FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
February 25, 2026
Contact: Levi Teitel, levi@progressmichigan.org
SOTS Address is Whitmer’s Final Push for Progress
Last few months in office should focus on standing up for most vulnerable
MICHIGAN – Following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s final State of the State address, Justin Mendoza, executive director of Progress Michigan, issued the following statement:
“Over the past few years, Governor Whitmer’s leadership has put our state on the right path. Whether it’s been putting historic funding into public education, ending so-called ‘Right to Work’ or passing common sense gun violence prevention laws to keep our communities safe, there is so much to celebrate from her time as governor.
“We heard so much from tonight’s speech about how she plans to improve literacy rates —including empowering educators with the right training and tools—and to protect families from the affordability crisis our country is facing, and Michiganders support these efforts. While there are only a few months left of her being in office, there’s still much to do. Whitmer still has a chance to deliver a final push for progress in the remainder of her term.
“We are hopeful that the investments in Medicaid, public schools, and housing can make a real improvement in this state. As MAGA Republicans in Washington and Lansing work to make devastating cuts to the services that our communities rely upon while spreading hatred, our state has a responsibility to step up and protect our most vulnerable. People across the country are angered by ICE’s violence on our streets, and our state must do better to curb agents’ unchecked power. Across the state, people are also worried about the intrusion of Big Tech and corporate greed taking over their communities. Guardrails to prevent wealthy corporations from destroying our environment, driving up our utility rates, and taking advantage of tax loopholes is absolutely necessary. Finally, our leaders must come to the table in a bipartisan way to pass long-overdo reforms to the Freedom of Information Act, making these laws apply to both the governor and legislature.
“Michiganders right now are worried about the direction of the country, but we’re proud of our state and all of the achievements we’ve made to create a safer, more welcoming and just place. Let’s make sure these last few months of Gov. Whitmer in office that we’re doing the absolute best we can to build on the progress made and ensure a brighter future.”
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