State of the State Highlights 2025

Alabama

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey highlighted recent progress and stressed the importance of making sure Alabama remains the best state to live, work and raise a family. Specifically, the governor called for passing responsible budgets that do not grow government; supporting students, teachers, and families; supporting the economy and high-wage jobs; ensuring money stays in taxpayers’ pockets; supporting veterans; and fostering safe communities. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Education – Spoke about the importance of investing in programs that deliver results such as the CHOOSE Act, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Literacy and Numeracy Acts, and the Turnaround Schools Initiative. Also called for a cell phone ban in schools, adopting internet safety policies for students, and passing a paternal leave bill for teachers and state workers.

Infrastructure – Highlighted recent investments in rebuilding roads and bridges, broadband deployment, and water and sewer infrastructure.

Workforce – Spoke about the need to increase labor force participation rates and noted the recent establishment of the Alabama Department of Workforce to replace the Alabama Department of Labor.

Veterans – Discussed the importance of supporting veterans and recommended making the Department of Veterans Affairs part of the governor’s cabinet.

Public Safety – Said bolstering public safety is her number one priority this session and called for enhanced legal protections for law enforcement officers; supporting long-serving law enforcement families through dependent scholarships; cracking down on inner city violence by enhancing penalties for dangerous felons with guns; supporting the Second Chance Act; and lending assistance to the federal government for border security.

Alaska

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said the state of the state is heading in the right direction, highlighting improvements in public safety, education, and energy security as well as economic gains. Looking forward, the governor said he sees opportunities to make Alaska safer, increase choice in education and improve outcomes, make the state a more affordable place to live, monetize carbon and provide new revenues for the state, and support multiple sources of energy.

Key Speech Highlights:

Public Safety – Said that while much progress has been made, there is still more to be done to ensure every Alaskan can feel safe and asked for more resources to enhance public safety and hire more State Troopers and other personnel.

Education – Called for expanding school choice options including charter schools and public homeschooling.

Budget – Noted his administration has limited spending growth since 2019 and said his budget proposal provides key investments in education, public safety, energy, and affordability in housing and childcare.

Government Reform – Discussed supporting legislation to ensure the state has the most competitive licensing process, reviewing permitting and regulatory processes to find efficiencies and remove barriers, introducing a comprehensive education bill to improve outcomes, proposing initiatives to build the workforce of the future, and helping Alaskans become landowners.

Energy – Talked about the need to invest in multiple energy sources and how Alaska has everything it needs to both power and heat its homes and businesses and export its tremendous resources to the world.

Agriculture – Spoke about his executive order to establish the Alaska Department of Agriculture and help support the state’s agricultural industry.

Arizona

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs focused on ensuring the Arizona Promise, the promise that everyday people can find opportunity, security, and freedom and that through hard work and perseverance people can build a good life for themselves and their family. The governor added that in order to deliver the Arizona Promise, the legislature would need to work together to lower costs, support schools, secure the border, defend freedoms, and keep communities safe.

Key Speech Highlights:

Housing – Talked about the high cost of housing and recommended extending the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, addressing the proliferation of vacation rentals owned by out of state corporations, increasing the number of first-time homebuyers who receive assistance, and further cutting red tape.

Veteran Homelessness – Committed to work together to end veteran homelessness and announced the creation of the Homes for Heroes Fund.

Childcare – Discussed the creation of the Working Families Child Care Act, aimed at lowering the cost of care by two-thirds through partnerships with employers.

Workforce – Noted recent successes in economic development and the need to continue to invest in workforce development programs.

Education – Called for renewing the state’s Proposition 123, providing critical funding for public schools and teachers. Also called for reforming the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) through instituting responsible income caps, ensuring taxpayers know where the money is going, and creating real accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Public Safety – Highlighted the need to continue to make border security a top priority, and the role the Arizona National Guard has played in seizing illegal drugs. Also called for 5 percent pay raises for law enforcement and state firefighters.

Healthcare – Recommended making 12-month postpartum coverage permanent, expanding access to family planning services, guaranteeing the right to contraception, and protecting a women’s right to access fertility treatment.

Water – Spoke about the need to protect the state’s water supply and recent efforts to defend the state’s groundwater.

Arkansas

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee said the state of the state is very strong, noting the economy is up, crime is down, education is improving, and Arkansas is growing. The governor added her priorities will continue to be education, cost-of-living, and public safety.

Key Speech Highlights:

Elementary and Secondary Education – Spoke about recent successes in improving teacher pay, providing more one-on-one support for students, increasing school security, and moving towards universal Education Freedom Accounts.

Higher Education and Workforce – Announced her plan to improve the state’s higher education system, entitled Arkansas ACCESS, which will expand access to higher education and non-degree credentials, make it easier to submit applications, fund college credits while students are still in high school, alter the tenure system, and change the higher education funding formula.

Budget – Said the budget she introduced controls spending while still making needed investments in priorities like education and maternal health.

Food Security – Proposed ending the state’s grocery tax, using medical marijuana money to fund free lunch and breakfast programs, participating in the summer EBT program, giving liability protection to those who donate food, seeding a SNAP waiver to ensure the neediest families are getting the food they need to stay healthy, and encouraging schools to purchase their food in-state.

Public Safety – Highlighted plans to raise pay for state troopers, require evidence-based programming in prisons, and increase bed capacity by opening a new state prison.

Social Media – Called for banning cell phones in schools, updating the Social Media Act so that it is no longer held up in court, and giving parents the right to sue technology companies.

Other – Talked about passing the Defense Against Criminal Illegal Acts to enhance penalties on illegal immigrants and remove them from the state and expanding the Communist China Defense Act, divesting resources from China and banning adversaries from buying land around sites such as military bases and electric substations.

Colorado

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said the state of the state is strong, prosperous, free and always striving to climb higher. The governor added that the goal is to do more and do better including improving the standard of living, keeping communities clean and safe, increasing access to housing, offering jobs that people want, protecting wild spaces, helping every student thrive, saving people money on everything from groceries to health care, and showing taxpayers they will be good stewards of their tax dollars.

Key Speech Highlights:

Housing – Discussed ways to expand choices, speed up timelines, and reduce costs for new housing including streamlining the process for modular housing options, empowering builders to construct more smart stair housing, and allowing faith based and educational partners to build housing on their land. Also called for needed reforms to tackle the high cost of homeowners insurance.

Transportation – Noted recent successes in providing more support for public transit and rail options and called for continued partnership between all levels of government.

Energy and Environment – Spoke about efforts to build a clean energy future, including permitting reforms for rooftop solar and other clean energy applications as well as helping homeowners finance energy efficiency improvements. Also discussed looking at new funding streams for the care and preservation of the outdoors.

Government Efficiency – Encouraged continued efforts to reduce unnecessary laws and regulations.

Public Safety – Recommended boosting Colorado’s emergency dispatch system, additional support for preventing and reducing youth crime, and tougher penalties to crack down on illegal wildlife trafficking.

Healthcare – Called for the FDA to approve its prescription drug importation plan, the expansion of prescription drug discounts, and taking action to deal with excessive hospital prices.

Education – Talked about recent successes including greater preschool enrollment and the creation of a new school finance formula. Also spoke about the need to guarantee every student has access to a quality education and making it easier for high quality and innovative schools to operate in the state.

Connecticut

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said his focus is on affordability and opportunity, including holding down the costs of energy, healthcare and education and allowing people to keep more of what they earn and providing them with the tools to earn more. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Energy – Talked about the need for more electricity to meet increased demand and hold down costs, and the importance of examining various sources of energy including wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and natural gas.

