{"id":73077,"date":"2026-02-24T15:23:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T20:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/?p=73077"},"modified":"2026-02-24T18:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T23:21:22","slug":"hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Hey, Gov. Whitmer: Here\u2019s what Michigan says is real State of the State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address on Wednesday at 7 pm<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ahead of that, readers highlighted their top issues in Bridge Listens survey, our unscientific election-year survey<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>From health care to child care to the economy, here\u2019s what Bridge readers had to say about the state of the state<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>LANSING \u2014 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address on Wednesday night.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She\u2019ll share her ideas for Michigan. But you have yours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We asked Bridge Michigan readers to identify the top issues and concerns in the 2026 campaign through Bridge Listens, a nonscientific survey. We were overwhelmed by the response: More than 2,700 people participated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/center-michigan\/whats-michigans-top-election-issue-cast-your-ballot-with-bridge-listens\/\"><strong>What\u2019s Michigan\u2019s top election issue? Cast your ballot with Bridge Listens<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/fact-check-how-gretchen-whitmer-delivered-and-didnt-on-her-promises\/\"><strong>Fact check: How Whitmer delivered \u2014 and didn\u2019t \u2014 on her promises<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/gretchen-whitmer-pitches-88b-budget-what-it-means-for-michiganders-schools\/\"><strong>Whitmer pitches $88B budget. What it means for Michigan<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/matt-hall-pitches-4b-michigan-tax-overhaul-1b-energy-bill-savings\/\"><strong>Matt Hall floats $4B Michigan tax overhaul, $1B energy bill savings<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We received responses from 81 of Michigan\u2019s 83 counties, with the most in Oakland and Washtenaw, followed by Kent and Wayne counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though the results are unscientific, definite trends emerged. Readers told us they are most concerned about health care, education, affordability and democracy, along with energy, the environment and data centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9649a0d9 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"_\/BJRsemucyqahWJs0vwzR\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Bridge Listens II\"><\/div><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Those issues are hugely important to the state, but trends also emerged on regional lines: Data centers, for example, emerged as a clear and concise issue for readers in mid-Michigan, while housing ranked No. 1 for our respondents in the Upper Peninsula.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bridge will be refining our list through July while holding politicians accountable and demanding answers to what you believe are the top issues facing Michigan in the run-up to the Nov. 3 general election.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re also narrowing the list with a second round of balloting, because issues change over time. Immigration, for instance, was a top issue in January after federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers descended en masse on Minneapolis as part of \u201cOperation Metro Surge.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Come summertime? Who knows where the political headwinds will be blowing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, for now, here\u2019s a glimpse of what we\u2019ve heard about what our readers have identified as their top issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>On education and childcare<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"73094\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/attachment\/2025-1105-bridgemi-mpschools-005\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Jeffrey Sauger&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS R5&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Pullen Elementary School Principal Emily Blahnik greets students as they arrive at Pullen Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, Mich., Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1762345807&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;\\u00a9 2025 Jeffrey Sauger&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;81&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Pullen Elementary School Principal Emily Blahnik greets students as they arrive at Pullen Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, Mich., Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;(Jeffrey Sauger for Bridge Michigan)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Pullen Elementary School Principal Emily Blahnik greets students as they arrive at Pullen Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, Mich.\" class=\"wp-image-73094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2025-1105-BridgeMI-MPschools-005-1024x683.jpg?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Education will be a key issue in Michigan\u2019s 2026 election. (Jeffrey Sauger for Bridge Michigan)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Michigan\u2019s 4th and 8th graders rank in the bottom half of all states for reading and math proficiency, according results of the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress. And, despite more money, more staffing and new laws passed by the state Legislature, Michigan K-12 schools <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/talent-education\/michigan-spent-big-fix-schools-result-worse-scores-and-plenty-blame\/?