Dear Neighbor,
March is Reading Month! Whether it be a hardback, paperback, e-book or audiobook, this month is the perfect time to get started on your TBR (to be read) list.
As March begins, the legislative and budget season is kicking into high gear. Governor Whitmer recently delivered her final State of the State address and unveiled her recommendations for the 2027 state budget, officially setting the stage for the months of work ahead. In both presentations, the Governor emphasized priorities I share with her, including making life more affordable for the people of Michigan, investing in our students and schools, and lowering the cost of housing so more people can build and raise their family here in Michigan. Read on to learn more.
As always, if you need assistance of any sort, or have any questions or concerns you’d like to share, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-5100.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
District 19
- The month of February was busy: the beginning of fiscal year 2026-7 budget process is now underway, the Senate Committee on Energy & Environment focused on energy affordability, and Gov. Whitmer presented her final State of the State address.
- Hear and watch below: my monthly WKZO AM legislative update, as well as my “To The Point” interview with WOOD TV8’s Rick Albin, discussing my past, present, and the year ahead during the final year of my legislative term.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Delivers Her Final State of the State Address
Last Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address where she outlined priorities for her last year in office, while also reflecting on the great progress we’ve made together over the last several years. From delivering a historic $1 billion tax cut for working families, guaranteeing all Michigan residents a no-cost path towards a college degree or skills certificate, and making transformational investments in housing to lower the cost of purchasing a new home — we’ve been busy delivering results for Michigan communities.
But as the governor noted in her speech, our work is not done yet! There’s still more for us to do to lower costs, make housing more affordable, support students in the educational journeys, and ensure every Michigan resident has the opportunity to build a secure future for their family. As the legislative session continues, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to pass policies that advance these goals.
I was thrilled to have former Mayor of Kalamazoo, Bobby Hopewell, as my guest for the evening.
If you missed the address, you can watch the full recording here.
Budget Season Begins!
Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her recommendations for the 2027 state budget, officially kicking off the start to the budget process here in the Senate and across the building in the House. With Michigan residents continuing to feel the pinch from ongoing inflation, rising health care costs, and other impacts of the reckless actions of our federal administration, the governor’s plan aims to mitigate the pressures people across the state are facing while also addressing the $1.8 billion shortfall largely caused by those same actions.
From saving citizens money and setting our students up for success to growing the economy and improving public safety, I am encouraged to see that her spending plan reflects many of the Senate’s own priorities. Along with continuing to invest in proven programs we have long championed — universal school meals, targeted tax relief for working families and retirees, free pre-K, and more — I’m particularly thrilled to see her budget recommendation include:
- Property tax relief for about 335,000 seniors to help them age with dignity in their own homes;
- Significant investments to combat the state’s literacy crisis;
- A $250 per student boost to our per-pupil funding, for a total of $10,300 per student;
- Additional support for at-risk and special education students, student mental health and safety needs, before- and after-school programs;
- The continuation of free school meals for Michigan students;
- A new “back to school” tax holiday to help families save money on clothes, school supplies, and more; and
- Expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to include adult learners ages 21 and older.
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are looking forward to collaborating with our colleagues both across the aisle to craft a balanced state budget that is passed on time and provides meaningful relief for those who need it most.
Senate Energy and Environment Committee Holds Hearing on Bills to Help Lower Utility Costs
On Feb. 19, I held a committee hearing on Senate Bills 731–732, legislation that would enable virtual power plants in the state. By increasing energy efficiency and grid reliability for Michigan residents, these bills would also lower costs for consumers.
I continue to hear from constituents and citizens statewide regarding increased utility costs and higher bills. My colleagues and I are working to address these concerns, and I look forward to working within the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment to dig into this issue further. I am thankful to my colleagues Sens. Irwin and Shink for testifying on behalf of their legislation. You can learn more about these bills here.
Senate Hearing Highlights How Trump Energy Policies are Costing Michigan Families
On March 4, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, which I chair, examined how skyrocketing energy costs on Michigan families are being caused by the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle clean, efficient, and affordable energy plans. Attorney General Dana Nessel and other energy policy experts shared testimony on the harmful — and costly — consequences resulting from the extended operation of the J.H. Campbell coal plant, the denial of federal emergency aid following severe ice storms in northern Michigan, and the financial impacts from the cancelation of several clean energy projects under the so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBA). Learn more here.
Monthly Legislative Updates on WKZO with Ken Lanphear
On the first Monday of every month, I join Ken Lanphear with WKZO to provide an update on my work in the Michigan Senate. This is a great way to hear what’s happening in the legislature, any bills that are moving, and upcoming events. Tune into the most recent episodes below:
Our Feb. 2 episode is available here. Our March 2 episode is available here.
To The Point Interview with Rick Albin
I enjoyed sitting down with WOOD TV8’s Rick Albin for “To The Point” to discuss my past and present work as an elected official, and what I see for the year ahead in Michigan.
View this interview here.
New Tool to Report Immigration Enforcement in Michigan
Attorney General Dana Nessel has recently launched a new reporting form for people to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Crafted in response to concerns from residents across the state on the uptick of harmful enforcement tactics happening in Michigan and nationwide, this new tool provides an avenue to document any concerning behavior they are witnessing at the hands of federal officers. The form allows residents to submit specific incident details, including descriptions of the actions witnessed, the number of individuals involved and their group or agency affiliations, tools and weapons observed, and the time and location of the incident. Learn more here, and click here to access the form.
Michigan’s High School Graduation Rate Reaches Another Record High
The Michigan Dept. of Education recently announced that Michigan’s 2025 four-year graduation rate once again improved to the highest level since 2008! The graduation rate increased to just over 84%, up by 1.2 percentage points from the previous year, while the state’s four-year dropout rate decreased. This new data represents real progress toward increasing the number of students who graduate from high school.
These new findings are thanks to significant investments the state has been making in Career and Technical Education. Programs like these expand secondary learning opportunities to provide students with work-based learning in career paths such as skilled trades, agriculture, public safety, information technology, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, among many others.
To learn more about what CTE programs you or your children may be able to take advantage of, click here.
February Coffee Hour Recap
Thank you to those that attended my Community Conversation at the Village of Vicksburg Village Hall. It was a great turnout — even with bad road conditions! I always value hearing feedback from constituents on the issues that concern them the most. If you missed this one, my office is planning our next coffee hour date, and I urge you to stay tuned!