Healthcare – Discussed steps to address healthcare affordability including extending the individual benefits of being on the healthcare exchange to small businesses; encouraging primary and preventative care; and tying pharmaceutical price increases to the rate of inflation for generic drugs.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Noted steps to raise K-12 funding, expand the youth services corps, make it easier and more affordable to be a teacher including expanding the apprenticeship program, and increase outreach to attract more male teachers.

Higher Education – Said the state must develop a balance between the traditional classroom experience, and more dual enrollment, stackable credentials, and online classes.

Workforce – Noted they are reimagining the Office of Workforce Strategy to support their mission of streamlining the classroom to workplace pipeline. 

Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Florida is a leader because it leans into challenges, tackles the big issues, and delivers results for the people it serves. The governor added that while we are proud of the state’s accomplishments, we recognize the work that lies ahead.

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Spoke about efforts to reduce state spending, increase the size of the rainy day fund, reduce debt, and maintain a low number of state government workers per capita.

Tax Relief – Recommended expanding tax holidays, eliminating the tax on business rent, and examining ways to provide property tax relief.

Insurance – Highlighted recent reforms to insurance and said that because of the efforts automobile insurance rates are coming down and the homeowners’ insurance market is seeing stability. Also called on the legislature to continue to address insurance reform.

Education – Talked about recent efforts to promote school choice and reform higher education while calling for an increase in funding dedicated to raising teacher salaries and holding the line on higher education tuition.

Human Services – Noted the success of the state’s Hope Florida program aimed at connecting individuals and families to faith-based, community and private sector partners.

Environment and Natural Resources – Discussed the need for continued support of Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, beach renourishment, and hurricane recovery efforts.

Other – Spoke about a series of other topics including the state’s strong rankings in economic development, recent legislation to address illegal immigration, efforts to recruit and retain law enforcement officers, investments to accelerate infrastructure projects, and government reforms and transparency efforts.

Georgia

Georgia governor Brian Kemp said the state of the state is strong due to its resilience. The governor noted that despite unprecedented challenges such as the pandemic and recent natural disasters, the state has achieved historic success, and asked legislators to continue to put hardworking Georgians and the state’s success first.

Key Speech Highlights:

Disaster Aid – Spoke about the impact of Hurricane Helene, thanked both presidential administrations for their support of the federal disaster relief package, and said the state would do whatever necessary to make sure Georgia recovers.

Budget – Highlighted continued efforts to budget conservatively, fund priorities, and keep government efficient.

Tax Relief – Said that because of efforts to hold the line on state spending, Georgia can further reduce the personal income tax rate.

Legal Reform – Called on the legislature to work with him to help pass comprehensive and fair tort reform legislation.

Public Safety – Talked about efforts to increase support for school safety as well as expanding gang and human trafficking prosecution units.

Healthcare – Discussed the state’s recent success in providing quality, affordable healthcare, and said the state would work with the new administration to further its innovative approach to healthcare access. 

Hawaii

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the state of the state is strong, highlighting how the state has come together to support each other through challenges such as the COVID pandemic and the Maui wildfires. The governor noted that while the state has made real progress on the issues that matter most to Hawaiians, there is still more to do help people make ends meet.

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability – Said the goal remains to make the state more affordable, while highlighting recent efforts to lower taxes and reduce state spending without cutting needed services. 
Housing – Called for continued support of housing initiatives aimed at developing more affordable housing, building homes for Native Hawaiians, and limiting the number of short-term rentals.

Homelessness – Highlighted efforts to build communal villages of tiny homes for the homeless as well as other programs directed towards reducing homelessness.

Healthcare – Spoke about the need to make healthcare more affordable and accessible while asking the legislature for funding to support programs that address the state’s shortage of healthcare professionals, improve healthcare facilities, and increase the number of psychiatric beds.

Public Safety – Noted the success of gun buyback programs and new gun safety measures while also calling on the legislature to curb illegal fireworks.

Environment – Asked the legislature to support the work of the Climate Advisory Team and its strategy to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change.

Maui Wildfires – Said his budget proposal continues investments in Maui recovery efforts and initiatives to improve statewide wildfire prevention and disaster response. 

Idaho

Idaho Governor Brad Little, in his State of the State and Budget Address, said the recent election results shows Americans want what Idaho has, including safe communities, bustling economic activity, increasing incomes, tax relief, fewer regulations, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense values. The governor noted the state has a renewed opportunity to govern responsibly, deliver results, and keep promises.

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Relief – Promised another $100 million in tax relief, on top of the $4.6 billion already given back to Idahoans over the past five years.

Educational Support – Called for increased public school funding to help address gaps in rural school facilities, mental health, school safety, and literacy.

Education Freedom – Recommended expanded school choice while ensuring that any school choice measure is fair, responsible, transparent, and accountable; prioritizes the families who need it the most; and does not take away funds from public schools.

Natural Resources – Discussed plans to tackle the backlog of unfunded water projects; provide additional bonuses to hire and retain firefighters; and work with the new administration on wildfire and forest management.

Infrastructure – Proposed additional transportation funding to improve existing roads and bridges.

Housing – Talked about rising housing costs and working with the legislature to remove more regulatory barriers and further advance needed permitting reforms to keep up with housing demands.

Workforce Development – Spoke about the success of Idaho’s LAUNCH program to help people find employment in the trades industry as well as the need to continue to embrace new and effective job-training programs.

Government Efficiencies – Called for further regulatory reform and noted the new administration is looking at Idaho for the blueprint on how to cut red tape, stimulate economic growth, and streamline government.

Public Safety – Discussed recent efforts to keep communities safe; adding a new prosecutor in North Idaho focusing on putting away drug traffickers; new investments in cybersecurity to protect against China and Russia; and support for border security.

Illinois

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, in his State of the State and Budget Address, said in recent years the state has paid down debt, grown the rainy day fund, earned credit upgrades, and invested in things that matter like education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, and job creation. The governor added Illinois is better built for the long term, and lean budget years are now a challenge instead of a catastrophe.

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Noted the state must live within its means and said his proposed budget enacts cost-saving operational efficiencies, improves productivity, curtails new hiring at agencies, consolidates unnecessary segregated funds, eliminates dormant boards and commissions, and overhauls state purchasing to save taxpayers money.

Economic Development – Said that overcoming a challenging budget year starts with growing the economy while highlighting recent investments in the state.

Healthcare – Discussed the importance of lowering healthcare costs and proposed the Prescription Drug Affordability Act to rein in the unfair practices of pharmacy benefit managers, a second round of medical debt cancellations, banning prior authorization for all behavioral healthcare, and requiring insurance reimbursement for reasonable travel costs.

Housing – Asked the General Assembly to implement recommended reforms to help unlock new financing, attract capital, incentivize builders, and eliminate unnecessary barriers to housing construction.

Education – Called for continued investments in evidence-based funding, banning the use of cellphones during classroom instruction, passing legislation that would allow students to know before they apply whether they qualify for admission to the state’s public universities, and allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees for in-demand career paths.

Other – Spoke about the potential harm from changes at the federal level and said the state budget will not be able to make up for the damage.

Indiana

Indiana Governor Mike Braun said the state of the state is strong because Hoosiers are strong, highlighting Indiana’s resilience, optimism, and shared desire to make the state truly great. The governor said that while Indiana is at a crossroads, it can be a national model for bold, innovative leadership.

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Relief – Recommended further reductions to income taxes, property tax reform and cuts, tax relief on retirement income, tax credits for retiring farmers passing their farms onto the next generation, and the creation of Farm Savings Accounts.

Government Reform – Highlighted efforts to create a more responsive and accountable government and asked legislators to help him identify opportunities for efficiency.

Public Safety – Discussed the need to improve police recruitment and retention, increase penalties on drug dealers, raise the consequences for targeting police, establish mandatory minimum bail for violent offenders, and address illegal immigration.

