Michigan Governor Whitmer Proposes Historic Education Investments in Final State of the State

Whitmer's 'Every Kid Read, Eats, Succeeds' plan includes $625 million for literacy and free pre-K for 68,000 students

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In her final State of the State address, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer outlined a proposal to make historic investments in education, including a $625 million allocation for literacy programs and free pre-K for about 68,000 students. The plan, called 'Every Kid Read, Eats, Succeeds,' also includes continued record funding for K-12 education, setting students up for success from pre-K through post-secondary.

Why it matters

Education has been a top priority for Governor Whitmer, and these proposed investments represent her final push to improve literacy and access to early childhood education before leaving office. While the Republican-controlled legislature will likely offer an alternative budget, the governor's plan signals where she believes the state's priorities should lie in her final year.

The details

Whitmer's budget recommendation includes a $200 million allocation to continue providing free meals for students, as well as a $250 increase in per-pupil funding, totaling over $10,000 per student. The $625 million earmarked for literacy programs will go mainly towards staffing, according to Farmington Hills Superintendent Dr. Kelly Coffin, who said the one-time funding could have a significant impact if structured in a way that provides ongoing support.

  • Governor Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address on February 25, 2026.
  • The governor's proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 includes the 'Every Kid Read, Eats, Succeeds' plan.

The players

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

The current governor of Michigan, who is delivering her final State of the State address before leaving office.

Dr. Kelly Coffin

The superintendent of Farmington Hills schools, who commented on the potential impact of the governor's proposed literacy investments.

Charlie Riedel

A parent in Farmington Hills who expressed hope that the $625 million for literacy programs would be maintained.

Dave Dulio

A political science professor at Oakland University who provided analysis on the governor's budget proposal and the likelihood of it being approved by the Republican-controlled legislature.

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What they’re saying

“The total figures are numbers we haven't seen. We are again going to have an all-time high of dollars spent per pupil, and I think that suggests where the governor thinks priorities are.”

— Dave Dulio, Political Science Professor, Oakland University (WXYZ)

“This is great, and one-time money can go a long way. But return on our investment will be much better if there's something structured in a way that continues.”

— Dr. Kelly Coffin, Superintendent, Farmington Hills Schools (WXYZ)

“It's not just a thing you need to do to get through life, but it's a thing that if you want to continue to grow and contribute to society, it's something you have to be able to do.”

— Charlie Riedel, Farmington Hills Parent (WXYZ)

What’s next

The Republican-controlled state legislature will review Governor Whitmer's budget proposal and offer an alternative plan. The two sides will then have to negotiate and reach a compromise before the final budget is approved.

The takeaway

Governor Whitmer's final State of the State address signals her continued commitment to improving education in Michigan, with a focus on literacy and early childhood programs. While the Republican legislature may push back on the scale of her proposed investments, the governor's plan underscores education as a top priority in her final year in office.