Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her 2025 State of the State address Feb. 26 in front of a joint session of the Michigan Legislature, where she focused on the importance of working with anyone to get things done for Michiganders.
Whitmer laid out her plans to lower costs for families, create more good-paying jobs, and continue delivering results for Michigan taxpayers. The State of the State builds on her Road Ahead Address where, prior to President Trump’s inauguration, she shared her vision to grow the economy and strengthen the auto industry in anticipation of tariffs. The speech also comes on the heels of her meeting with President Trump where she advocated for Michigan manufacturing and military families.
“In 2025, I’m excited to keep working across the aisle to lower costs, create jobs, and continue delivering results that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Whitmer said. “Right now, families and businesses are facing high costs and uncertainty from tariffs and our national politics are divided. Michiganders are tired of the games and want strong, bipartisan leadership. Let's lead by example and show the rest of the country how to get things done.”
Whitmer’s 2025 address centered on stories from Michiganders across the state who all want the same things: a good education, an affordable place to live, more money in their pocket, and a fair shot at a great life.
“Gov. Whitmer made herself loud and clear tonight: our collaborative efforts to drive Michigan forward are working,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. “Since the onset of our Senate Democratic majority, we’ve worked in tandem with the governor and House to forge a better future for our residents — from expanding civil rights protections and reproductive rights to delivering the largest tax relief plan in state history and making sure no Michigan student goes hungry at school. But our work is not done yet — we’ll continue fighting to lower costs, foster opportunity, and improve our quality of life.”
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Key Lines from the Speech: Lowering Costs for Michigan Families
Michigan families and businesses are facing high costs on the essentials right now. Whitmer said that President Trump's proposed 25 percent tariffs on our closest trading partners would slow down the construction of homes and factories, lead to thousands of layoffs on the auto assembly line, and jack up costs for families by an average of $1,200 a year as companies pass their costs on to consumers.
Whitmer highlighted investments she’s proposed in her budget to cut taxes for seniors and working families, build more housing to lower rents and mortgages, expand assistance on energy bills, and expand quality, affordable child care for working moms and dads.
Housing: Since Whitmer took office, the state has made historic progress to build more housing, with MSHDA on track for a third-straight, record-breaking year.
“This year, let’s invest $2 billion to build, buy, or fix nearly 11,000 homes...the largest housing investment in Michigan history. Getting this done will create more than 10,000 construction jobs, lower costs, and help more people achieve the American Dream,” the governor said.
Medical Debt: Michigan secured $4.5 million in the FY24 bipartisan state budget to relieve some medical debt, but is just one of just a few states with no protections specifically for this burden that impacts nearly 700,000 Michiganders.
Energy: With the threat of tariffs on energy, utility bills could go up. In her speech, the Governor focused on bipartisan legislation she recently signed to expand the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, which already saves 50,000 households $700 a year.
“Everyone’s eyebrows raise when that first winter utility bill hits...Republicans and Democrats came together to do something about it...I was proud to sign this expansion, which could save 335,000 more Michigan families hundreds on their energy bills,” Whitmer said.
Taxes: With high prices on essentials and the looming threat of tariffs, the governor highlighted the retirement tax rollback and Working Families Tax Credit expansion:
“This year, hundreds of thousands of senior households will save an average of $1,000 on their taxes and 650,000 families - home to half the kids in Michigan - will get an average tax refund of $3,200 ... Together, we put $1 billion back in people’s pockets and lifted 20,000 children out of poverty.”
Child Care: Governor Whitmer called on the legislature and federal government to work with her to build on the historic investments we’ve made to expand child care:
“If we want to grow our population, we must continue expanding affordable child care. This is pro-family, pro-child, and pro-growth policy,” the governor said.
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Key Lines from the Speech: More Jobs, More Skills, More Money
Gov. Whitmer wants to make it as easy as possible for every Michigander to get the skills or education they need to get a good-paying job so they can earn more money and protect and provide for themselves and their families.
Young Men: Despite record, bipartisan investments to open tuition-free paths to higher ed, career, and technical education, women are outpacing men 2-to-1. The governor announced she intends to sign an executive directive to reach more young men and boost their enrollment in these programs.
“No matter who you are, we want to help you learn more and earn more. So, look at an apprenticeship, find a scholarship, or sign up for Reconnect. Get your education, debt free, and build the life you deserve.”
Selfridge: Protecting Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a bipartisan priority that unites Democrats and Republicans. The governor will fight for thousands of local jobs and hundreds of military families that rely on Selfridge.
“On Saturday, in DC, I spoke with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about supporting a fighter mission at Selfridge,” Whitmer said.
