On Wednesday evening, Governor Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address, outlining several policy proposals for the coming year. As in typical fashion, members of the opposite political party made public responses following the address.
Medical Debt: The governor outlined a number of steps the state should take on this front to address the issue. This includes capping medical debt interest rates, preventing medical debt from showing up on credit reports, requiring hospitals to set up financial assistance programs, and banning liens or foreclosures because of medical debt.
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- Representative Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) expressed enthusiasm for strong protections against medical debt, stating she’s been working on a plan introduced last year to shield families from the devastating impacts of medical debt. Her bill, HB 5254, slashes the maximum interest rate allowed on medical debt. The bill is part of a broader bipartisan package addressing this issue.
Literacy: Governor Whitmer called for free PreK education for all Michigan children, getting evidence-based literacy teaching practices into classrooms statewide, and providing more tutoring and small group support in classes and before- and after-school and summer programs.
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- Representative Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville) doesn’t believe this will get to the root of the problem. He stated that “simply throwing more money at the problem and expecting it to get fixed doubles down on bad policy. We have to look at what other successful states are doing, and that starts with clear standards for reading.”
- Senator Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) said in response that “we also need to ensure our students are getting an education that meets their needs and prepares them for success. This isn’t about simply spending more money; it’s about increasing accountability and flexibility in our schools.”
Housing: Her plan calls for a new state-level housing tax credit, ending certain construction requirements, and streamlining zoning.
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- Representative Ron Robinson (R-Utica) stated that “when it comes to housing, we must confront the skilled trades gap head-on. No matter how much work we do in Lansing to tackle the housing crisis, at the end of the day, homes don’t get built without skilled tradesmen on the ground putting them in the hard yards. If we are serious about increasing supply and lowering costs, we need real investment in career and technical education and apprenticeship programs: this is the foundation we will need to bring about long-lasting solutions.”
- Senator Jon Bumstead (R-Norton Shores) said that “if we want more affordable housing, we need to make it easier to build. Streamlining zoning rules, cutting unnecessary regulations and speeding up permit approvals will do more to lower costs than growing government. I will always support practical solutions to turn around our state and build a better Michigan.”
Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) delivered the Republican response to the State of the State. Please click here to watch his response. He is also a 2026 gubernatorial candidate in the Republican primary.