_gl=1*1i40aha*_gcl_au*ODU0NDU4Mzc0LjE3NjUyMDUyNTA.*_ga*MzIxNzg4OTMyLjE3MjYwODUxODc.*_ga_SDMLQHFB10*czE3NjYxNTY0OTkkbzkyMiRnMSR0MTc2NjE1ODk2NCRqNDYkbDAkaDA.*_ga_1E2G9MSHX5*czE3NjYxNTY0OTckbzkzNyRnMSR0MTc2NjE1ODk2OSRqMzkkbDAkaDA.*_ga_KX5CRZVP9F*czE3NjYxNTY0OTckbzI3MiRnMSR0MTc2NjE1ODk2OSRqMzkkbDAkaDA.\">are falling behind<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The state\u2019s students have fallen <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/talent-education\/michigan-spent-big-fix-schools-result-worse-scores-and-plenty-blame\/?_gl=1*1b8jhem*_gcl_au*MTQ3ODEwNjAxNi4xNzQ4ODg4NDgx*_ga*MjA3NzQ4MjgxMS4xNzI1NDYyMTQy*_ga_SDMLQHFB10*czE3NTYzMTk4NDEkbzExODMkZzEkdDE3NTYzMjI0MDYkajE2JGwwJGgw*_ga_1E2G9MSHX5*czE3NTYzMTk4NDEkbzExOTIkZzEkdDE3NTYzMjI0MDYkajE2JGwwJGgw*_ga_KX5CRZVP9F*czE3NTYzMTk4NDEkbzEwMSRnMSR0MTc1NjMyMjQwNiRqMTYkbDAkaDA.\">behind peers in places<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/talent-education\/mississippi-turned-around-its-schools-its-secret-tools-michigan-abandoned\/?_gl=1*4dmylv*_gcl_au*NzM2OTY4MDY4LjE3NDg4NjY0Njc.*_ga*MTk5NjI5MTgwLjE3Mjc4ODY5ODQ.*_ga_SDMLQHFB10*czE3NTYzMjQ0OTAkbzEzNzYkZzEkdDE3NTYzMjQ3MTkkajYwJGwwJGgw\">Mississippi<\/a> despite tens of <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/talent-education\/michigan-schools-hiring-spree-can-it-reverse-titanic-learning-losses\/\">thousands of additional staff<\/a>, free early childhood education and more free nutrition options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright has-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>State of the State 2026&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What: <\/strong>Gov. Gretchen Whitmer\u2019s eighth annual address to the Legislature<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When: <\/strong>Feb. 25, 2025 at 7 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Michigan Capitol, House chambers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to watch:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Local TV Channel&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/michigan.gov\/StateOfTheState\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Online<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GovGretchenWhitmer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9KQRmHPd0iE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Whitmer will mention literacy and education during her final State of the State address, according to the governor\u2019s office, signaling the matter is a top priority for her administration during her final year in office.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What readers are saying<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cEducation and population growth are absolutely essential to our state\u2019s future. It needs to come from opportunity to excel and flourish while still being caring of others who truly need a helping hand. It needs to include all Michiganders.\u201d<strong> \u2014 Tom B., Bloomfield Hills<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWe need to pay teachers more and treat them with the respect they deserve. They\u2019re the frontline for improving the education of our children. That would also help address shortages.\u201d <strong>\u2014 MJ J., Oakland County&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWe are failing at the one issue that affects all our children and their future. We need educators to be better educated. We need educators to participate in what&#8217;s needed in the classroom.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Jill C., Benton Harbor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it on the gubernatorial candidates\u2019 radar?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a word: Absolutely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Virtually every gubernatorial candidate running to succeed Whitmer, regardless of political stripes, has chimed in with their take on how to fix Michigan\u2019s declining literacy rates and improve test scores. We <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/talent-education\/heres-how-governor-candidates-say-theyd-fix-michigan-education\/\">reported on many of their positions<\/a> in July, although additional candidates have entered the race since that time. Education will undoubtedly be a key issue, and something we\u2019ll be hearing a lot more of as we get closer to the primary and general elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/talent-education\/heres-how-governor-candidates-say-theyd-fix-michigan-education\/\">Here\u2019s how governor candidates say they\u2019d fix Michigan education<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/michigan-governor-hopefuls-clash-on-free-student-meals-ice-at-schools\/\">Governor hopefuls clash on free student meals, ICE at schools<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/talent-education\/whitmer-says-solving-literacy-crisis-in-michigan-remains-her-no-1-priority\/\">Whitmer says solving literacy crisis her \u2018No. 1 priority\u2019<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>On the economy and cost of living<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"73095\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/attachment\/financial-wellness-snap-benefits-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;AP&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-1&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;File - A food shopper pushes a cart of groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. Student and legal advocacy groups are petitioning the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lift the interview requirement for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants to receive food aid. SNAP helps low-income families supplement their budgets so they can buy groceries, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. An estimated 42 million Americans currently receive the benefits at an average of $212 per person or $401 per household. (AP