State of the State: Watch, read Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s full speech

Watch Whitmer’s full speech

Learn Whitmer’s full speech, as ready for supply

Hiya, Michigan! I’m honored to be right here tonight for my State of the State Deal with. Seven down, one to go! Should you’re tuning in between the MSU sport or the Pistons sport…. thanks. 

• To Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Lawyer Normal Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson… these are onerous jobs and we’re serving in powerful instances. Thanks in your partnership. 
• To the outgoing Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court docket, Elizabeth Clement… thanks for shielding our structure and upholding the rule of regulation. 
• To the state workers, my cupboard, and government workplace workers… thanks in your work. 
• To Congressman Dan Kildee… thanks in your years of service. 
• To Marc, Sherry, Sydney, and my total household… I really like you.  
• To our Nationwide Guard and State Police… thanks for placing your lives on the road on daily basis to maintain us protected. 

Now let’s acknowledge our legislative leaders… 

• Chief Winnie Brinks and her husband, Steve, have three wonderful daughters. Right here’s to the empty nest! 
• Chief Aric Nesbitt and his spouse, Trisha, predict their third baby this Easter. Congratulations! 
• Speaker Matt Corridor, I wish to congratulate you and Megan in your latest marriage and provides a particular shoutout to your stepson! 
• Chief Ranjeev Puri and his spouse, Nidhi, are proud dad and mom of three younger boys. Hoping they’re Lions followers in contrast to Ranjeev, who’s a secret cheesehead.  

I stay up for working with all 4 of you and your caucuses to get issues achieved. 

Let’s take a second to acknowledge one other chief and legend… Debbie Stabenow.  

Please stand, Senator. 

Over a lifetime of service as a county commissioner, state legislator, congresswoman, and Michigan’s first girl senator… you fought for farmers, protected our Nice Lakes, and championed equal protection for psychological well being. You’re a trailblazer who has made an actual distinction in folks’s lives.  

Tonight, I’m happy to announce that we’re renaming Structure Corridor simply throughout the road because the Deborah A. Stabenow Constructing in your honor. It’s becoming that the constructing homes our state’s agriculture and environmental departments who carry in your life’s work. Thanks, Senator Stabenow! 

Lastly, to my fellow Michiganders… I took an oath to serve the folks of Michigan—all of the folks. That’s my dedication to you irrespective of who’s within the White Home or on the opposite aspect of the desk in Lansing. Sure, I do hope to seek out frequent floor with President

Trump and work with the Democratic Senate and Republican Home on our shared priorities. I’m not on the lookout for fights, however I received’t again down from them both. 

In Michigan, now we have a possibility and an obligation to guide by instance. Our state represents America in each means… economically, geographically, politically, and socially. Individuals from each stroll of life name Michigan residence. We don’t at all times agree, however we transfer ahead collectively. That’s the supply of our energy. Let’s present the remainder of the nation how one can get issues achieved. 

Proper now, I do know that politics, particularly nationwide politics, could be exhausting. I really feel it too. At a excessive stage, we’re going through 2 large challenges… financial uncertainty and political division. 

First, economics. It’s onerous to purchase a home or automotive due to excessive rates of interest. It’s nonetheless onerous to pay the payments. Simply this month, inflation jumped again as much as 3%.  

Companies are going through uncertainty too. Trade leaders and high financial minds on either side of the aisle are warning us in regards to the havoc that 25% tariffs would wreak on Michigan’s auto trade whereas elevating on a regular basis bills for households. 

As for politics, there’s no sugarcoating it… we appear very divided right this moment. Partisanship has contaminated each facet of our lives, pushed by opportunistic politicians and media figures who dwell by a philosophy of “I win… for those who lose.” 

The divisive rhetoric is amplified by algorithms designed to make us offended and maintain us scrolling. We’re all being manipulated by the most important and strongest firms on the planet who revenue extra after we begin to imagine that now we have nothing in frequent.  

However that’s simply not true.  

As governor, I’ve been to all 83 counties—at the very least twice—and sat down with every kind of individuals. If you present up and hear, it’s clear that the majority of us need the identical issues, and we’re all pissed off by the identical issues too. 

Our individuals are not as divided as our politics. I actually imagine that. 

I wish to ask you all to take a second and take a look at the insert in tonight’s applications. These are actual quotes from Michiganders who dwell in your districts. They’re sick of the video games. And so they’re relying on us to work collectively. We are able to’t allow them to down. 