Economic Development – Spoke about the Hoosier Workforce Investment Tax Credit, restructuring the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and creating an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Healthcare – Noted recently announced efforts to lower prices, improve access, and promote innovation in the healthcare industry.

Education – Called for universal school choice, increased teacher pay, establishing an Office of School Safety, and support for workforce development initiatives. 

Iowa

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said the condition of the state is strong, touting its high national rankings, recent tax cuts, and efforts to transform state government. The governor said that even though Iowa is on the right track, it still has its share of challenges, and they will keep working to give every Iowan the opportunity to succeed. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Government Reform – Said the state will launch its own Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to build on its recent alignment and efficiency efforts.

Education – Highlighted recent investments in K-12, efforts to increase teacher pay, and allowing school choice regardless of income. Also proposed a bill to strengthen math instruction and help children who are struggling as well as legislation that requires schools keep instructional time free from digital distractions.

Childcare – Called for making permanent a pilot program that provides free childcare to childcare workers, launching a statewide solutions funds to which individuals or businesses can donate to enhance childcare workforce wages, and an early childhood Continuum of Care program to provide three-year grants for preschool programs and childcare providers that come together to integrate their services.

Healthcare – Proposed consolidating a loan repayment program for health professionals, creating new residency slots at the state’s teaching hospitals, and healthcare credentialing grants for employers to train and educative individuals in in-demand areas. Also recommended seeking federal approval to provide more Medicaid rate flexibility, increasing reimbursements for OBGYNs and primary care physicians for complex cases, increasing rates for certified nurse midwives and adding doula services as a covered Medicaid benefit, examining the reasons behind alcohol related illnesses, and applying for a federal waiver to institute work requirements for able-bodied adults on Medicaid.

Energy – Discussed promoting an all-of-the-above energy portfolio, putting together a task force to examine nuclear energy, helping to provide communities with low-cost financing for energy and water infrastructure projects, and modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure revolving loan program.

Other – Talked about passing a bill that requires hands-free driving and reducing employers’ unemployment insurance payments by half.

Kansas

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly began her speech by highlighting recent efforts to get the state back on the road to prosperity including funding public schools, balancing the state budget, investing in infrastructure, attracting large economic development projects, paying down debt, and providing tax relief. The governor said now is the time to build on the foundation that has been built, and to prepare for the rest of the century.

Key Speech Highlights:

Early Childhood – Proposed putting the functions of different agencies under the Office of Early Childhood and offering a one-stop-shop for young families, childcare providers, and businesses to access early childhood services.

Education – Talked about the need to continue to prioritize public schools and said she will reject any attempt to reroute public taxpayer dollars to private schools. Also said her budget proposal will provide free school lunches to over 35,000 students.

Tax Relief – Highlighted recent tax cuts and said she will only consider future proposals to modify the state’s tax structure that pay for themselves and don’t threaten the state’s long-term financial health. 

Water Supply – Spoke about the need to protect the state’s water supply for future generations including through establishing a better water management system, investing more resources, and developing a comprehensive long-term strategy. 

Economic Development – Noted the need to support home-grown businesses while working to bring new, innovative companies to Kansas. Also discussed the importance of providing a variety of educational opportunities. 

Medicaid – Called for Medicaid expansion and said it costs the state more not to expand than to expand.

Kentucky

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the state of the commonwealth is strong, and it’s getting stronger. He noted that everyday Kentucky is welcoming more businesses, more families, and more visitors. The governor added that over the past three years Kentucky has made progress by working together, and that it is important to stay laser-focused on creating better jobs, more affordable and accessible health care, safer roads and bridges, the best education for children, and safe communities.

Key Speech Highlights:

Workforce and Economic Development – Spoke about recent economic development successes throughout Kentucky while noting the importance of continuing to work with urgency to make it easier and faster for companies to find and develop their workforce; investing in a talent attraction program; and maintaining the critical work of site development.

Healthcare – Highlighted the expansion of healthcare across the state, boosts in research funding, investments in treatment options and recovery help, and improvements to the 988 mental health lifeline.

Infrastructure – Discussed recent investments in roads and bridges, added investments in clean drinking water, the expansion of high-speed internet, and progress in rebuilding communities impacted by prior tornadoes and flooding.

Education – Called for prioritizing public education, rejecting vouchers, better salaries for teachers, and enacting universal pre-K for all four-year-olds.

Public Safety – Noted efforts to keep communities safe, and ensure people feel safe, including through seizing illicit drugs and decreasing recidivism by teaching those currently incarcerated a skill or trade. 

Maine

Maine Governor Janet Mills, in her State of the Budget address, said that while the state will have some tough decisions to make, it is important not to lose sight of the strengths of the state and its people. The governor added that she is willing to work with the legislature on a budget that is balanced, is fiscally responsible, strengthens the economy, and lifts up people. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Said her budget aims to maintain the core commitments of providing affordable healthcare, fully funding education, protecting public safety, sending money back to localities to reduce property taxes, and keeping the doors of opportunity open for all.

Disaster Response – Asked the legislature to pass a bill which builds upon recommendations of her Rebuilding Commission and will help prepare homes and public infrastructure against future storms.

Healthcare – Recommended funding to stabilize the MaineCare program, strengthen the children’s behavioral health system, and support therapeutic foster care.

Education – Called for making the Free Community College Program permanent for recent high school graduates and a 4 percent increase for all public higher education institutions.

Housing – Said her budget maintains the required level of municipal revenue sharing to help localities stabilize property taxes, keeps funding for the Housing First Program to address chronic homelessness, and dedicates one-time funding to the Mobile Home Preservation Fund.

Public Safety – Talked about her continued support of Maine’s “Yellow Flag” law to remove firearms from those who should not have them. Also recommended continued funding for Medication Assisted Treatment in county jails and Mobile Crisis Response Teams.

Revenue Changes – Said that while her budget makes spending cuts, targeted revenue increases must also be considered. Proposed a $1 increase to the cigarette excise tax, lowering the excise tax and increasing the sales tax for cannabis, and an assessment on non-municipal ambulance and on pharmacy prescriptions.

Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said the state is being tested right now by both fiscal challenges and changes at the federal level. The governor said the state’s approach to address the moment of crisis will be to invest in industries of the future to grow and diversify the economy; reform the tax system to make it simpler, fairer, and pro-growth; and invest in people.

Key Speech Highlights:

Government Reform – Discussed the need to modernize government, rein in spending, and be more responsible in how the state invests taxpayer dollars. Also called for examining every state initiative so Maryland can invest in programs that work and stop investing in those that do not.

Economic Development – Highlighted efforts to boost economic competitiveness including through investing in select industries such as life sciences, information technology, and aerospace and defense.

Infrastructure – Talked about making Maryland transportation safer and more reliable through common-sense investments in roads, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit.

Tax Reform – Proposed a tax reform package that would not raise the sales tax or the property tax, close corporate loopholes to lower the corporate tax rate, double the Standard Deduction and expand access to the Child Tax Credit, and ask the wealthy to pay a quarter point more in income taxes than others.

Education – Recommended a series of steps to tackle teacher shortages. Also said his administration will take steps to make the previously approved Blueprint for Maryland’s Future plan more successful and sustainable.

Workforce Development – Noted steps to address workforce shortages including record investments in childcare; supporting community colleges, higher education, laboratories, and research institutions; ensuring Marylanders with disabilities can get hired; increasing the number of apprenticeships; and making housing more affordable.

Public Safety – Said his administration will begin implementing targeted solutions to uplift men including expanding eligibility for expungement to help people build fulfilling careers.  

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said the state of the commonwealth is strong, highlighting a low unemployment rate, a high median household income, and recent legislative successes supporting tax cuts, housing, economic development, healthcare, climate, and veterans. The governor said that moving forward the state will take steps to fix transportation, make homes more affordable, invest in education, and grow the economy.