Photo\/Allison Dinner, File)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1676320613&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;34&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Financial Wellness-SNAP Benefits&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Financial Wellness-SNAP Benefits\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;File &amp;#8211; A food shopper pushes a cart of groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. Student and legal advocacy groups are petitioning the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lift the interview requirement for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants to receive food aid. SNAP helps low-income families supplement their budgets so they can buy groceries, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. An estimated 42 million Americans currently receive the benefits at an average of $212 per person or $401 per household. (AP Photo\/Allison Dinner, File)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;(AP Photo\/Allison Dinner, File)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A food shopper pushes a cart of groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.\" class=\"wp-image-73095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/groceries_AP-1024x683.jpg?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The cost of groceries has jumped higher than overall inflation. (AP Photo\/Allison Dinner, File)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living has skyrocketed in Michigan and nationally in recent years, in large part due to inflation, economic volatility and a tight job market. The cost of groceries, for example, has jumped higher than overall inflation \u2014 up 40% since 2017 to $1,033 for a Michigan family of four and higher than the national average, according to an analysis from the Urban Institute, a nonprofit research firm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9649a0d9 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"8d265ed4-0e36-43de-8aae-14c6827784d7\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Birdge Listens I\"><\/div><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Rising costs have not gone unnoticed by politicians, who recently have&nbsp;pushed for a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/michigan-lawmakers-fix-zoning-laws-to-grow-housing\/\">housing<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/matt-hall-pitches-4b-michigan-tax-overhaul-1b-energy-bill-savings\/\">tax overhaul<\/a> plans that they claim can help <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/gretchen-whitmer-pitches-88b-budget-what-it-means-for-michiganders-schools\/\">alleviate the strain<\/a> Michiganders are feeling in their pocketbooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What readers are saying<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cPrices are INSANE, wages are not keeping up, taxes are not coming down, tell me how we&#8217;re supposed to survive and thrive?\u201d <strong>\u2014 Leigh, Mendon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThere&#8217;s not enough decent housing, and what is out there is incredibly expensive. A person I worked with lived in her car with her disabled husband. Healthcare is also expensive, and often that&#8217;s true even with insurance. Grocery costs are outrageous. I look at what I pay as a single person and wonder how families manage.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Linda B., Otsego&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cAffordable housing is preventing our younger generation from investing in their future. Our state\u2019s growth is stagnant.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Everett D., Saint Joseph County<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it on the gubernatorial candidates\u2019 radar?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Affordability has been mentioned by many gubernatorial candidates, but their ideas on how to address it vary. Some believe the answer lies in rolling back <a href=\"https:\/\/www.interlochenpublicradio.org\/2026-01-23\/6-governor-hopefuls-talk-affordability-role-of-state-at-northern-michigan-conference\">state licensing regulations<\/a> to streamline homebuilding; others have proposed tax relief, specifically <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlive.com\/politics\/2025\/10\/gop-governor-debate-candidates-want-end-to-tax-on-work-talk-national-guard-in-michigan.html\">cutting Michigan&#8217;s income tax rate<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/grow-michigans-economy-many-pledges-few-plans-at-gubernatorial-forum\/\">Grow Michigan&#8217;s economy? Many pledges, few plans at gubernatorial forum<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/business-watch\/silver-tsunami-of-retiring-business-owners-leaves-main-streets-at-a-crossroads\/\">&#8216;Silver tsunami&#8217; of retiring business owners leaves Main Streets at a crossroads<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/business-watch\/michigan-economic-forecast-meh-in-2026-with-a-chance-for-optimism\/\">Michigan economic forecast: Meh in 2026, with a chance for optimism<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>On health care and mental health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"73096\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/attachment\/02272026_green_house_home_ee-31\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Emily Elconin&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS R5m2&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;A hospital-style bed and other medical equipment inside a clinical room at the Thome Rivertown Senior Apartments in Detroit, Michigan, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. The Rivertown neighborhood offers programs including PACE, providing medical care and support services for residents. Emily Elconin for Bridge