State of the State Highlights 2026

Alabama

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said the state of the state is strong, and the future is even stronger. In her address the governor highlighted continued economic momentum, long-term investments, and policy priorities focused on public safety, education, workforce development, infrastructure, and healthcare. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Economic Development – Highlighted workforce development efforts, site readiness, and the first-year results of the consolidated Department of Workforce.

Infrastructure –Discussed recent broadband expansion efforts as well as road and bridge projects in all 67 counties. 

Education – Outlined significant improvements in student performance and education outcomes; announced the largest Education Trust Fund proposal in state history; recommended a two percent teacher pay increase; called for additional investments in literacy, numeracy, and school safety; and proposed increased funding for the state’s education savings account program.

Public Safety – Reiterated public safety as a top priority and urged passage of legislation increasing penalties for violent crimes. Also discussed progress on construction of new correctional facilities and the recruitment of corrections officers.

Healthcare – Spoke about the Rural Health Transformation Program and outlined 11 initiatives to strengthen rural healthcare delivery.

Emergency Preparedness and Resilience – Called for legislation to establish a statewide resilience plan and announced the launch of a statewide flood notification system.

Alaska

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy used his address to highlight progress made during his administration while outlining priorities for the coming year. The governor emphasized public safety, education outcomes, fiscal stability, energy development, infrastructure investment, housing affordability, and workforce preparation.

Key Speech Highlights:

Public Safety – Reaffirmed public safety as a top priority and highlighted improvements in crime trends while calling for continued investment in State Troopers, Village Public Safety Officers, and law enforcement resources across the state.

Education – Called for expanding education choice, including support for charter schools, and reforms aimed at improving outcomes, increasing accountability and advancing student achievement.

Budget and Fiscal Management – Highlighted limited spending growth in recent years and said the proposed budget includes investments in education, public safety, energy, housing affordability, and childcare while maintaining fiscal discipline. Also noted continued efforts to streamline and modernize government.

Energy Development – Emphasized investing in multiple energy sources and leveraging Alaska’s natural resources to power homes and businesses, support exports, and strengthen long-term energy security.

Agriculture – Highlighted the executive order establishing the Alaska Department of Agriculture to support agricultural development and strengthen food security.

Other – Said that during this session he will introduce several initiatives focused on childcare, job training, and affordable housing. 

Arizona

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs began by reaffirming the Arizona Promise — a commitment to security, opportunity, and freedom for all Arizonans. She highlighted accomplishments from the past year, acknowledged ongoing challenges related to affordability and public safety, and laid out key priorities for the legislative session ahead. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability and Tax Relief – Identified affordability as her top priority, urging lawmakers to pass a Middle Class Tax Cuts Package that would reduce taxes for working families, expand the standard deduction, cut taxes on overtime and tips, and offer relief for seniors.

Government Efficiency – Introduced the Arizona Capacity and Efficiency Initiative, a set of cost savings measures in her budget aimed at streamlining government functions and reducing taxpayer costs. 

Disaster Response –Described the state’s response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and ongoing advocacy for federal assistance for communities impacted by recent flooding.

Public Safety – Discussed efforts to counter drug trafficking and organized crime within the state while calling on the federal government to reimburse the state for its border security expenses.

Water Policy – Outlined initiatives to protect groundwater while at the same time promoting economic development, emphasized the need to ensure fair access to water from the Colorado River, and rethinking tax treatment of water-intensive data centers.

Housing – Announced a new Housing Acceleration Fund to help build more affordable housing faster and an Arizona Affordability Fund to help families with housing and utility costs, funded in part by a proposed nightly fee on short-term rental stays.

Education – Called for greater investments in public schools and bringing accountability to the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) entitlement program. 

California

California Governor Gavin Newsom discussed defending democratic values while continuing to build an inclusive, forward-looking economy. In his address the governor described investments in jobs, education, affordability, climate action, and recovery from the Los Angeles wildfires. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Management – Noted efforts to rebuild reserves and pay down pension obligations while acknowledging ongoing revenue volatility and long-term structural challenges.
Workforce and Economic Development – Highlighted the Jobs First economic blueprint aligned with universities and trade schools, regional development strategies, expanded tax credits, apprenticeship growth, and investments in advanced industries.

Education – Discussed record per-student funding, full funding for universal transitional kindergarten, investments in school meals, expanded before- and after-school programs, creation of community schools, and improvements in statewide academic outcomes. Proposed governance alignment across early childhood, K–12, and higher education.

Housing – Described housing costs as California’s core affordability issue. Highlighted major statewide housing reforms enacted since 2019, announced plans to address the role of large institutional investors in the housing market, and called for efforts to help reduce the cost of construction.

Climate and Energy – Emphasized California’s efforts in clean energy, climate policy, and resilience. Highlighted water storage investments, wildfire recovery, insurance reforms, and continued expansion of renewable and clean power generation.

Health Care – Noted efforts to stabilize the health care system, protect access, and lower costs including through subsidies and launching California’s own generic drug label.

Mental Health and Homelessness – Highlighted major reforms to the mental health system, updated conservatorship laws, and new housing and treatment capacity.

Public Safety – Talked about increased investments in law enforcement including crime suppression measures. 

Colorado

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said the state of the state is strong, resilient, loving, kind, innovative, free, and ever bright with the promise of a Colorado for all. In his address, the governor emphasized affordability, housing supply, transportation options, education outcomes, workforce preparation, public safety, health care costs, clean energy, and responsible stewardship of public resources, while urging lawmakers to continue delivering practical results for Coloradans.