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Said that although state revenues are growing, the cost of providing services has gone up and federal pandemic relief is gone. The governor added that her budget proposal will prioritize efficiency, action, and impact.

Transportation – Called for increasing investments over the next 10 years to improve transportation in all parts of the state and put the entire system on stable financial footing.

Housing – Discussed the Affordable Homes Act and its efforts to build more housing. Also recommended abolishing tenant broker fees to help lower the cost of renting.

Education – Spoke about directing a Statewide Graduation Retirement Council to develop recommendations for a new statewide standard. Also noted her budget will fund behavioral health support in schools across the state.

Healthcare – Talked about shifting healthcare resources to help increase the number of primary care providers.

Government Reform – Directed her economic team to review all businesses and licensing regulations, with the goal of cutting red tape. Also highlighted the state’s support for artificial intelligence and said it will help government move faster. 

Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the state of the state is strong, but that it’s on all of us to make it stronger and kinder too. The governor said her focus this year will be on costs – making life more affordable; jobs – creating more opportunities to help people earn more money; and results – making government work better.   

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Highlighted recent efforts to increase the size of the rainy day fund and to pay down debt, while calling on the legislature to pass a balanced, bipartisan budget focused on the fundamentals.

Housing – Said that while the state already has programs in place to help people afford a home, more must be done to address the issue of supply. Proposed making the largest housing investment in Michigan history including funding to build, buy, or fix nearly 11,000 homes.

Workforce – Spoke about a recent bipartisan package which raised the minimum wage and provided paid sick time.

Healthcare – Noted the need to find a bipartisan way to help those with medical debt.

Childcare – Said that if the state wants to grow its population, it must continue expanding affordable childcare.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Discussed her plan to target investments in schools where most kids are falling behind, make changes to get funding into classrooms faster without bureaucracy, and increase transparency to notify parents about performance. Also called for limiting the use of phones in class.

Higher Education – Announced she will sign an executive directive to try to reach more young men and boost their enrollment in higher education and skills training programs.

Infrastructure – Talked about the need to find a long-term, bipartisan solution to enable the state to fix more roads.

Government Reform – Called for transparency on all earmarks, simplifying permitting, and reviewing regulations.

Tax Changes – Recommended taxing vapes similar to cigarettes.

Federal Issues – Spoke about the potential negative impact from tariffs and the need to support a fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Mississippi

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said the state of the state is stronger than ever and 2024 was the most successful year in state history due to economic gains and Mississippians being bold, creative, accomplished and fearless. The governor added that in 2025 Mississippi will soar to even greater heights and accomplish even bigger things.

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Relief – Said the single best thing that can be done for the state is to eliminate the state’s income tax and asked for support of legislation which creates a realistic path to eliminate the tax once and for all.

Energy – Discussed the need for Mississippi to be a leader in American energy, work with the private sector to find solutions to bring more energy to the state’s electric grid, and embrace all forms of energy.  

Budget – Called for a continued focus on workforce development, economic development, and job creation while not expanding welfare.

Education – Highlighted recent improvements in education throughout the state. Also noted the need to give parents more choice, continue to raise education standards, and insist higher education institutions focus on degrees that lead to lives of prosperity and stability.

Missouri

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said he is determined to meet the challenges ahead, and that the only way to secure Missouri’s future is through working together. The governor added that he believes his budget and legislative priorities are a first step in securing an even safer, stronger, and more prosperous Missouri.

Key Speech Highlights:

Public Safety – Spoke about recent executive orders that helped form his Safer Missouri initiative, partnering with the federal government to crack down on illegal immigration, supporting law enforcement recruitment and retention efforts, funding for a new crime lab, and the need to pass a comprehensive crime bill.

Substance Abuse – Talked about the dangers of fentanyl, increased penalties for drug dealers that kill a person, and funding for fentanyl testing in wastewater systems at schools.

Infrastructure and Economic Development – Discussed the need to invest in rural infrastructure and enhanced efforts to retain and recruit businesses.

Tax Relief – Called for developing a sustainable and comprehensive plan to eventually eliminate the individual income tax, with further income tax cut triggers this session.

Government Reform – Recommended tort reform, reviewing regulations and reducing the regulatory burden, and creating a state version of the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Childcare – Highlighted an executive order to re-write childcare regulations, grant funding to help make childcare more affordable, and ensuring timely payments to childcare providers.

Workforce Development – Proposed increased funding for career and technical centers and establishing the Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge to help improve career and technical education programs.

Education – Said that strengthening public education, expanding school choice, and empowering parents is critical. Also called for the establishment of the School Funding Modernization Task Force and increased school safety efforts.

Other – Also discussed the need to support the agriculture industry, constructing new facilities at the Missouri State Fair, providing a statewide retention pay plan increase, additional funding to support expectant and new mothers, and greater support for veterans’ homes.

Montana

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said the state of the state is strong thanks to shared efforts and successes over the past four years. He added his vision remains the same to create more good-paying jobs, open the doors of greater opportunity for all Montanans to achieve the American dream, and protect the Montana way of life. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Said the budget has a surplus again and invests part of the surplus into current and future needs. Also stated the budget is balanced, keeps spending under inflation, maintains a strong ending fund balance to protect against economic uncertainty, and avoids cuts to essential services.

Tax Relief – Proposed further lowering the income tax rate from 5.9 percent to 4.9 percent, expanding the earned income tax credit, and enacting a homestead rate cut for Montana homeowners for their primary residence.

Housing – Called for using one-time funding for the state’s HOMES program, aimed at increasing the construction of new homes, and enacting additional recommendations from the Housing Task Force.

Energy – Spoke about the need for affordable, reliable power and announced the creation of the Unleashing Energy Task Force.

Education – Recommended increased funding for the Big Sky Scholarship Program, additional support to raise teacher pay, and incentives for school districts to adopt cell-phone free policies.

Social Media – Talked about taking steps to protect kids from social media including requiring parents’ consent to create social media accounts. 

Public Safety – Called for increased pay for the Montana Highway Patrol, more judges to help address growing caseloads, using one-time funding to increase capacity at the state prison, and using one-time funding to develop a long-term plan to improve public safety.

Infrastructure – Proposed additional funding for bridge repair, with the goal of fixing 500 bridges over the next five years.

Disaster Relief – Discussed the need to invest one-time funding in a local disaster resiliency fund. 

Nebraska 

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said the state of the state is extraordinarily strong, noting its low unemployment rate, strong population growth, a more efficient state government, and a reduced tax burden. The governor added that even with the state’s tremendous strengths, there are opportunities to take further steps forward.

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Said his budget proposal is fully balanced and cuts spending by focusing on needs, not wants.

Tax Relief – Called for continued tax reform including lowering property tax burdens, making commonsense adjustments to the state’s tax code, and eliminating the state’s death tax.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Called for establishing a blue-ribbon commission to recommend a new school funding system and increasing the foundation aid per student across the state, allowing school funding to follow the student.

Government Reform – Proposed eliminating or consolidating a number of boards and commissions. Also called for combining the Department of Energy and Environment and the Department of Natural Resources.

Other – Discussed making changes to the state’s current allocation of electoral college votes, the need to protect children from the damage caused by social media and enhancing consumer protection laws to prevent dishonest products from reaching grocery shelves. 

Nevada

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said the state of the state is steadily improving, headed in the right direction, and the outlook is positive. The governor added that in order for Nevada to continue to improve, the state must sharpen its discipline and focus while addressing challenges such as housing affordability, healthcare access, improving educational outcomes, enhancing public safety, and diversifying the economy.

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Said his budget proposal meets the commitments made last session on pay raises for public employees and teachers, makes important changes in how the state conducts business, limits new funding, increases the size of the rainy day fund, and does not raise taxes on Nevada families. 