Michigan&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1771339963&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;35&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;2500&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"02272026_green_house_home_EE (31)\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;A hospital-style bed and other medical equipment inside a clinical room at the Thome Rivertown Senior Apartments in Detroit, Michigan, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. The Rivertown neighborhood offers programs including PACE, providing medical care and support services for residents. Emily Elconin for Bridge Michigan&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;(Emily Elconin for Bridge Michigan)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A hospital-style bed and other medical equipment inside a clinical room at the Thome Rivertown Senior Apartments in Detroit, Michigan, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. \" class=\"wp-image-73096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02272026_green_house_home_EE-31-1024x683.jpg?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Health&nbsp;care&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;top&nbsp;issue&nbsp;for&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;voters. (Emily Elconin for Bridge Michigan)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>How good Michigan\u2019s mental and physical health systems are really depends on who you ask \u2014 and how severe the need is. But federal <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/gretchen-whitmer-raise-800m-taxing-nicotine-gambling-and-ads-for-medicaid\/\">cuts to Medicaid<\/a>, rising <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/michigan-dems-eye-board-set-prescription-prices-some-fear-chilling-effect\/\">prescription prices<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-health-watch\/40000-fewer-michiganders-seek-affordable-care-act-health-insurance\/\">health insurance premiums<\/a> \u2014 as well as a lack of available <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-health-watch\/state-lawmakers-describe-lack-of-service-in-michigans-mental-health-system\/\">mental health bed space<\/a> \u2014 have made access to care a major hurdle for some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9649a0d9 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"_\/yKanGQf5ELwMsZ39vNCS\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Bridge Listens III\"><\/div><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Whitmer is expected to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/story\/news\/politics\/2026\/02\/24\/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-2026-state-of-the-state-address-medical-debt-medicaid-cuts\/88832437007\/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z11xx57p118050c118050v11xx57d--62--&amp;gca-ft=184&amp;gca-ds=sophi&amp;tbref=hp\">discuss medical debt<\/a> in her Wednesday night speech, according to The Detroit News.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What readers are saying:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI have had insurance companies choose not to cover medications that are used to treat life-threatening conditions, and I have a relative who has a terrible time finding medical care professionals who are \u2018in network\u2019 for the options available through the Michigan ACA options.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Kay R., Upper Peninsula<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI pay for my own health insurance almost $700 a month and deductible is $9,500. I have student loans from social worker masters degree 2014&nbsp; and will never be able to pay it off in my lifetime. I provide mental health therapy in my community. The payments are larger than my health insurance due to interest. My electricity bills have went up about 25%.&nbsp; I am widowed and have concerns about financial survival.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Debbie L., West Olive<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI run a smaller nonprofit and there is no way (my) nonprofit can absorb the insane increasing costs for everything \u2014 health care is at the top.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Diana K., Washtenaw County<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it on the gubernatorial candidates\u2019 radar?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tom.leonard.862600\/posts\/michigan-should-lead-in-ending-the-stigma-around-mental-health-no-one-should-fee\/10132530487364374\/\">at least one candidate<\/a> is talking about mental health, few have made it a top priority so far this campaign season. But when it comes to health care, candidates have been a bit more vocal, citing rising costs of prescription medication, federal cuts to Medicare and health care issues unique to more rural parts of the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-health-watch\/michigan-quietly-kills-effort-to-restructure-mental-health-care-system\/\">Michigan quietly kills effort to restructure mental health care system<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/how-a-sword-and-swat-standoff-sparked-fury-over-michigan-mental-health-crisis\/\">How a sword and SWAT standoff sparked fury over Michigan mental health crisis<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-health-watch\/desperate-for-doctors-michigan-looks-to-expand-who-can-provide-care\/\">Desperate for doctors: Michigan looks to expand who can provide care<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-health-watch\/40000-fewer-michiganders-seek-affordable-care-act-health-insurance\/\">40,000 fewer Michiganders seek Affordable Care Act health insurance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>On the environment, energy and data