Governor Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State, Prioritizes Literacy and Housing in Last Year

Governor Outlines Legacy of Policy Wins While Facing Criticism on Education and Economic Performance

LANSING — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address on Wednesday, emphasizing literacy and housing as her two top priorities for her last year in office before the 2026 election.

Whitmer framed her speech as a case for legacy and accomplishment, citing policy wins that her supporters will cheer while facing sharp criticism from opponents who argue her economic record shows billions wasted on failed business subsidies.

Policy Wins Highlighted by Governor

During her address to a joint session of the Michigan Legislature, Whitmer reviewed several major policy changes enacted over her tenure:

• Gun restrictions — New firearm regulations limiting access to certain weapons and ammunition
• Right-to-work repeal — Efforts to end the state law that prevented unions from requiring membership fees
• Alternative energy mandate — Requirements for increased renewable energy use
• Medicaid expansion — Building on the Healthy Michigan Plan to extend coverage
• Constitutional abortion codification — A 2022 amendment adding abortion rights to the state constitution

The governor also touted what she called multiple "free" programs and perks available to Michiganders:

• Pre-K for all four-year-olds
• Breakfast and lunch for all public school students at no cost to families
• Community college tuition-free for high school graduates
• Associate's degrees for people 25 and up
• Affordable housing tax credits and first-time mortgage assistance
• Paid sick leave mandates for employers
• Medical debt forgiveness programs
• Affordable Care Act subsidies

Reading Crisis Remains Unaddressed

Despite emphasizing literacy as a top priority, Michigan's poor reading performance shows no improvement during Whitmer's tenure.

"Michigan is 44th in fourth grade reading. 44th," Whitmer said, acknowledging the problem.

The reality is stark: sixty percent of third graders failed the 2025 state reading test, and student performance has worsened since Whitmer took office in 2019, according to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

While the governor cited investments in literacy coaches, dyslexia screening, and early childhood education, critics argue Michigan blocked or repealed policies that other states have used to improve their schools:

• Robust teacher evaluations
• Requiring failing students to repeat grades
• Scoring schools using letter grades
• Education choice programs

Housing Supply Constraints Persist

Whitmer praised a bipartisan bill package that allows for more housing construction and called it a path to affordability. However, economists warn that restricting supply through regulations drives prices up.

The Mackinac Center noted that last year, only 1 in 5 homes were sold to first-time homebuyers in Michigan, with the median age of a first-time homebuyer hitting an all-time high of 40 years old.

During her tenure, the Legislature has made significant investments in housing:

• $10 million for a housing development project in Mount Clemens to revitalize the Victory Inn
• $600 million in flexible funding for school districts to invest in school safety and infrastructure
• Senate Bill 23, which increases the number of buildable lots on land parcels
• Statewide grant programs to help veterans and families in need access housing

Economic Record Draw Fire

The governor remained relatively quiet on her economic development record, despite her administration having approved $6.9 billion in business subsidies over her tenure. The Mackinac Center reported that several of these programs were "massive flops, producing few or no jobs," and that her economic development agency is in turmoil.

Education and Housing as Election Year Priorities

As the 2026 election season approaches, Whitmer emphasized that literacy and housing are two issues she can move through a divided Legislature. Education, housing, and health care have been the signature issues of her administration.

From delivering a historic $1 billion tax cut for working families to guaranteeing all Michiganders a no-cost path toward a college degree or skills certificate, the administration has been busy delivering results according to Democratic officials.

State Senator Kevin Hertel, a Democrat, praised the administration's work in education, housing, and health care. He noted that the governor delivered a historic $1 billion tax cut for working families and guaranteed all Michiganders a no-cost path toward a college degree or skills certificate.

Looking Ahead

Whitmer's final State of the State marked the end of an era. Her eighth address as governor was about legacy and accomplishments, but also about unfinished business. As legislative and budget seasons kick into high gear, these remain the issues that will define her final year in office.

The administration's focus on education, housing, and health care will face the test of the 2026 election, with voters weighing policy accomplishments against economic performance and the quality of life improvements promised to Michiganders across the state.

Sources:

• https://www.mackinac.org/blog/2026/the-state-of-whitmers-state
• https://senatedems.com/hertel/2026/03/13/recapping-the-2026-state-of-the-state-address/