I’m reminded of a dialog I had a pair years in the past with a retiree from Kalamazoo. He and his younger neighbor have polar reverse political opinions. They put up yard indicators supporting opposing candidates each two years. However they helped repair one another’s roofs and repeatedly shovel one another’s sidewalks. They present up for one another, all yr lengthy. Their bond is deeper and stronger than politics. This yr, if we present up, hearken to, and be taught from one another, we will transfer ahead collectively and get issues achieved. 

The excellent news is that now we have rather a lot going for us. There are a whole lot of “firsts” and new beginnings value celebrating. 

• Michigan Tech was simply named an R1 analysis college, becoming a member of MSU, U of M, and Wayne State as one of many world’s 150 greatest analysis faculties. 
• We expanded RxKids, the nation’s first-ever program that places cash instantly within the pockets of recent mothers and infants to enhance their funds and well being. 
• We broke floor on the Joan Secchia Youngsters’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, the primary of its sort in Michigan. 
• Palisades will turn out to be the primary restarted nuclear energy plant in American historical past, defending 600 native union jobs and clear, dependable energy for a whole lot of 1000’s of individuals. 
• Final yr, Detroit reopened Michigan Central, hosted the most important NFL Draft ever, and grew its inhabitants for the primary time in 67 years.  
• Later this yr, we’ll open the Gordie Howe Worldwide Bridge, a monument to commerce and cooperation that can carry 25,000 automobiles on daily basis… 2 many years and three administrations within the making, I’m proud that we’re ending the job. 

Our monetary home is so as too. Whereas different states are juggling multi-billion-dollar deficits, we’ve bought a surplus.  

• Our rainy-day funds are at an all-time excessive of $2.7 billion. 
• After this yr’s price range, we’ll have paid down $26 billion of debt.  
• Since I took workplace, we’ve repeatedly been named a high 10 state for doing enterprise…  
• grown our GDP by 35%…  
• added practically 40,000 auto jobs… 
• and raised median family incomes by 16 grand, as much as $77,000. 

However finally, the “state of the state” isn’t about traces on a chart or metrics on a spreadsheet. It’s about how folks really feel and take into consideration Michigan. Tonight, we’ll middle their tales and recommit ourselves to constructing a Michigan we will all be proud to name residence.  

My fellow Michiganders, the state of our state is powerful, but it surely’s on all of us to make it stronger and kinder too. 

Just a few weeks in the past, I launched my seventh price range proposal after encouraging information that state revenues had been $1 billion greater than anticipated. Michigan is on the transfer as a result of Michiganders are onerous at work. Let’s present them we’re too with a balanced, bipartisan price range by the tip of June that’s centered on the basics. 

Final month, on the Detroit Auto Present, I laid out my preliminary priorities for 2025—financial improvement, roads, and commerce with Canada. Talking of commerce… I’m grateful that Republicans, Democrats, and personal sector leaders are talking out towards widespread, 25% tariffs on our neighbors.  

As a result of we all know saying no to Canada means saying sure to China. 

I’m additionally grateful the President determined to pause. As I’ve mentioned earlier than, I’m not against tariffs outright. However they’re a blunt instrument when the Michigan financial system is on the road. 25% tariffs on every part would…  

• decelerate building… 
• shutter small companies… 
• result in layoffs within the auto trade… 
• and value Michigan households an additional $1,200 a yr on the retailer and the pump as a result of firms will cross their greater prices on to you.   

It might be a catastrophe. However don’t simply take it from me. Just a few weeks in the past, I requested Michiganders instantly. And in lower than 48 hours, I bought 3,000 written responses.  

• Brandon from Tub is a pharmacist who is aware of tariffs will increase costs on prescribed drugs, forcing folks to decide on between their well being and their payments.  
• Jacquelyn from Interlochen owns a heating and cooling enterprise and mentioned tariffs would drive her to lift costs, simply to remain open.   
• And Steve from Leroy is a retiree who desires to purchase a brand new automotive however can’t if tariffs trigger costs to go up by a median of three,000 bucks. 

For them and each Michigander, let’s maintain talking with one voice for good commerce insurance policies to stage the enjoying area and safe American jobs with out jacking up prices. 