centers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-attachment-id=\"73097\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/attachment\/default-11\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?fit=1920%2C1080&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1920,1080\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;FC8671&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1763375963&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;2.598&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;210&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0004&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"default\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;In Augusta Township, Thor Equities hopes to transform hundreds of acres of trees and cropland into a data center, but local residents have mounted a ballot push to stop the facility. (Joel Kurth\/Bridge Michigan) &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"An aerial photo of empty land. \" class=\"wp-image-73097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=780%2C439&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?resize=400%2C225&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11172025_augustadatacenter_JK-1024x576.jpg?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In Augusta Township, Thor Equities hopes to transform hundreds of acres of trees and cropland into a data center, but local residents have mounted a ballot push to stop the facility. (Joel Kurth\/Bridge Michigan) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to energy and the environment, data centers have become a focal point in the state and national debate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, the fight over what role Michigan should play in the artificial intelligence-driven tech boom doesn\u2019t fall neatly along partisan lines, and there\u2019s a lot at stake for the state\u2019s environmental and energy concerns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A new clean energy law is putting pressure on utilities to derive power from designated <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/whitmer-signs-energy-bills-make-michigan-use-clean-energy-2040\/\">\u201cclean\u201d sources by 2040<\/a> and set up a mechanism allowing developers to <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-environment-watch\/michigans-controversial-wind-solar-energy-law-effect-what-know\/\">appeal to state regulators<\/a> if local governments deny renewable energy projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What readers are saying:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI live on earth, climate change is (affecting) all of us. I also live near a place where all local residents voted against a data center nearby, yet there is a massive data center nobody wants being built.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Mandy D., Saline<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c(In) my neighborhood, 90% of homes have a whole home generator. Why is that? We do it because our electricity is regularly going off. Why are we paying so much for electricity that is inconsistent?\u201d <strong>\u2014 Carman T., Belleville&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cStop the data centers \u2026 If allowed, make the entire process transparent: how much land, (how) many gallons of water used, how much energy, can current infrastructure support the project \u2014 if not, WHO PAYS? No tax dollar subsidies.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Kathy F., Reed City<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it on the gubernatorial candidates\u2019 radar?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data centers are already a prominent issue for several candidates. Some have proposed guidelines for water and electric resources and others are calling for a full statewide moratorium. We reported on their <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/where-michigan-gubernatorial-candidates-stand-on-data-centers\/\">data center positions<\/a> in early February. Some candidates have also made rising energy prices and state green energy policies top issues in their campaigns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/where-michigan-gubernatorial-candidates-stand-on-data-centers\/\">Where Michigan gubernatorial candidates stand on data centers<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-environment-watch\/at-least-19-michigan-towns-pause-data-centers-no-one-knows-if-itll-work\/\">Data center moratoriums pile up in Michigan. No one knows if they&#8217;ll work<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-environment-watch\/trump-cancels-federal-climate-regulations-heres-what-it-means-for-michigan\/\">Trump cancels federal climate regulations. Here\u2019s what it means for Michigan<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>On government and democracy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"73098\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/attachment\/statecapitol_06092025_jfb_045\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Josh Boland&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7RM5&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;The house chamber inside the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Mich. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (Josh Boland | Bridge Michigan).&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1749565552&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Josh Boland&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;2500&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The house chamber inside the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (Josh Boland\/Bridge Michigan)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Michigan's house chamber has empty tables and chairs.\" class=\"wp-image-73098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/StateCapitol_06092025_JFB_045-1024x683.jpg?