Read Gov. Whitmer’s 8th and Final State of the State Speech in its Entirety

February 26, 2026

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address, outlining priorities for her last year in office while reflecting on seven years of achievements. She emphasized three main focus areas: improving K-12 literacy through universal prekindergarten and evidence-based reading instruction, expanding affordable housing through increased construction and zoning reforms, and protecting healthcare access by addressing medical debt and stabilizing Medicaid funding amid federal cuts. Whitmer highlighted Michigan's progress under her administration, including tax cuts for seniors and workers, infrastructure improvements, expanded education funding, and protections for civil rights and reproductive freedom.

Who is affected

Michigan K-12 students, particularly struggling readers and boys who lag behind girls in literacy
Young Michiganders, especially 28-40 year-olds seeking homeownership (including single women who represent 25% of first-time buyers and single men at 10%)
Over 500,000 Michiganders carrying medical debt (210,000 already had debt erased)
2.5 million Michiganders on Medicaid at risk from federal cuts
1 million Michigan seniors no longer paying retirement tax
665,000 working families receiving increased tax credits
800,000 workers benefiting from elimination of taxes on tips and overtime
1.4 million public school students receiving free breakfast and lunch
LGBTQ+ Michiganders facing potential discrimination
Teachers, firefighters, and nurses priced out of homeownership in various Michigan communities
Working-class families struggling with housing affordability and economic uncertainty

What action is being taken

The state is screening every student for dyslexia and implementing "Science of Reading" legislation with phonics-based instruction
Michigan is building housing at a rate of 86,000 homes annually, working toward a target of 115,000
The state is providing mortgage and down payment assistance loans (helped 6,000+ Michiganders buy homes last year)
Medical debt is being wiped out (210,000 people received relief last year)
The state budget is protecting billions in funding for core Medicaid services
Phone limitations during class time are being implemented in schools
Lead pipe replacement is ongoing (70,000 pipes replaced)
Road construction is continuing (26,500 lane miles and nearly 2,000 bridges being fixed through end of construction season)
The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Michigan to Canada is opening throughout 2026
Governor Whitmer is conducting a "G-S-D Tour" across Michigan over her final ten months

Why it matters

This address matters because it addresses fundamental challenges facing Michigan families—education quality, housing affordability, and healthcare access—that determine economic mobility and quality of life. Michigan ranks 44th nationally in 4th grade reading, threatening children's long-term success and the state's economic competitiveness in an economy demanding stronger literacy skills. The housing crisis, exacerbated by tariffs adding $17,000 to building costs, prevents young people from achieving homeownership at rates their parents enjoyed, with the median first-time buyer age reaching a record high of 40. Federal healthcare cuts totaling $1 trillion to Medicaid and SNAP, combined with eliminated ACA subsidies, threaten coverage for millions while medical debt crushes over half a million residents. These interconnected issues affect Michigan's ability to attract and retain workers, maintain community stability, and compete economically with neighboring states, making state-level action critical amid national policy uncertainty.

What's next

Governor Whitmer's executive budget includes the largest targeted literacy investment in Michigan history called "Every Child Reads" with three components: early starts through universal full-day PreK, proven teaching methods through statewide curriculum adoption and LETRS training, and extra help through expanded tutoring
Legislature needs to pass a balanced, bipartisan budget by June 30th
Proposed housing initiatives include: creating a new state-level affordable housing tax credit, demolishing construction requirements, and streamlining zoning to make building easier
Proposed healthcare measures include: capping interest rates on medical debt, preventing medical debt from appearing on credit reports, requiring hospitals to establish financial assistance programs, and banning liens or foreclosures on homes due to medical debt
The budget must include significant investment to stabilize Medicaid funding to protect benefits and coverage
Making free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students permanent
Continued G-S-D Tour across Michigan throughout 2026
Completion of ongoing infrastructure projects including the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle