Medicaid funding
Future budgets will implement the new 45-day earmark disclosure requirement before bills pass
Bipartisan bills aimed at medical debt relief have been introduced but not yet advanced

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com