On tariffs—and each problem—Michiganders anticipate us to work collectively in Lansing as a result of that’s how issues get achieved.  

As a legislator, I served within the minority for 14 years. I typically partnered with my Republican colleagues, together with on Wholesome Michigan, our Medicaid growth beneath the Reasonably priced Care Act that covers a whole lot of 1000’s of individuals.  

As governor, I’ve signed 6 balanced, bipartisan budgets and practically 1,500 bipartisan payments… 1,000 with a Republican legislature. My north star has at all times been collaboration.  

That’s what governing means… you’re employed with anybody to get issues achieved. 

So, what ought to we deal with this yr? Let’s maintain it easy. 

• One… Prices. Let’s make life extra reasonably priced. 
• Two… Jobs. Let’s create extra alternatives to assist folks earn extra money. 
• Three… Outcomes. Let’s make authorities work higher for the folks all of us serve. 

Reducing prices is our high precedence. Whereas nobody on this room can single-handedly convey down costs, we will sort out the most important gadgets in your price range. Let’s begin with housing. It’s a troublesome market proper now. 

• Mortgage charges are above 6%. 
• Dwelling costs have shot up 50% in 4 years. 
• The median age of a homebuyer hit 56 years previous—an all-time excessive. 
• And only a quarter of houses went to first-time consumers—an all-time low.  

Rebekah, from Carleton, advised me she has “easy goals… a pleasant kitchen to bake in, a small yard for a backyard, and a canine.” She not too long ago toured a home in Detroit and competed towards 40 different bidders. 

Our younger individuals are struggling essentially the most… however I wish to name consideration to the truth that this disaster disproportionately impacts younger, single males. They purchase simply 8% of houses bought right this moment, in comparison with single girls, who purchase 20%.  

As a dad of three and proud Detroiter, I do know Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist is keen about housing. He’s minimize a whole lot of ribbons and is concentrated on making our state a greater place for households like his. 

We each know that each younger particular person desires to guard and supply for themselves and their household, and that begins with a spot to name your individual. Should you can’t purchase a home, it’s onerous to construct wealth or really feel such as you’re able to have children. It’s all linked.  

Whereas the state already has applications in place to…  

• provide help to turn out to be the primary particular person in your loved ones to purchase a home,  
• pay as much as $10,000 of your down cost,  
• decrease your mortgage charge by 1%,  
• and prevent 1000’s in your federal taxes…   

… we should additionally deal with the core problem of provide. Proper now, we’re quick 140,000 houses statewide… and the way in which ahead is obvious…  

We gotta construct, child, construct! 

Each Texas and Minnesota constructed extra housing and drove prices down. MSHDA has been doing their half, with 2 straight record-breaking years.  

This yr, let’s do it once more.  

This yr, let’s make investments $2 billion to construct, purchase, or repair practically 11,000 houses.  

This yr, let’s make the most important housing funding in Michigan historical past.  

Getting this achieved will create greater than 10,000 building jobs, decrease prices, and assist extra folks obtain the American Dream. 

Transferring on… to wages. Final week, Republicans, Democrats, employees, and enterprise got here collectively to forge a good deal on minimal wage and paid sick time. 

As a result of we labored collectively…  

• The minimal wage will rise to $15 an hour for greater than 700,000 employees 1 yr sooner than earlier than… 
• The tipped minimal wage elevated by the most important quantity ever and can maintain going up… 
• Employees can have extra time to look after themselves and their households as a result of Michigan now has the very best earned sick time within the nation … 
• And small companies can have extra flexibility. 

These previous few weeks confirmed us that we will work by way of onerous issues to ship actual options for Michigan.  

One other large value lots of people bear is well being care, together with medical debt. A pair years in the past, we secured $4.5 million in our state price range to alleviate some medical debt. It was an excellent begin… however only a begin. 

With inflation and tariff speak, we have to discover a extra important, bipartisan means to assist the practically 700,000 Michiganders with medical debt. I wish to thank Senator Sarah Anthony for her deal with this problem. We’re one among only a few states with no client protections for medical debt. That’s not proper.  

This yr, let’s work throughout the aisle to scale back medical debt so being sick or getting damage doesn’t additionally imply being broke for the remainder of your life. 

Now, let’s speak vitality. Everybody’s eyebrows increase when that first winter utility invoice hits. Just a few months in the past, Republicans and Democrats got here collectively to do one thing about it.  

Led by Consultant Helena Scott and Senators Sam Singh, Rick Outman, and Veronica Klinefelt, the legislature expanded the Michigan Vitality Help Program, or MEAP, which already saves about 50,000 households greater than $700 bucks a yr. I used to be proud to signal this bipartisan growth, which may save 335,000 extra Michigan households a whole lot on their vitality payments. 

Subsequent, one of many 2 certainties in life—taxes. For too lengthy, the working class have paid greater than they need to. In 2023, that modified after I signed laws to roll again the retirement tax and quintuple the Working Households Tax Credit score.  

This yr, a whole lot of 1000’s of senior households will save a median of $1,000 on their taxes and 650,000 households—residence to half the children in Michigan—will get a median tax refund of $3,200 bucks. 

I wish to thank Majority Chief Brinks for her work on each these commonsense adjustments. Collectively, we put $1 billion again in folks’s pockets and lifted 20,000 kids out of poverty. 

When our children get an excellent begin, they get a powerful basis to construct an excellent life.  

• It’s why we feed all 1.4 million public college college students free breakfast and lunch, saving households practically $900 bucks a yr per child on groceries and beneficial time each morning.  
• It’s why we delivered free pre-Ok for all, so each 4-year-old can arrive at kindergarten higher ready to be taught whereas saving their dad and mom $10,000.  
• It’s why we expanded 3,600 baby care facilities to serve 37,000 extra children.  

However we nonetheless have work to do. Connor from Kalamazoo is an engineer and his spouse is a nurse. They each work, have two children, and nonetheless wrestle with the excessive value of kid care. Connor says it’s one of many large the explanation why a whole lot of his mates aren’t having children in any respect.  

I wish to thank Consultant Carol Glanville for her management right here. If we wish to develop our inhabitants, we should proceed increasing reasonably priced baby care. That is pro-family, pro-child, and pro-growth coverage. Let’s get it achieved. 

Subsequent, I wish to speak about fiscal accountability. Most Michiganders are watching their bills extra intently. State authorities ought to do the identical.  

Each February, after I suggest the price range, the legislature provides earmarks. These could be necessary: fireplace stations, roads, colleges. A few of them… not a lot.  

The issue is that these earmarks are added with out transparency and have been for years, beneath each Republican and Democratic management.  

Speaker Corridor is keen about bringing accountability to the method, and I agree. On this yr’s price range, let’s have whole transparency on all earmarks. If you wish to make investments taxpayer cash, put your title on it. If they will do it in DC, we certain as hell can too. 

Now, let’s speak about jobs, beginning with making it as straightforward as potential for Michiganders to get the abilities or training they should earn extra money. Over the previous few years, it’s precisely what we’ve achieved.  

We boosted profession and tech training, giving college students hands-on expertise with wooden, metallic, energy instruments, and computer systems in highschool to allow them to land an excellent job after commencement. On this yr’s price range, let’s work collectively to make the most important funding in profession and technical training… ever. 

In 2021, we launched Michigan Reconnect, a bipartisan program providing anybody 25 and older a tuition-free affiliate’s diploma or abilities certificates at their local people faculty. In the present day, greater than 200,000 Michiganders have taken that first step.  

In 2022, we created the bipartisan Michigan Achievement Scholarship, reducing the price of a bachelor’s diploma by up $27,500. In the present day, greater than 56,000 college students are already saving 1000’s of {dollars}. I wish to thank Consultant Samantha Steckloff for her work on this. 

And final yr, we delivered the Neighborhood Faculty Assure, giving each highschool grad the chance to earn an affiliate’s diploma or abilities certificates tuition-free. In the present day, greater than 240,000 Michiganders attend one among our 31 group or Tribal faculties.  

However similar to with housing, there’s a gender hole in greater training. Girls outnumber males at group faculties, universities, and most of all, in Michigan Reconnect, the place enrollment is 2-1, girls to males. We’ve constructed nice applications open to everybody, however we have to do a greater job of getting extra younger males signed up. 

That’s why, quickly, I’m signing an government directive that can make an effort to achieve extra younger males and enhance their enrollment in our greater training and abilities coaching applications. 

For the Michiganders working onerous to place themselves by way of these applications, it’s life altering. 

Evan from Bay Metropolis is a younger dad. After stepping away from faculty to work full-time in eating places and retail, he enrolled at Delta Faculty with Reconnect and hopes to discover a profession in public service. He desires to serve his group and make his son proud. 

Anthony from East Lansing is a husband and pop who was an EMT throughout the pandemic. He used Reconnect to earn an aviation mechanic’s license and now works on the Lansing Airport.  

My message tonight goes out to all younger folks, however particularly our younger males. I do know it’s onerous to get forward proper now. However I promise you, irrespective of how onerous life may get, there’s at all times a means out and a means up. 

The very last thing any of us desires is a era of younger males falling behind their fathers and grandfathers. I’ve heard most about this problem from mothers, who love their sons and are fearful about them.  

And to the ladies on the market who’re succeeding after many years of getting the deck stacked towards them, I see your resilience and I need you to know that I’ll by no means abandon my dedication to equal alternative and dignity for everybody. 

Generations of our mothers and grandmas fought onerous for the financial rights and private freedoms we take pleasure in right this moment. They made our lives simpler, and our accountability to our little children is to construct a state the place they will all succeed. As a mother of two good, pushed younger girls and stepmom to three profitable younger males, I do know that their success is linked to the success of their friends… all of their friends. 

In Michigan—women and men—wish to shield and supply for his or her households… be financially profitable… and be good function fashions. 

That’s why irrespective of who you’re, we wish to provide help to be taught extra and earn extra. So, take a look at an apprenticeship, discover a scholarship, or join Reconnect. Get your training, debt free, and construct the life you deserve. 

Coaching the following era of employees can also be crucial to our nationwide safety. Final yr, we partnered with the U.S. Navy and Macomb Neighborhood Faculty on the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative, coaching a whole lot of employees in Macomb County to construct submarines. The primary class of employees will graduate subsequent month, able to construct the most important, baddest ships that maintain our nation protected. 

However there’s one other bipartisan protection challenge in Macomb County that wants our consideration—Selfridge. The bottom helps 1000’s of native jobs and a whole lot of army households. It’s residence to a few of the nation’s most elite pilots. They full every kind of missions, together with defending our border from medication and crime. 

For folks like Thomas from Warren, that is private. He urged us to work collectively for Selfridge due to how a lot it’ll imply not only for the county, however for our nation. 

I’m proud that we’ve at all times labored throughout the aisle on Selfridge, and I wish to thank Representatives Debbie Dingell, Lisa McClain, John James, Senator Stabenow, Senator Elissa Slotkin and, after all, Senator Gary Peters. A former naval officer, he’s fought

onerous for service members, army households, and protection jobs, and I do know he’ll proceed till the final minute of his time period. We’re all doing our half, however we want federal assist. 

That’s why on Saturday, in DC, I spoke with Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth about supporting a fighter mission at Selfridge.  

Let’s assist our courageous women and men in uniform at Selfridge in our subsequent price range and work with our federal companions to save lots of Michigan jobs and shield our nationwide safety. 

Now, let’s speak about one other driver of jobs and progress—these rattling roads. We’d like protected roads to go to work, drop our children off at college, and run errands. Companies want a strong transportation community to ship merchandise and guarantee their workers can get to work safely.  

In 2020, I created Rebuilding Michigan, a $3.5 billion bond plan to repair our most closely trafficked state highways and bridges. Why? As a result of for years, a whole lot of governors and legislators tried and failed. We made progress on our state roads, however let’s be actual, my plan was at all times a short-term repair.  

There’s rather a lot left to do, and with Rebuilding Michigan phasing out quickly, we’re going through a severe funding cliff. I’m listening to from building firms who’re anticipating layoffs due to the uncertainty.  

We’d like a sustainable, long-term resolution for native roads. Each pothole is a reminder that we should act now. I imply… simply take Michigan Avenue from right here to MSU. You’ll see what I’m saying—it’s just like the floor of the moon.  

Why? As a result of the Metropolis of Lansing will get about $17 million from the state for native roads. It wants 17 instances that a lot, round $300 million.  

Michiganders in each a part of our state are keen about their roads. Phyllis from Fast Metropolis was evocative in her description of Crystal Seaside Street… “it’ll rattle your brains out.” There’s a highway like that in each city. We all know that dangerous roads value drivers greater than 750 bucks a yr.