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The house chamber inside the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (Josh Boland\/Bridge Michigan)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Michigan has made some strides on government transparency but still ranks fairly low nationally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The state\u2019s politically divided Legislature struggled to complete a budget on time last year, and at the federal level, the Trump administration has challenged Michigan voter rolls and is investigating several school districts and the University of Michigan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Michigan Legislature adopted a new law in 2025 that mandates lawmakers disclose the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/lawmakers-add-160m-in-earmarks-to-michigan-budget-and-transparency-rules\/\">pet projects they\u2019re sponsoring<\/a> as part of the state budget, among other things. But the state House has not taken up Senate-approved bills to open lawmakers and governor up to public records requests under the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/transparency-time-michigan-house-plans-oversight-senate-pushes-public-records\/\">Freedom of Information Act<\/a>. Michigan is one of two states where you\u2019re unable to request communications from those elected officials.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What readers are saying:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cThe political climate has become so fractious that neighbors can\u2019t talk to neighbors. The country is polarized. Our children\u2019s role models are crude talkers spewing antagonism.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Dorothy V-P., Rockford&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cOur governments are so deeply divided, and accusing each other of so much! I feel that if each side just would commit to transparency in whatever they are doing , and make honesty and noble character their standard, the public would hopefully see that and begin to trust them and their processes again.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Joan C., Michigan<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThe influence of corporate and special-interest money makes it feel like elected officials are more responsive to donors than to voters, which undermines confidence that government is working in the public\u2019s best interest.\u201d <strong>\u2014 Michael S., Marquette County<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it on the gubernatorial candidates\u2019 radar?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes and no.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Multiple candidates have called for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/story\/news\/politics\/2026\/01\/27\/john-james-vows-transparency-reforms-commission-on-covid-enforcement\/88379488007\/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z117557p119850c119850v117557d--59--&amp;gca-ft=171&amp;gca-ds=sophi\">more government transparency<\/a>, including government <a href=\"https:\/\/michiganadvance.com\/2025\/09\/03\/leonard-unveils-government-accountability-ethics-plan-for-lansing-if-elected-governor\/\">ethics<\/a> proposals. But positions on election integrity and ballot access have largely fallen along party lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/ex-governors-urge-civility-minneapolis-could-be-any-place-in-michigan\/\">Former Michigan governors unite to urge civility<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/republicans-ask-doj-to-oversee-michigans-2026-election-dems-cry-foul\/\">Republicans ask DOJ to oversee Michigan\u2019s 2026 election<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-admin-lawsuit-over-michigan-voter-rolls\/\">Judge dismisses Trump admin lawsuit over Michigan voter rolls<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will discuss the State of the State on Wednesday. Here are what the facts \u2014 and Bridge readers \u2014 say.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":233,"featured_media":73079,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","inline_featured_image":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"2026-02-24T20:23:50Z","apple_news_api_id":"0a5ac657-9e44-4880-bbdd-1113046033d6","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2026-02-24T23:21:29Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQ==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AClrGV55ESIC73RETBGAz1g","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"_newspack_byline_active":false,"_newspack_byline":"","newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_show_updated_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[2445],"tags":[4438,25,904,1418,1453,1510,4328],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"coauthors":[2457],"class_list":["post-73077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-michigan-government","tag-2026-michigan-election","tag-child-care-michigan","tag-gov-gretchen-whitmer","tag-mental-health-michigan","tag-michigan-climate-change","tag-michigan-k-12-schools","tag-top-of-homepage","entry"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hey, Gov. 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Here are what the facts \u2014 and Bridge readers \u2014 say.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Bridge Michigan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BridgeMichigan\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-24T20:23:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-24T23:21:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/022725-whitmer-SOTS-SS.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jordyn Hermani\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@bridgemichigan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@bridgemichigan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jordyn Hermani\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/hey-gov-whitmer-heres-what-michigan-says-is-real-state-of-the-state\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jordyn Hermani\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/e1345693c1e664915491f95af159fa17\"},\"headline\":\"Hey, Gov. 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