Housing – Discussed the Nevada Attainable Housing Act which aims to tackle housing needs on multiple fronts including reducing fees, fostering innovation, incentivizing development, and creating public-private partnerships.

Healthcare – Talked about efforts to modernize and strengthen the healthcare system including doubling investments in graduate medical education, incentivizing providers to serve in underserved areas, leveraging telemedicine, and creating the Nevada Health Agency, a streamlined agency designed to address the state’s most pressing healthcare needs.

Education – Highlighted the Nevada Accountability in Education Act, which would advance policies that demand stricter accountability, equity, and excellence; expand open enrollment policies to break down geographic barriers and provide transportation support; reward high-performing teachers and administrators; and target resources to improve early literacy. 

Public Safety – Recommended the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, which helps support victims of crime, holds repeat and violent offenders accountable, and invests in curbing the abuse of drugs. 

Economic Development – Spoke about the need to rethink economic development to focus on strategies that directly benefit those already in the state; modernize incentives; embrace innovation and sustainability; and target tax credits for childcare facilities.

Government Reform – Asked the state’s Director of Business and Industry to examine the functionality and purpose of the state’s 300 boards and commissions.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, in her inaugural address, said the state is moving in the right direction and she could not be more optimistic about its shared future. However, the governor added that New Hampshire has real challenges which need to be confronted head-on if the state is going to continue to move in the right direction. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Housing – Said the state needs to tackle its housing crisis, get serious about housing production, streamline state agency approvals, and partner with local communities.

Education – Called for strengthening and expanding education freedom accounts to allow more families to put their children in the learning environment best for them. Also announced a ban on cell phones in schools.

Workforce – Noted the need to encourage and expand workforce training programs including through community colleges and public-private partnerships.

Budget – Spoke about the state’s low tax level while maintaining balanced budgets but noted the state will need to make reductions and recalibrate partly due to the expiration of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and less business revenue.

Government Efficiency – Announced the creation of the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) to help streamline government, cut spending, and ensure value for taxpayers.

Public Safety – Called for greater investments in the retirement system to help recruit and retain public safety workers, banning sanctuary policies, and further changes to bail reform.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse – Spoke about the need to improve the mental health care system and jointly address substance use treatment and mental health care.

Veterans – Said she will bolster the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services in their efforts to advocate for veterans.

New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the state of the state is strong, ascendant, and ready for its greatest chapter ever. The governor noted that through working together, New Jersey is stronger, fairer, and more prepared to face the future; leads the nation in being the best place to live, work, and raise a family; and lives up to the American promise of liberty, justice, and opportunity for all. The governor added that the work is not done yet, and his top priority remains delivering economic security and opportunity for every New Jerseyan.

Key Speech Highlights:

Raising a Family – Discussed initiatives to secure New Jersey’s reputation as the best state to raise a family including providing 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to every state worker; continuing on the path toward free, universal pre-K and ensuring every school district in New Jersey offers free, full-day kindergarten; directing school districts to adopt policies that ban cell phones in schools; and overhauling the state’s most dangerous intersections and updating driver education programs.

Economic Security and Lowering Costs – Talked about ways to deliver economic security and lower costs including expanding access to public contracting opportunities for historically marginalized businesses; reforming outdated zoning and permitting laws; reforming the state’s farmland assessment tax system; and stockpiling a supply of mifepristone and scrapping out-of-pocket costs for abortion services.

Strengthening New Jersey’s Future – Called for reforming penalties for technical parole violations; introducing mobile driver’s licenses; making the full payment into New Jersey’s pension system for four straight years and restoring full funding for public education, public transit, and other public priorities; codifying New Jersey’s clean energy standard to reach 100 percent clean energy by 2035; and establishing same-day voter registration and allowing 16-17 year olds to vote in local school board elections.

New Mexico

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted achievements in the state over the past six years including reducing child poverty, ensuring free college for every New Mexican, adding a record number of jobs, and strengthening healthcare and environmental protections. The governor added there is still more to do, and that is why she is proposing new initiatives to tackle the state’s crime problem, expand affordable housing, protect at-risk children, and improve the healthcare system.

Key Speech Highlights:

Childcare – Said the state is close to realizing truly universal free childcare for all, and asked the legislature to allocate additional funds to finish the job.

Education – Called for doing more to increase reading proficiency, developing a comprehensive math and STEM program, fully funding a 180-day school year, expanding instructional opportunities through the summer, incentivizing schools to ban cellphones, enhancing school safety measures, and making additional investments into the Indian Education Fund.

Child Well-Being – Recommended fully funding the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD); partnering with an outside group to examine CYFD’s performance; creating a new, independent Child Protection Authority; and providing additional support to foster families and grandparents raising grandchildren.

Environment – Proposed establishing’ a state-sponsored fire insurance program, creating a Strategic Water Supply, and passing a law with the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Housing – Discussed the need to build more homes and apartments to drive down the cost of living including through regulatory and zoning changes, development subsidies, and capital investments.

Homelessness – Asked the legislature for additional funds to fight homelessness with dedicated services that lift up individuals and help them become stable.

Public Safety – Called for tougher penalties for felons who illegally possess firearms, tightened penalties for criminals who traffic deadly drugs, humane civil confinement for those who need it the most, reformed criminal competency laws, and a new tax rebate to help businesses foot the cost of security personnel and equipment.

Healthcare – Recommended additional support for the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, increased funding for behavioral health expansion initiatives, and a state-sponsored medical malpractice insurance program.

New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that as she reflects on the state of their great state, it is clear that New York’s future depends upon the ability of every family to afford the essentials of life, and upon its ability to protect the safety and security of its residents. The governor added that her vision of New York is a place where hardworking people get ahead, where children play safely in their neighborhoods, and where opportunities are plentiful.

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Relief – Recommended cutting middle class taxes, sending inflation refund checks of up to $500, expanding the child tax credit, and fighting for the full restoration of the SALT deduction.

Supporting Families – Called for providing universal free school meals, putting New York on a path to universal childcare, improving maternal and infant health, expanding access to infertility treatments, and distributing free diapers and other supplies.

Public Safety - Proposed streamlining the discovery process by amending reforms passed in 2019, adding additional resources to fight transnational criminal networks and fighting sexual assault and domestic violence. Also highlighted new initiatives to recruit and train first responders, support veterans, expand resources for crime victims, establish a Mass Violence Crisis Response Team, and improve subway safety.

Healthcare – Discussed plans to reduce barriers to mental healthcare, promote kids’ mental and physical health through a new “Unplug and Play” initiative, broaden healthcare access, and fortify the state’s healthcare system.

Disability Services – Spoke about new initiatives focused on enhancing support for New Yorkers with disabilities.

Housing – Announced plans to increase investments to support critical housing infrastructure, create the state’s first revolving loan fund to spur mixed-income rental development, strengthen tools to unlock housing development, and crack down on landlords using price-fixing algorithms.

Transportation – Recommended advancing the Second Avenue Subway and critical capital projects, modernizing rail service, supporting a transformative MTA Capital Plan, and other efforts aimed at promoting a safe, equitable, sustainable, and efficient transportation system.

Agriculture – Talked about plans to support the state’s farmers through strengthening key industries, supporting small businesses, and creating economic opportunities.

Workforce – Called for free college for New Yorkers aged 25-55 in high-demand fields, doubling down on shovel ready sites for the semiconductor industry, supporting small businesses with Low Interest Capital (LINC), transforming Regional Economic Development, and expanding the State Department of Labor’s enforcement power.

Energy and Environment – Announced plans for an over $1 billion climate investment to achieve a more affordable and sustainable future as well as efforts to promote clean water, increase climate resilience and expand access to green spaces.

