LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer used her eighth and final State of the State Address Wednesday night to press lawmakers on literacy, housing, and medical debt as she outlined priorities for the remainder of her second term.
“I am honored to be back for my eighth and final State of the State Address,” Whitmer said as she opened her remarks.
Whitmer called for “proven literacy practices in all classrooms” as she highlighted Michigan’s school struggles.
The state ranks 44th in the nation for fourth-grade reading.
The governor also pushed for more affordable housing, proposing a new state affordable housing tax credit.
“Michigan is the only state in our region without this tool, and once we create one, it will unlock more federal dollars, too,” Whitmer said.
Whitmer said she wants to tackle rising health care costs by capping interest rates on medical debt and banning liens and foreclosures on homes tied to unpaid medical bills.
“In Michigan, we believe getting sick or hurt shouldn’t also mean going broke,” Whitmer said. “In 2026, we can help more Michiganders reduce medical debt.”
Lawmakers from both parties said affordability is an area where they can find common ground.
“The governor hit on some really important points. The cost of health care has gotten out of control,” said state Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn.
“Republicans and Democrats can really come together over affordability,” said state Rep. Joe Aragona, R-Clinton Township. “House affordability was talked about quite a bit, medical debt.”
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield attended the address. With Whitmer emphasizing affordability, Sheffield said property tax reform should also be on the table.
“We pay some of the highest property taxes in the state of Michigan,” Sheffield said. “It is a hindrance to businesses and residents.”
Sheffield said reducing property taxes is key to property tax growth in Detroit.
Budget negotiations in the coming months will determine how much of Whitmer’s agenda becomes reality. The governor urged lawmakers to finish the work on time this year after last year’s talks dragged on past the constitutional deadline.