Edwards Urges Budget Focus on Health Care, Affordability After State of the State Address
State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) stands with guest James E. White, President and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network at the State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 on the House Floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2026 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address before a joint legislative session yesterday evening, setting forth her priorities for the year ahead. With affordability concerns top of mind for many, the address was an opportunity for House Democrats to reflect on legislative successes that helped bring down costs and provide relief for Michiganders. Priority-focuses also narrowed in on the past and future legislative work on the cost of living, health care, education, jobs and safe neighborhoods.
After the address, state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) issued the following statement:
“Investing in behavioral health must be a central part of our work this year. Too many families are struggling to access timely, affordable mental health and substance use services, and that gap impacts our schools, our workforce and our public safety systems. As we move through the budget process, we need to prioritize sustainable funding that expands access to care and ensures people can get the help they need close to home.”
State Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) escorts Michigan Supreme Court Justices at the State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 on the House Floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing.
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