Government Reform – Unveiled initiatives to get government working faster and more efficiently.

North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said the state of the state is strong due to the strength of its people, including teachers, law enforcement officers, small business owners, veterans, childcare workers, and students. The governor said that through working together the state can help western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene, grow the economy and make it work for more people, meet its workforce needs, keep communities safe, and put children first. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Hurricane Recovery – Highlighted Hurricane Helene recovery efforts including supporting small businesses, addressing housing, reopening roads, and cutting red tape. Also urged the legislature to pass a western North Carolina recovery bill and said he is working with the federal administration on securing additional federal funds.  

Workforce – Spoke about the need to develop the state’s workforce including doubling the number of apprentices, providing free community college for students getting certified in high-demand sectors, and creating a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.

Housing – Said the state needs more housing of all types and should work to find bipartisan solutions to high housing costs.

Childcare – Discussed the creation of a bipartisan Task Force on Child Care and Early Education to find innovative solutions to the state’s childcare crisis.

Tax Relief – Called for cutting taxes for middle-class families to help them manage the cost of raising a child while noting the need to examine previous tax giveaways aimed mostly at the wealthy and corporate shareholders.  

Government Reform – Directed the budget office to set up the Impact Center to ensure government is run effectively and efficiently.

Education – Proposed increasing starting teacher salaries, rewarding experienced teachers who stay in the classroom, extending the “science of reading” to middle schools, providing every student a free school breakfast, making classrooms cell phone-free zones, ensuring schools have the support staff they need, and passing a $4 billion public school bond to address infrastructure needs. Also said the state should not be taking money from public schools to pay for wealthy parents to send their kids to unaccountable private schools.

Public Safety – Recommended salary increases and signing bonuses for law enforcement and correctional officers to help address staffing challenges. Called on the legislature to fund a Fentanyl Control Unit dedicated to getting fentanyl off the streets.

North Dakota

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong said the state of the state is stronger than ever and is as resilient as its people. The governor noted the state can provide property tax relief and reform; address mental health challenges; identify solutions to workforce, childcare and housing; continue to support law enforcement, firefighters and first responders; and continue to build on military-friendly policies.

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Relief – Spoke about the need for relief and real reform to property taxes including increasing the Primary Residence Credit from $500 to $1,000 per year, using a dedicated stream of Legacy Fund earnings to provide additional funds to the Primary Residence Credit, and capping future increases in local property tax budgets at 3 percent per year.

Behavioral Health and Addiction – Announced the creation of a new cabinet position, the Commissioner of Recovery and Re-Entry, to operationalize relationships between various groups and take an all-of-government approach to the challenges of addiction and behavioral health.

Public Safety – Called for short- and long-term solutions to jail and prison overcrowding and robust funding for the Free Through Recovery and Community Connect programs.

Agriculture and Energy – Discussed the need to encourage value-based agriculture projects and allowing oil and gas companies to crack the code on enhanced oil recovery.

Education – Noted his support for Education Savings Accounts and allowing the creation of public charter schools.

Tribal Nations – Talked about the importance of collaborating with the five tribal nations in North Dakota. 

Government Reform – Said making government services more efficient and user-friendly will be a focus of the administration, and voiced support for proposed legislation to review the state’s more than 150 boards and commissions. 

Ohio

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said the state of the state is strong, highlighting recent job gains, business development, tax cuts, and a reduction in regulations. The governor added that moving forward the remains the same: To work each day so that every Ohioan has the tools to live up to their full potential and has the opportunities to live their vision of the American dream.

Key Speech Highlights:

Workforce – Said that workforce remains the state’s greatest opportunity and most significant challenge, while announcing the lieutenant governor will lead a new effort to create “Ohio’s Workforce Playbook.” Discussed efforts to remove roadblocks for Ohioans with disabilities, the formerly incarcerated, youth in state custody, seniors, those with mental health challenges, and children in foster care.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Spoke about literacy efforts, enhancing school-based clinics, ending cell phone use during school hours, creating a principal apprenticeship program, a greater focus on social studies in elementary schools, providing support for driver training, teaching basic life skills in schools, and integrating career planning into existing high school graduation plans.

Post-Secondary Education – Recommended continued support for the Governor’s Merit Scholarships to graduating seniors in the top five percent of their class who attend an Ohio college or university, providing financial assistance to students with the highest levels of financial need, creating work-based learning opportunities, and partly funding state colleges and universities based on student outcomes.

Childcare – Asked the legislature for their continued support of the Childcare Choice Voucher Program and said the state will provide a $1,000 per child tax credit for every Ohio child under the age of seven.

Healthcare – Discussed plans to provide eye exams and glasses to children that need them and establishing a Children’s Dental Services Pilot Program to help provide care to low-income families.

Stadium Fund – Called for a tax increase on online sports gaming companies so the state will no longer have to use general fund dollars to build or renovate stadiums.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said the state of the state is the strongest it’s ever been, highlighting a large rainy day fund, recent tax cuts, a strong economy, net migration, and a reduction in the number of children in foster care. Moving forward, the governor said the state needs to commit to four principles: protecting Oklahoma taxpayers; being the best state for business; safeguarding the state’s savings; and protecting the Oklahoma way of life.

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Relief – Called for further tax cuts including a half point cut to the individual and business income tax and a path to zero income tax.

Government Reform – Announced the state is launching its own Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to keep the focus on flat budgets and limited government.

Economic Development – Spoke about the need to keep building on business-friendly policies and setting up business courts in the state.

Energy – Said he wants to make 2025 the year of the Energy Abundance Agenda and continue to unleash Oklahoma’s energy potential.

Education – Highlighted recent educational reforms including expanded education freedom and paving the way for the first ever religious charter school in the nation. Also called for eliminating virtual days in public schools, creating more internships and apprenticeships, and implementing phone-free school policies.

Public Safety – Said the state’s greatest responsibility is to protect its residents and noted efforts to work with the federal government on border security. Also spoke about reducing recidivism through helping former inmates get rid of fines, fees, and court costs.

Strong Families – Talked about the need to have strong families to help build strong communities, and the importance of having fathers in the home.

Oregon

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said 2025 carries a clear charge: to summon the state’s unyielding spirit of resilience, to tackle problems with purpose, and to embrace opportunities for change together. The governor added her focus continues to be on chipping away at challenges and making Oregon a place where everyone can be successful.

Key Speech Highlights:

Homelessness/Housing – Highlighted recent progress in addressing homelessness and housing needs and said she will soon share more information on her priorities to serve unsheltered neighbors statewide and make even more progress on housing production.

Behavioral Health – Noted her recommended budget continues to deploy a dual strategy of increasing treatment capacity and strengthening the available workforce. Also discussed the importance of ensuring students have adequate access to behavioral health services.

Education – Said that increased investment must come with deeper accountability and that she will bring forth a plan that will emphasize stewardship of resources, measurable outcomes, and transparency.

Climate/Resilience – Talked about the need to both fight climate change and strengthen defenses for changes that are already happening. Called for dedicated reserves to manage substantial wildfire suppression costs in the future as well as ongoing dedicated funding for wildfire mitigation and readiness programs.

Other – Spoke about efforts to improve transparency and consistency in state agency rulemaking; ensure every defendant has an attorney in a timely and cost-efficient manor; improve child welfare outcomes; and safeguard Oregon values in uncertain times.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee said the state of the state is full of progress and promise, and the state is moving in the right direction due to the work that has been done together. The governor said that moving forward the state will continue to follow its Rhode Island 2030 plan to protect the progress and pursue all the promise that lies ahead.

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Said the state will need to take steps to right-size the government while preserving programs that improve educational outcomes, raise incomes, and make residents healthier. Also added that his budget will close a $250 million deficit without any broad-based tax increases.