“Selfridge is Michigan’s hometown airbase, and plays a critical role in our state’s military advantage,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “It’s imperative Michigan continues to lead the future of national security and defense through Selfridge. Investing $100 million in Selfridge is necessary to help secure its next fighter mission.”
—————
Key Lines from the Speech: Results
Since taking office, Gov. Whitmer has taken action to cut red tape, streamline government, and make state government more effective, efficient, and responsive for Michiganders. But there is still more to do so we can build stuff faster, create jobs, and improve results for students and parents.
Permitting & Licensing: Inefficient permitting and licensing slows down construction and leads to fewer jobs and higher prices. The Governor called for bipartisan collaboration on permitting and licensing including eliminating duplicative exams, honoring out of state trade licensing, giving entrepreneurs more flexibility, and more.
Academics: Whitmer has made historic investments in education, but we must do more to improve academic outcomes. The Governor highlighted budget investments to tackle literacy and increase transparency so parents can see how their schools are performing.
“We spend more and we get less. It’s not acceptable. For our kids, let’s do better...This year, let’s pass a SMART education budget and get our kids on track for the bright futures they all deserve,” she said.
Phones: Phones are negatively impacting mental health, physical safety, and academic performance. The governor called for bipartisan collaboration to limit phones in classrooms.
“We’ve seen encouraging data about how commonsense restrictions on phone use during class lead to more learning and less bullying,” Whitmer said. “Kids listen, raise their hands, and make more friends. They talk during field trips. Three-quarters say they feel happy or peaceful without their phone. That’s what school should be about.”
Whitmer laid out her plans to lower costs for families, create more good-paying jobs, and continue delivering results for Michigan taxpayers. The State of the State builds on her Road Ahead Address where, prior to President Trump’s inauguration, she shared her vision to grow the economy and strengthen the auto industry in anticipation of tariffs. The speech also comes on the heels of her meeting with President Trump where she advocated for Michigan manufacturing and military families.
“In 2025, I’m excited to keep working across the aisle to lower costs, create jobs, and continue delivering results that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Whitmer said. “Right now, families and businesses are facing high costs and uncertainty from tariffs and our national politics are divided. Michiganders are tired of the games and want strong, bipartisan leadership. Let's lead by example and show the rest of the country how to get things done.”
Whitmer’s 2025 address centered on stories from Michiganders across the state who all want the same things: a good education, an affordable place to live, more money in their pocket, and a fair shot at a great life.
“Gov. Whitmer made herself loud and clear tonight: our collaborative efforts to drive Michigan forward are working,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. “Since the onset of our Senate Democratic majority, we’ve worked in tandem with the governor and House to forge a better future for our residents — from expanding civil rights protections and reproductive rights to delivering the largest tax relief plan in state history and making sure no Michigan student goes hungry at school. But our work is not done yet — we’ll continue fighting to lower costs, foster opportunity, and improve our quality of life.”
—————
Key Lines from the Speech: Lowering Costs for Michigan Families
Michigan families and businesses are facing high costs on the essentials right now. Whitmer said that President Trump's proposed 25 percent tariffs on our closest trading partners would slow down the construction of homes and factories, lead to thousands of layoffs on the auto assembly line, and jack up costs for families by an average of $1,200 a year as companies pass their costs on to consumers.
Whitmer highlighted investments she’s proposed in her budget to cut taxes for seniors and working families, build more housing to lower rents and mortgages, expand assistance on energy bills, and expand quality, affordable child care for working moms and dads.
Housing: Since Whitmer took office, the state has made historic progress to build more housing, with MSHDA on track for a third-straight, record-breaking year.
“This year, let’s invest $2 billion to build, buy, or fix nearly 11,000 homes...the largest housing investment in Michigan history. Getting this done will create more than 10,000 construction jobs, lower costs, and help more people achieve the American Dream,” the governor said.
Medical Debt: Michigan secured $4.5 million in the FY24 bipartisan state budget to relieve some medical debt, but is just one of just a few states with no protections specifically for this burden that impacts nearly 700,000 Michiganders.
Energy: With the threat of tariffs on energy, utility bills could go up. In her speech, the Governor focused on bipartisan legislation she recently signed to expand the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, which already saves 50,000 households $700 a year.
“Everyone’s eyebrows raise when that first winter utility bill hits...Republicans and Democrats came together to do something about it...I was proud to sign this expansion, which could save 335,000 more Michigan families hundreds on their energy bills,” Whitmer said.