Now, I do know there are a pair totally different plans on the market, together with mine, and I do know none of them are good. However what’s not okay… isn’t any plan. Michiganders received’t settle for inaction. To get it proper, we’ll all have to acknowledge some onerous truths.  

• To my mates within the GOP… a long-term repair means new, honest sources of income. We are able to’t minimize our approach to higher roads by slashing public security, well being, or colleges.  
• To my fellow Democrats… cuts will must be part of the answer. 
• To the enterprise group… we will’t put this on the backs of the center class.  

For all of us to be a part of the answer we should all compromise… and that’s the way in which it must be.  

Let’s get again to the negotiating desk within the coming days and weeks to discover a long-term, bipartisan resolution so we will repair extra of these rattling roads.  

Our third large precedence for 2025 should be outcomes. Let’s begin with allowing. Allowing has been damaged for a very long time, resulting in slower building, fewer jobs, and better costs. In Michigan, we’re achieved ready round.   

• We already revamped brownfield redevelopment, making it simpler to show deserted property into new housing, factories, or parks.  
• I signed an government order eliminating 26 boards, councils, and committees with out compromising protections.  
• And a couple of yr in the past, I had my crew evaluate each single one among our state permits—all 401. We discovered loads of overlaps and out of date processes.  

This yr, I’ll instruct all state departments and companies who’ve missed their deadlines to refund any allowing charges that we will beneath the regulation. However the actuality is that I can solely refund a handful by way of government motion alone. To essentially velocity up allowing and save folks a whole lot of money and time, we have to change state regulation.  

There’s an enormous alternative right here for bipartisanship as a result of all of us agree that issues shouldn’t take so lengthy.  

• You shouldn’t want a allow to promote ginseng, set up a mannequin prepare, or lime your soil. 
• If you wish to repair your driveway, you shouldn’t have to attend any greater than 90 days to begin.  
• If you wish to improve your own home’s plumbing or electrical, it’s best to be capable to go to 1 place and get all of the provide help to want, rapidly. 
• And if we will monitor the standing of our Dominos order on-line, a developer ought to be capable to do the identical for his or her multi-million-dollar challenge.   

This yr, let’s simplify allowing to get issues constructed on time and on price range. 

Transferring on to licensing. Loads of our licensing guidelines and necessities don’t make sense.  

Bethany from Lambertville and her husband, a painter, moved right here from Ohio. He was fined for engaged on somebody’s home with no license, regardless that he had one in Ohio. Come on… that’s ridiculous. Regardless of our soccer rivalry, we must always honor their licenses.

I do know a whole lot of barbers and hair stylists undergo this too.  

I do know Consultant Tyrone Carter, who’s been engaged on this problem, agrees. All of us wish to make it simpler and sooner and cheaper so that you can maintain doing what you do greatest.  

It’s why I directed the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or LARA, to evaluate all of Michigan’s laws and discover redundant guidelines. They proposed:  

• eliminating duplicative exams…  
• honoring commerce licenses…  
• giving entrepreneurs extra flexibility…  
• and streamlining reporting necessities.  

I can enact a few of these adjustments alone, by way of government motion—and I’ll. However others require new state regulation.  

This yr, let’s make it simpler for folks to get and maintain an excellent job, not more durable. 

The final space the place we should demand higher outcomes is training. Since I took workplace…  

• We closed the funding hole between colleges and constructed up our campuses.  
• We raised instructor pay, minimize retiree taxes, and educated 1000’s extra educators.  
• In my price range, I proposed a $10,000 funding in each baby, in each college.  

We’ve achieved a whole lot of good… however listed here are some onerous truths.   

• Simply 24% of 4th graders can learn proficiently. 
• The identical share of eighth graders are proficient in math.  
• I get that it is a nationwide development, however the actuality is that we make investments extra per-pupil than most states and obtain backside 10 outcomes. 

We spend extra and we get much less. It’s not acceptable. For our children, let’s do higher. Let’s face our literacy disaster with fierce urgency.  

Late final yr, I signed bipartisan laws to make use of confirmed, science of studying methods—like phonics. It’s how a whole lot of us discovered how one can learn and we must always get again to it… as a result of it really works. These new legal guidelines additionally require colleges to check for dyslexia so that they

can establish college students who want further assist early. I wish to thank Consultant Matt Koleszar and Senators Jeff Irwin and Dayna Polehanki for his or her management right here. 

