Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 28, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her seventh State of the State Address before a joint legislative session this week. The governor highlighted key investments that will have a direct impact on Detroiters. Detroit Caucus members stand ready to work with the governor and their legislative colleagues to turn this vision into reality.
One of the governor’s signature proposals is to continue providing free pre-K for all four-year-olds, a move that will make early childhood education more accessible and alleviate financial burdens on families.
“Expanding free pre-K will give Detroit families the support they need to thrive and save families $10,000 per year,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), chair of the Detroit Caucus. “Investing in child care means fewer parents choosing between going to work and finding safe, affordable care for their children. Making child care more affordable isn’t just about education — it’s about economic opportunity. This plan will make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Whitmer also emphasized her commitment to helping families manage rising energy costs by expanding the Michigan Energy Assistance Program. The initiative will provide financial relief to an additional 335,000 Michiganders, ensuring more households can afford their utility bills and keep the lights on.
“The governor’s shoutout was a testament to the work I’m doing to ensure Detroit families aren’t left in the dark — literally and figuratively,” said state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), vice chair of the Detroit Caucus. “Detroiters know all too well how high energy costs can strain household budgets. Shrinking utility bills for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders is just the beginning — there is more work to be done.”
The governor’s education plan prioritizes student achievement and well-being by proposing measures to improve learning environments.
“We must ensure our schools and local governments have the certainty they need to plan effectively. Getting the budget done on time ensures they have the resources to support students and educators. Education is the great equalizer, but only when teachers have the tools to create strong learning environments,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), secretary of the Detroit Caucus.
Another key priority the governor outlined was a plan to expand affordable housing which would build or rehabilitate 11,000 homes across Michigan. The initiative will help ensure more families have access to safe, stable housing, reducing financial strain and fostering community stability.
“Everyone deserves to live in safe, affordable and quality housing – a place to call home. There are a variety of tools that Detroiters need to ensure that they have good homes, whether current homeowners, prospective homeowners or tenants,” said state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit), Treasurer of the Detroit Caucus. “Too many Michigan households pay too much for housing — spending more than 30% of their income on mortgage or rent payments. By working collaboratively and strategically with Gov. Whitmer, we can address this critical issue.”
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