Taxes: With high prices on essentials and the looming threat of tariffs, the governor highlighted the retirement tax rollback and Working Families Tax Credit expansion:
“This year, hundreds of thousands of senior households will save an average of $1,000 on their taxes and 650,000 families - home to half the kids in Michigan - will get an average tax refund of $3,200 ... Together, we put $1 billion back in people’s pockets and lifted 20,000 children out of poverty.”
Child Care: Governor Whitmer called on the legislature and federal government to work with her to build on the historic investments we’ve made to expand child care:
“If we want to grow our population, we must continue expanding affordable child care. This is pro-family, pro-child, and pro-growth policy,” the governor said.
—————
Key Lines from the Speech: More Jobs, More Skills, More Money
Gov. Whitmer wants to make it as easy as possible for every Michigander to get the skills or education they need to get a good-paying job so they can earn more money and protect and provide for themselves and their families.
Young Men: Despite record, bipartisan investments to open tuition-free paths to higher ed, career, and technical education, women are outpacing men 2-to-1. The governor announced she intends to sign an executive directive to reach more young men and boost their enrollment in these programs.
“No matter who you are, we want to help you learn more and earn more. So, look at an apprenticeship, find a scholarship, or sign up for Reconnect. Get your education, debt free, and build the life you deserve.”
Selfridge: Protecting Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a bipartisan priority that unites Democrats and Republicans. The governor will fight for thousands of local jobs and hundreds of military families that rely on Selfridge.
“On Saturday, in DC, I spoke with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about supporting a fighter mission at Selfridge,” Whitmer said.
“Selfridge is Michigan’s hometown airbase, and plays a critical role in our state’s military advantage,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “It’s imperative Michigan continues to lead the future of national security and defense through Selfridge. Investing $100 million in Selfridge is necessary to help secure its next fighter mission.”
—————
Key Lines from the Speech: Results
Since taking office, Gov. Whitmer has taken action to cut red tape, streamline government, and make state government more effective, efficient, and responsive for Michiganders. But there is still more to do so we can build stuff faster, create jobs, and improve results for students and parents.
Permitting & Licensing: Inefficient permitting and licensing slows down construction and leads to fewer jobs and higher prices. The Governor called for bipartisan collaboration on permitting and licensing including eliminating duplicative exams, honoring out of state trade licensing, giving entrepreneurs more flexibility, and more.
Academics: Whitmer has made historic investments in education, but we must do more to improve academic outcomes. The Governor highlighted budget investments to tackle literacy and increase transparency so parents can see how their schools are performing.
“We spend more and we get less. It’s not acceptable. For our kids, let’s do better...This year, let’s pass a SMART education budget and get our kids on track for the bright futures they all deserve,” she said.
Phones: Phones are negatively impacting mental health, physical safety, and academic performance. The governor called for bipartisan collaboration to limit phones in classrooms.
“We’ve seen encouraging data about how commonsense restrictions on phone use during class lead to more learning and less bullying,” Whitmer said. “Kids listen, raise their hands, and make more friends. They talk during field trips. Three-quarters say they feel happy or peaceful without their phone. That’s what school should be about.”
Rep. Slagh Comments on Whitmer Address
State Rep. Brad Slagh, R-Zeeland, poses with Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Teeples at the State of the State address in Lansing Feb. 26.
Photo courtesy Michigan House Republicans
State Rep. Brad Slagh, R-Zeeland, offered his thoughts on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address before the Legislature on Feb. 26.
“While I appreciate the governor’s focus on higher education and skills training, K-12 education must be better prioritized to set kids up for those post-grad learning opportunities,” Slagh said. “Sadly, three out of five third-graders in Michigan cannot read at grade level, despite an increase in school aid funding year after year. That’s an indication that financial investments alone can't solve the problem. We need a thoughtful, multifaceted approach to create real and lasting improvements in the system so that kids can read to learn.”
Slagh also expressed concerns about the state’s energy policies that he says Whitmer did not address in her speech.
“In order for our state to grow, we must focus on keeping our grid reliable – that means keeping our coal plants until other sources are proven to be reliable, sustainable, economical and practical,” Slagh said. “Transitioning prematurely to underdeveloped alternative energy sources can lead to blackouts during extreme weather events, cause heating and cooling failures that endanger vulnerable populations, strain emergency services, disrupt hospitals and water treatment facilities, and increase the risk of accidents in industries reliant on stable power. That’s not a risk we should be willing to take to push a political narrative.”
Slagh was joined at the State of the State address by Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Teeples.
“While I appreciate the governor’s focus on higher education and skills training, K-12 education must be better prioritized to set kids up for those post-grad learning opportunities,” Slagh said. “Sadly, three out of five third-graders in Michigan cannot read at grade level, despite an increase in school aid funding year after year. That’s an indication that financial investments alone can't solve the problem. We need a thoughtful, multifaceted approach to create real and lasting improvements in the system so that kids can read to learn.”