Education – Spoke about the Learn365RI initiative that seeks to improve math and reading scores and boost student attendance, while calling for increased funding for local education agencies and grants to support out-of-school learning opportunities.

Workforce – Recommended added investments to create new work-based learning opportunities and an enhancement of Real Jobs RI to train more Rhode Islanders. Also proposed a new initiative called Ready to Build to create pre-apprenticeship pathways to jobs in the building trades.

Healthcare – Talked about efforts to launch a statewide telehealth initiative, expand mental health support for students, and address the shortage of primary care doctors including through student loan forgiveness.

Homelessness – Proposed creating a dedicated funding stream for homelessness as well as a second recurring funding stream.

Housing – Noted the passage of last year’s housing bond and continued investments in housing. 
Infrastructure – Said his budget proposal will provide a sustainable funding source for RhodeRestore, a program designed to help localities repair local roads. Also highlighted federal and state support to repair bridges. 

South Carolina

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster highlighted economic progress in the state and said South Carolina must work to maintain its climate of lower taxes, less regulation, plentiful power, quality education, natural and cultural resources, a trained and healthy workforce, and unmatched livability. The governor asked the legislature to help set the state on a course that will provide the opportunity for prosperity, success, and happiness for generations of South Carolinians.  

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Noted the state is in superior fiscal shape, maintains its largest reserve fund balance, and has low amounts of general obligation debt.

Tax Relief – Proposed further cutting the state’s personal income tax rate from 6.2 percent to 6.0 percent and eventually eliminating the personal income tax altogether.

Government Reform – Discussed the need to maintain consistency and certainty in the permitting process, review licensing requirements, and reform the state’s civil justice system.

Healthcare – Called for behavioral health reforms including making the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs cabinet agencies. Also proposed funding for the construction of a new neurological hospital and identifying cost saving measures for the State Health Plan.

Energy – Talked about the need for abundant and affordable energy including the use of nuclear energy.

Infrastructure – Highlighted progress in repairing and improving the state’s transportation system and asked for additional funding for bridge construction.

Disaster Response – Spoke about the damages from Hurricane Helene and requested additional state support while South Carolina awaits further federal assistance.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Recommended raising the minimum starting teacher salary to $50,000, making additional investments to the state’s full-day 4K program, passing a new Education Scholarship Trust Fund bill, and fully funding the school resource officer grant program.

Higher Education and Workforce Development – Called for a college tuition freeze, maintaining financial aid, using lottery funds for Workforce Industry Needs Scholarships, and conducting a systematic review of all public higher education institutions.

Public Safety – Proposed a $2,000 state income tax credit for public safety officers, increased appropriations for the Department of Corrections, and enhanced funding to target animal fighting.

Environment and Natural Resources – Asked for significant funding for preservation and conservation efforts.

South Dakota

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem said the state of the state is strong, while noting the need to keep looking ahead. In her speech, the governor highlighted the top 10 reasons why South Dakota will continue to be an example to the nation.

Key Speech Highlights:

Education – Recommended instituting Education Savings Accounts to provide families greater opportunities, without impacting the funding that goes to public schools.

Healthcare – Discussed the possibility of future work requirements under Medicaid expansion and providing individuals with the training, guidance and support they need to find a stable and meaningful career.

Agriculture – Announced a new partnership to help keep farmers farming in South Dakota, including helping farm and ranch families with estate and transition planning.

Outdoor Opportunities – Talked about recent efforts to conserve South Dakota’s natural beauty and create more opportunities to share it in the future.

Babies – Highlighted initiatives to help expectant and new moms, including the state’s Bright Start program.

Safety – Spoke about efforts to improve safety including supporting law enforcement officers, enhancing cybersecurity, prioritizing border security, offering a state-led tribal-specific law enforcement training, and investing in infrastructure including for disaster preparedness.

Economy – Noted the strength of the state’s economy, rising personal incomes, greater economic diversity, and success in filling vacant jobs including through the state’s apprenticeship programs.

Values – Said South Dakota embodies the values and morals that built America.

Freedoms – Highlighted past efforts to protect freedom including during COVID-19 and defending the Second Amendment.

People – Mentioned the state’s motto of “Under God, the People Rule” and stressed the importance of continuing to keep in mind that everything the state does is for the people. 

Tennessee

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee highlighted recent accomplishments including the state’s response to Hurricane Helene, efforts to invest in local crime prevention and address illegal immigration, new investments in public school facilities, and bringing universal school choice to Tennessee families. Moving forward, the governor said 2025 should be the year the state thinks bigger and more boldly about what is possible, adding that the challenges the state faces today cannot be solved with conventional thinking.

Key Speech Highlights:

Education – Called for greater investments to public education, another pay raise for Tennessee teachers, a limited occupational teaching license to help experienced tradesmen and women teach their craft, and funding to expand the reach of the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee.

Transportation – Talked about improvements in transportation through the previously passed Transportation Modernization Act and called for additional funding to build and maintain roads and bridges.

Medicaid – Spoke about the state’s shared savings agreement with the federal government and said the state will reinvest the savings into its Medicaid population.

Agriculture and Natural Resources – Proposed creating a regional water supply strategy and a grant program for farmers who voluntarily preserve and protect their land for future generations.

Energy – Discussed a series of investments in nuclear energy to help address the state’s energy needs.

Economic and Workforce Development – Recommended additional funding for economic development grants, the creation of a Tennessee Works Scholarship to help students afford technical education and industry training, and greater investments in the Youth Employment Program to help connect young Tennesseans with local employers.

Childcare – Discussed steps to address childcare costs including greater investments in the Boys and Girls Club, covering more middle and low-income families in the Smart Steps Child Care Program, providing additional childcare workers with more pay, and streamlining childcare licensing and permitting.

Housing – Noted the need for a new housing plan and proposed a Starter Home Revolving Loan Fund and funding the Rural and Workforce Housing Tax Credit.

Government Reform – Said the state will look at multiple proposals to streamline state boards, simplify licensing practices, and save local governments millions in administrative fees.

Texas

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state of the state has never been better, highlighting opportunities the state offers and the strength of its economy. The governor added that while Texas has been blessed, more must be done to ensure that prosperity reaches every Texas family and every Texas business.

Key Speech Highlights:

Property Taxes – Said he wants at least $10 billion in property tax relief, but it will only work if local authorities cannot use loopholes to increase property taxes.

Housing – Discussed the need to making housing more affordable, including through making it easier to build, slashing regulations, and speeding up permitting.

Healthcare- Spoke about improving healthcare through expanding access and funding for mental healthcare, providing pay increases for caregivers, and increasing maternal care.

Water – Recommended greater investments in water projects and infrastructure.

Energy – Noted the state needs an increasing supply of electric power and that Texas should lead a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Said three pillars to helping Texas become number one in education are empowering parents, exemplary teachers, and exceptional academics. Also emphasized the need to pass school choice this year.

Higher Education – Discussed the need to ensure that college is more affordable and accessible, while also banning DEI in public universities.

Career Training – Called for passing legislation to expand career training.

Public Safety – Talked about the need for bail reform, passing stronger laws to prosecute squatters, ensuring firefighters have the tools they need, and working with the federal government on border security.

Cybersecurity – Proposed the creation of the Texas Cyber Command to help protect against cyberattacks.

Utah

Utah Governor Spencer Cox stressed the need for Utah to return to its roots and begin building again. The governor highlighted the state’s recent successes and noted Utah is not done dreaming, it is not done doing big things, and it is not done building.

Key Speech Highlights:

Housing Attainability – Spoke about recent regulatory reform and the Utah First Homes program, which is aiming to build 35,000 starter homes in five years.

Energy Abundance – Discussed making the electric grid more secure and reliable while also laying the groundwork for advanced nuclear reactors.

