Dear Neighbor,
Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her executive recommendation for the 2026 State Budget. She also delivered her annual “State of the State” address, outlining her top priorities for the year ahead. Together, the two set the stage for discussions about our state’s future — from funding essential services to making strategic investments that improve communities across Michigan. As we continue crafting our next state budget, I want to ensure you have the information you need to stay up-to-date and engaged.
As Senate Appropriations Chair, I am committed to overseeing a responsible and transparent budget process. While we are still in the early stages, this is a critical time to examine priorities, ask tough questions, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. In this edition of my e-newsletter, we’ll take a closer look at the governor’s proposals and outline what happens next. Please follow along, share your feedback, and stay engaged as we work toward a budget that reflects the needs of Michiganders across the state.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or if you need assistance of any sort, please connect with my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.
In Service
SARAH ANTHONY
Senate Appropriations Chairwoman
State Senator
District 21
- You can read Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Recommendation here.
- If you’d like to go back and watch the governor’s full State of the State address, you can find a recording here.
- If you have thoughts on what should be prioritized in this year’s budget, I encourage you to share your input by emailing SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.
The Governor’s Executive Recommendation for Our Next State Budget
The governor releases an Executive Budget Recommendation each year as a starting point for the state’s budget process. This proposal outlines her funding priorities and policy initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year. While the governor’s proposal sets the stage, it is the Legislature’s role to refine, adjust, and ultimately pass a budget that best serves the needs of Michiganders.
I was encouraged to see many of the Senate’s key priorities reflected in Gov. Whitmer’s recommendations — particularly housing, education, workforce training, and lowering costs.
Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Sarah Anthony, and fellow legislators at this year’s Executive Recommendation Presentation
The governor’s proposal includes critical investments that align with the Senate’s commitment to building a stronger, more equitable Michigan. Creating a College Success Fund would build on our work to expand access to education and skills training, including putting the Michigan Reconnect program and our Community College Guarantee into law. Her proposed investments to improve water affordability are also a step in the right direction, but we must ensure we are addressing the full scope of the crisis.
As we continue to move through the budget process, I look forward to working with Gov. Whitmer and my colleagues to refine and strengthen these investments — ensuring our budget reflects the priorities of every Michigander.
You can read Gov. Whitmer’s 2026 Executive Recommendation here. By responding to this email or clicking here, you can let me know your thoughts on the proposal and what you want prioritized in this year’s budget.
2025 State of the State Address
I was happy to attend Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2025 State of the State address. In her address, the governor emphasized the importance of making housing more affordable, lowering costs for working families, and ensuring that every Michigander can build the future they desire. I share these priorities and look forward to collaborating on these issues over the coming weeks and months.
Sen. Anthony and fellow legislators at this year’s State of the State Address
A main issue at the top of my mind is housing. Housing is a key factor for families’ financial security, yet too many people struggle to buy or find a home. I was pleased to hear the governor’s support for investing in solutions for first-time homebuyers, reducing mortgage costs, and directly addressing our housing shortage. When we build more housing, we can lower costs for everyone.
Another significant challenge for families is medical debt, which can push people into financial crisis through no fault of their own. That’s why I’ve taken action to address this issue by securing $4.5 million in the state budget to help alleviate medical debt. I agree with Gov. Whitmer that we must do more to protect consumers and provide relief. No one should be burdened by debt simply because they became sick or injured.
We also need to continue expanding access to education and job training so that every Michigander, regardless of background, has the skills needed to earn a good living. As the former Deputy Director of the Michigan College Access Network, I know firsthand how important it is for us to keep expanding pathways to higher education. I share the governor’s commitment to building on the successes of Michigan Reconnect and our tuition-free community college programs to ensure more individuals can take advantage of these opportunities, including young men, who have been enrolling at lower rates in recent years.
Finally, affordable child care is essential for working families and the economic growth of our state. That’s a belief Gov. Whitmer and I have in common: Parents should not have to choose between earning a paycheck and securing quality care for their children. I will continue advocating for solutions that make child care more accessible.
Michigan is strong because of its people. As we move forward, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the legislature to deliver real solutions that lower costs, expand opportunities, and help families build a secure future. If you’d like to go back and watch the governor’s full address, you can find a recording here.
The Night’s Special Guest
I was thrilled to have Ingham County Commissioner Tanya Pratt as my gallery guest for this year’s State of the State. She’s right: let’s bring ’em to Ingham — and the rest of District 21!
What Comes Next?
Now that Gov. Whitmer has outlined her legislative and fiscal priorities for the year, the House and Senate will begin shaping our own versions of the state budget, guided by input from constituents. Once both chambers finalize their proposals, we must work together to resolve any differences and present a single, unified budget to the governor. The governor’s signature is required for the budget to take effect.
As this year’s budget process continues, my team and I will continue providing updates to keep you informed and engaged. If you have thoughts on what should be prioritized in this year’s budget, I encourage you to share your input by emailing SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.