Michigan Gov. Whitmer talks literacy, housing during final State of the State address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address as Michigan's governor on Wednesday night.
Whitmer, who's reached her term limit, spoke for nearly an hour, touching on topics such as the economy, education, housing and the roads, adding that there is more that needs to be done.
"To the people of Michigan, serving as your governor has been the honor of a lifetime. Thank you for putting your trust in me," Whitmer said.
The address comes months ahead of the midterm election, which will determine the next person to lead the state. Several candidates have declared for the governor's race in the 2026 election cycle, including Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Republican Congressman John James.
Whitmer's running mate, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, originally announced his bid for governor, but dropped out to pursue Benson's seat.
Whitmer has not announced her plans after leaving office.
The Democratic governor touted accomplishments in recent months, including tax breaks for senior homeowners and the push to fix roads across the state. In October 2025, the governor signed a road funding bill that received bipartisan support and will invest $2 million annually.
"Years from now, when people write about this session, they'll remember that we were the ones who finally fixed our roads and fed our kids," Whitmer said.
Whitmer did not stop short of discussing the economy, blaming tariffs for "jacking up prices" and "costing families an average of $1,000 bucks last year." She also emphasized the efforts to try to make housing affordable for residents.
Whitmer touted closing the housing gap by 44% and helping thousands of residents buy their first home.
"Whether it's your first property, the home you raise your family, or the place you retire, everyone should be able to buy a house that meets their needs and stay in it long-term. This year, let's continue making it easier to build more housing."
The governor proposed a state-level affordable housing tax credit, as well as removing "nonsensical construction requirements" and streamlining zoning.
Whitmer also made a point to bring up education, as she has previously said that student literacy would be her top priority. Michigan currently sits at 44th in the nation when it comes to reading at grade level. Earlier this month, the governor proposed for $625 million of her $88.1 billion budget to support literacy.
The budget also presents a 2.5% increase in base per-pupil funding.
On Wednesday, Whitmer proposed teaching reading early, adopting statewide cirriculums that support teachers and funding additional professional learning.
"Literacy is a national challenge. No matter who becomes governor after me, they'll have to continue this work," she said.
Toward the beginning of her speech, Whitmer took the time to thank first responders, including Department of Natural Resources Officer Luke Robare and Grand Blanc Township Officer Jason Carpentier, who responded to the 2025 deadly attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
"Two men who didn't know each other, but acted quickly to protect their neighbors because that's what Michiganders do," Whitmer said. "We're honored to have them both here this evening."
Whitmer also celebrated the anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit to Windsor. The bridge has received national and international attention this month after President Trump threatened to block it from opening.