Slagh also expressed concerns about the state’s energy policies that he says Whitmer did not address in her speech.
“In order for our state to grow, we must focus on keeping our grid reliable – that means keeping our coal plants until other sources are proven to be reliable, sustainable, economical and practical,” Slagh said. “Transitioning prematurely to underdeveloped alternative energy sources can lead to blackouts during extreme weather events, cause heating and cooling failures that endanger vulnerable populations, strain emergency services, disrupt hospitals and water treatment facilities, and increase the risk of accidents in industries reliant on stable power. That’s not a risk we should be willing to take to push a political narrative.”
Slagh was joined at the State of the State address by Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Teeples.
Huizenga Reintroduces the Strategic Ports Reporting Act
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, has reintroduced the Strategic Ports Reporting Act in the House of Representatives.
This legislation requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to monitor efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to build, buy, or own strategic ports that provide capabilities for military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration superiority over the United States.
Specifically, the Strategic Ports Reporting Act will provide an analysis of:
• The activities and plans of the PRC to expand its control over global strategic ports.
• The U.S. national security and economic implications of PRC-controlled strategic port.
• The measures the U.S. government could take to ensure open access and security for strategic ports and offer alternatives to PRC investment in these ports.
Joining Congressman Huizenga in introducing the Strategic Ports Reporting Act are Reps. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., Rob Wittman, R-Va., and Johnny Olszewski, D-Md. Companion legislation to the Strategic Ports Reporting Act has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate and is led by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C. and Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.
“The Chinese Communist Party continues to advance economic and military objectives that undermine the security of the United States,” Huizenga said. “The expansionist policies and strategic investments being pursued by the Chinese Communist Party near the Panama Canal, across the Western Hemisphere, and around the globe are challenges that Republicans and Democrats must confront together in order to put American interests first. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act creates a bipartisan opportunity to not only evaluate these growing concerns but counter them as well.”
“China’s growing control over global ports threatens our national security and economic stability here at home," Olszewski said. "The Strategic Ports Reporting Act will ensure the U.S. has the necessary tools to monitor and counter this Chinese influence, protecting supply chains and our global standing. I’m proud to join Congressman Huizenga in co-leading this bipartisan effort to safeguard our ports and boost our economy.”
Budd said that in January, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on the influence of foreign adversaries on the Panama Canal and the impact on U.S. national security, “This hearing highlighted China’s increasingly growing influence around the world and using maritime dominance to control the global economy,” Budd said. “The United States must face this reality head on, and the first step is comprehensive monitoring of CCP activities at domestic or foreign ports that threaten U.S. interests and national security.”
This legislation requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to monitor efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to build, buy, or own strategic ports that provide capabilities for military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration superiority over the United States.
Specifically, the Strategic Ports Reporting Act will provide an analysis of:
• The activities and plans of the PRC to expand its control over global strategic ports.
• The U.S. national security and economic implications of PRC-controlled strategic port.
• The measures the U.S. government could take to ensure open access and security for strategic ports and offer alternatives to PRC investment in these ports.
Joining Congressman Huizenga in introducing the Strategic Ports Reporting Act are Reps. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., Rob Wittman, R-Va., and Johnny Olszewski, D-Md. Companion legislation to the Strategic Ports Reporting Act has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate and is led by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C. and Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.
“The Chinese Communist Party continues to advance economic and military objectives that undermine the security of the United States,” Huizenga said. “The expansionist policies and strategic investments being pursued by the Chinese Communist Party near the Panama Canal, across the Western Hemisphere, and around the globe are challenges that Republicans and Democrats must confront together in order to put American interests first. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act creates a bipartisan opportunity to not only evaluate these growing concerns but counter them as well.”
“China’s growing control over global ports threatens our national security and economic stability here at home," Olszewski said. "The Strategic Ports Reporting Act will ensure the U.S. has the necessary tools to monitor and counter this Chinese influence, protecting supply chains and our global standing. I’m proud to join Congressman Huizenga in co-leading this bipartisan effort to safeguard our ports and boost our economy.”
Budd said that in January, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on the influence of foreign adversaries on the Panama Canal and the impact on U.S. national security, “This hearing highlighted China’s increasingly growing influence around the world and using maritime dominance to control the global economy,” Budd said. “The United States must face this reality head on, and the first step is comprehensive monitoring of CCP activities at domestic or foreign ports that threaten U.S. interests and national security.”