Moreover, my training price range this yr centered on the SMART Plan, or College students, Metrics, And Outcomes with Transparency. I proposed… 

• concentrating on investments into colleges the place most children are falling behind…  
• adjustments to get funding into school rooms sooner, with out paperwork…  
• and extra transparency to inform dad and mom about efficiency.  

This yr, let’s cross a SMART training price range and get our children on monitor for the brilliant futures all of them deserve. 

Now let’s speak about psychological and bodily well being, each of that are linked to teachers. Let’s begin with telephones, which have utterly modified our kids’s lives. 95% have entry to a smartphone and half say they’re on-line “virtually consistently.”  

Amy from Rochester Hills volunteered not too long ago on a sixth grade area journey. You all keep in mind area journeys… the bus experience over was loud, full of pleasure in regards to the day forward. Amy’s bus was silent. Youngsters had been glued to their telephones. Amy’s daughter needs she was born earlier than social media. 

Our educators get it. It’s onerous to show geography or geometry if you’re competing towards memes or DMs. Different states—crimson and blue—have taken motion. So has most of Europe and Canada. I perceive the must be linked to your baby. However we will do higher. 

This yr, let’s cross bipartisan laws to restrict using telephones in school. 

We’ve seen encouraging information about how commonsense restrictions on telephone use throughout class result in extra studying and fewer bullying. Youngsters hear, increase their arms, and make extra mates. They speak throughout area journeys. Three-quarters say they really feel blissful or peaceable with out their telephone. That’s what college ought to be about. 

Lastly, let’s speak about vaping. Nearly 14% of excessive schoolers use vapes. Everyone knows that this dependancy has long-term dangers and that it begins early. 90% of people who smoke start earlier than 18. If we don’t act good on vapes, we danger our kids’s well being and futures.  

That’s why, in my price range this yr, I proposed closing a longstanding loophole and taxing vapes much like how we tax cigarettes. 32 states—crimson and blue—already do the identical, together with all of our neighbors. I’m grateful to Senator Sam Singh who began work on this final yr. In 2025, let’s get it achieved to guard our children. 

Remaining stretch right here, people. I believe we’re on the identical web page about decrease prices, extra jobs, and higher outcomes. However as I go away you, I’ve 1 query: if you assume Michigan, what do you assume? 

For us, it’s every part. It’s residence. However let’s ask ourselves, when different folks assume Michigan, what do they assume? When companies around the globe assume Michigan, what do they assume? How about {couples} seeking to begin a household, entrepreneurs hoping to begin a enterprise, or seniors searching for a contented retirement? 

As a result of if we’re being sincere, our model has taken a beating during the last couple of many years. After the Nice Recession, the Flint Water Disaster and disinvestment in roads, colleges, and well being care, folks on the margins had been struggling in Michigan. Our water high quality, our previous factories, our sports activities groups… all punchlines in merciless, unfair jokes.  

I ran for governor to revive belief and rebuild Michigan. I used to be sick of us being a punching bag. Now, I’ve the very best job on the planet as a result of I get to assist the Michigan all of us love dwell as much as our potential.  

Over the previous 6 years, we’ve reinvested within the fundamentals and introduced manufacturing again residence. We lowered prices for households and our younger grownup inhabitants is rising sooner than 45 different states. Our Lions began successful.  

Now, in a divisive nationwide second the place America wants a brand new means ahead, Michigan can lead. As a result of at our greatest, we’re robust and sort. And kindness is energy. 

If you assume Michigan, take into consideration the folks whose tales I shared or the voices quoted in this system. Allow them to information our work. As a result of they’re relying on us. 

Think about what Josh from Grand Rapids, who moved right here from out of state and now proudly calls himself a “Michigander for all times,” wrote about our state’s character. “Our seasons are more durable, however our individuals are hotter, and our lakes are brisker. Being a Michigander

is about providing somebody a hand once they journey and fall… holding open the door… and attempting to be a bit of higher on daily basis.” 

Whether or not we’re negotiating right here in Lansing, driving down a 2-lane farm highway, or holding open a door, let’s be the Michigan that Michiganders know we could be.  

At a darkish second when bullying and mendacity appear to be in model, let’s be intentional about placing out gentle. 

Let’s welcome challenges, embrace our variations, and work collectively to get issues achieved. 

Let’s Suppose Michigan. 

Thanks, drive protected, and goodnight!