Infrastructure and Permitting Reform – Highlighted work to streamline Utah’s processes while maintaining environmental stewardship.

Community Safety and Support – Said the state is implementing public safety reforms that balance accountability with compassion, including its innovative homeless initiatives.

Family Strength – Recommended eliminating the state tax on Social Security benefits, putting more money into the pockets of seniors. Also called for doing more to protect children from predatory social media practices and removing cell phones from schools. 

Vermont

Vermont Governor Phil Scott, in his inaugural address, asked legislators to work with him and think about what their constituents can afford and what they need, as well as give everyone the chance to not just survive, but thrive. The governor highlighted challenges facing the state, including an aging population and fewer workers and students, and asked legislators to focus on affordability, housing and education. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability – Discussed constituents’ widespread concerns regarding affordability, and its relationship with other issues facing the state. Said affordability and demographics cannot be separated while noting the need for more workers to generate revenue and offset an aging population. Also said Vermont will need to spend within its means to help make the state more affordable.

Housing – Called for passing a housing bill that strengthens the infrastructure for housing and flood recovery, gives a helping hand to neglected communities by continuing to transform dilapidated homes, continues to grow creative programs like the Vermont Housing Improvement Program, and addresses the state’s appeal process and last year’s land use bill.

Education - Outlined the framework for his administration’s education reform plan to improve the quality, equity, and sustainability of the pre-K-through-12 system in Vermont. The plan includes a new student-centered funding formula, a simpler governance structure, and providing school boards and administrators with support and guardrails to reduce cost pressures.

Virginia

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said the state of the commonwealth is very strong, noting the strength of the economy, increases in student test scores, decreases in violent crime, more people moving to the state, and a large budget surplus. The governor added that what Virginia is doing is working, but they must push to soar to even greater heights.

Key Speech Highlights:

Elementary and Secondary Education – Called for increased school funding, additional support for school construction, redesigning the funding formula, having a school resource officer in every school, and passing a law requiring parental notification of overdoses in schools.

Higher Education and Workforce – Proposed the creation of Virginia Opportunity Scholarships for low-income families, expanding lab schools with HBCUs, and further investments in career and technical education.

Tax Relief – Recommended extending the standard deduction, removing taxes on tips, and creating a Car Tax Credit for Working Families.

Energy – Spoke about the need to double power generation in the next 10 years, embrace an all-of-the-above approach to energy production, and allow localities to make their own decisions on data centers.

Public Safety – Called for increasing the penalty to felony homicide when the manufacture or distributor of illicit drugs causes a death, making flying a drone over critical infrastructure a felony, and decreasing funding if a locality has a sanctuary city policy.

Other – Noted the need to offer greater support to ensure healthy babies and mothers, maximize investments in childcare by making common sense reforms, enable the creation of the Virginia Gaming Commission to consolidate regulatory oversight, and create a permanent Disaster Assistance Fund.

Washington

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, in his inaugural address, said the state faces real challenges including affordability, a shortage of law enforcement officers, a behavioral health crisis, a shortage of housing, and too much bureaucracy in the state government. However, the governor added he is optimistic that the state can make real progress and increase opportunities for Washingtonians.

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability – Said the single biggest concern he has heard from Washingtonians is affordability.

Housing – Announced he will sign an executive order directing state agencies to review all regulations that impact housing and identify any provision that can be streamlined, deferred or eliminated. Also called on the legislature to adopt recommendations to help address the housing crisis.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Recommended providing every K-12 student free breakfast and lunch as part of their basic education.

Budget – Spoke about the importance of prioritizing spending, implementing budget savings, and making realistic revenue projections.

Government Reform – Stressed the need to make reforms and improve state government, including reducing permit and licensing processing times.

West Virginia

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said that despite the many challenges the state faces it also has substantial assets including being America’s energy state, strategically located and having hardscrabble workers ready to take on new challenges, and being nimble and able to grow quickly. The governor’s speech focused on his plans to begin the Mountain State Comeback.

Key Speech Highlights:

Energy – Discussed the need for using more coal and gas, utilizing water resources, and developing nuclear-powered small modular reactors. Also announced a new collaboration with the state’s educational institutions to help West Virginia supply more energy to the growing technology industry.

Budget – Said his budget represents a down payment on a multi-year plan to solve the state’s financial challenges. The governor noted he will not propose new ongoing programs without new ongoing revenue, will ask all state agencies to review their spending, and will work to consolidate departments and eliminate unnecessary boards and commissions.  

Public Employees Insurance Agency – Asked the legislature to work with him to develop short and long-term solutions to the Public Employees Insurance Agency’s budgetary challenges.

Tax Relief – Renewed his call to ensure that West Virginia has the lowest income tax of the states it borders.

Workforce Development – Spoke about the importance of improving workforce participation and directed his workforce team to put together a dynamic jobs portal.

Government Reform – Called for increasing efficiency in the permitting process, universal licensing reciprocity, eliminating red tape, and establishing a more competitive healthcare environment including through repealing Certificate of Need mandates.

Education – Said the state must continue its focus on the basics like reading, writing, and math but also embrace 21st-century skills in STEM, coding, and digital literacy. Also called for reforming the antiquated school aid formula, allowing schools to ban cellphones in classrooms, and expanding vocational tech.

Public Safety – Talked about the need to continue to tackle drug abuse including through cracking down on illegal immigration.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers highlighted recent successes including bolstering the state’s workforce, lowering taxes, making state government more efficient, and building an economy that works for everyone. Moving forward, the governor said his priorities include lowering everyday costs, reducing crime and preventing gun violence, fixing roads, expanding access to affordable housing, and funding public schools. The governor also discussed challenges facing children and said 2025 will be the “Year of the Kid” in Wisconsin.

Key Speech Highlights:

Education – Said his budget proposal will ensure that every student has a healthy breakfast and lunch at school with no stigma and no cost.

Mental Health – Proposed funding to provide comprehensive mental health services in schools statewide.

Water Quality – Highlighted investments to support lead poisoning intervention, strengthen lead standards, and remove harmful contaminants from water wells.

Public Safety – Spoke about the creation of the Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention, designed to take a coordinated approach to help keep communities safe. Also talked about supporting services for crime victims and taking a series of steps to address gun violence.

Childcare – Recommended sustainable, ongoing funding to make the state’s Child Care Counts program permanent.

Prescription Drugs – Noted the need to set price ceilings for prescriptions and improve oversight of drug companies.

Other – Discussed the importance of ensuring that everyone who is playing by the rules has a fair shot at pursuing the American Dream, protecting access to affordable healthcare, protecting reproductive care, making sure Wisconsin remains an inclusive place, and being bold on clean energy.

Wyoming

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said that Wyoming remains strong and bright, and that while there are always concerns, the future is bright. The governor added that Wyoming remains strong and vibrant because of its core values. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Said his supplemental budget recommends only essential, ongoing or unexpected expenses mostly driven by inflation. Also recommended additional funding to fulfill a prior Property Tax Refund promise.

Energy – Spoke about the need to continue the state’s all-of-the-above energy policy, defend Wyoming’s policies, and diversify the economy.

Tourism – Noted the importance of investing in tourism and its impact on the overall state economy.

Infrastructure – Called on the legislature to work with him on building a necessary new dam, as well as providing limited state dollars to support projects begun with federal funds.

Education – Said the state must approach its education budget with care, and that expanding school choice, fostering talent, and building new opportunities requires thoughtful resource management. Also discussed the importance of continuing to coordinate post-secondary education and work to keep graduates in the state.

Health and Human Services – Recommended an increase in ongoing Medicaid funding to providers of OB services, behavioral health, and in-home health providers.

Fire Recovery – Requested additional funding to help citizens in restoring fire-ravaged lands as soon as possible.