Key Speech Highlights:

Housing – Emphasized reducing housing costs by accelerating housing production and removing barriers to construction. Called for funding the senior homestead exemption, addressing rising homeowners insurance costs through mitigation and risk-reduction strategies, and investing in housing near transit

Transportation and Transit – Highlighted major investments in roads, bridges, and transit, including expanded bus service, progress toward Front Range passenger rail, and continued support for multimodal transportation.

Education – Discussed full funding of public schools, elimination of the Budget Stabilization Factor, expanded free preschool and full-day kindergarten, and increased per-pupil funding. Emphasized improving literacy, supporting educators, and ensuring students are prepared for postsecondary education and careers.

Workforce and Economic Opportunity – Highlighted expanded access to free and low-cost job training, concurrent enrollment, and efforts to align education and workforce systems. Called for consolidating workforce programs into a single department to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes.

Healthcare – Noted efforts to reduce health care costs through price transparency, prescription drug affordability initiatives, and efficiency reforms. Spoke about the need to slow Medicaid cost growth while protecting access for residents who rely on the program.

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness – Highlighted reductions in violent and property crime and continued investments in law enforcement, wildfire response, disaster preparedness, and school safety. Emphasized support for local agencies, emergency response capacity, and protections against political violence and extremism.

Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources – Noted progress expanding low-cost clean energy, reducing pollution, and protecting air and water resources. Called for investments in transmission projects, water conservation, wildfire mitigation, and stewardship of public lands to support long-term resilience and affordability.

Connecticut

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont began his speech by discussing the nation’s 250th anniversary and Connecticut’s efforts to stay true to America’s founding principles. In his address, the governor highlighted the state’s balanced budgets, strong reserves, and pension improvements while outlining priorities focused on cost-of-living relief, education, housing supply, energy affordability, health care costs, and long-term economic growth.

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Stability – Highlighted seven consecutive balanced budgets delivered on time, a large rainy day fund, and recent pension debt reduction. Emphasized responsible budgeting to avoid future deficits and cautioned against unsustainable tax cuts or credits that could undermine long-term balance. Also noted recent efforts to protect against federal funding cuts.

Affordability and Tax Relief – Discussed income tax cuts for middle-class households, an expanded earned income tax credit, elimination of income taxes for most seniors, and removal of occupational licensing fees for nurses and trades.

Energy and Utility Costs – Proposed a one-time energy rebate of approximately $400 per family to help offset high winter heating costs. Emphasized reducing electricity costs through increased supply, diversifying sources including through wind and hydroelectric, energy efficiency, and regulatory oversight.

Education and Childcare – Discussed investments in early childhood education, including additional deposits into the childcare endowment to advance universal early childhood access. Proposed free school breakfasts for all students and announced plans to create a Blue Ribbon Commission on K–12 Education to review funding, special education reforms, and district efficiency.

Housing Supply – Emphasized expanding housing supply to reduce costs, including permitting reform, transit-oriented development, redevelopment of underutilized properties, and continued mortgage and homeownership support for working families.

Health Care – Identified rising health care costs as a major budget risk and highlighted efforts to control Medicaid and state employee health spending through efficiency reforms, fraud prevention, generic drug substitution, and the proposed Connecticut Option to reduce out-of-pocket costs while improving value.

Delaware

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer said the state of the state is strong despite facing challenges, tragedy, and unprecedented uncertainty over the past year. The governor noted Delaware’s quality of life remains high, open spaces remain protected, cost of living remains more affordable than neighboring states, and companies and families continue to choose Delaware. However, the governor said the state has work to do to expand opportunity, protect affordability, keep communities safe, and ensure Delaware wins in competitive global marketplace. In his address, the governor highlighted priorities including education outcomes, health care access, housing affordability, workforce development, energy and utility costs, infrastructure investment, and improving the efficiency and transparency of state government.

Key Speech Highlights:

Education and Early Childhood – Emphasized early childhood education as a foundation for opportunity, including a recent investment to expand access to childcare, reduce waiting lists, and support working families. Reaffirmed the state’s literacy initiatives, called for completion of a new public education funding formula, and urged reforms to improve accountability and student outcomes.

Health Care – Outlined efforts to address provider shortages and rising costs. Proposed expanding scope of practice, reforming Certificate of Need, and increasing mobile health units.

Housing and Homelessness – Highlighted a statewide shortage of affordable housing and called for streamlining permitting, digitizing approvals, and reducing regulatory barriers to lower housing costs. Discussed zoning reforms, continued investments in workforce and affordable housing, and plans to expand HOPE Centers to Kent and Sussex Counties.

Energy – Identified rising utility costs as a key affordability concern. Called for holding utility companies accountable for rate increases, urged the Public Service Commission to limit future rate hikes, and emphasized the need to expand in-state power generation, including offshore wind and nuclear energy, to stabilize long-term energy costs.

Economic Development and Workforce – Highlighted Delaware’s role as a global leader in corporate governance, citing record incorporations and continued strength of the corporate franchise. Discussed major private-sector investments, port expansion, support for small businesses through expanded EDGE grants, modernization of banking laws, and efforts to better align workforce development programs.

Government Efficiency and Transparency – Talked about streamlining permitting, modernizing unemployment insurance systems, improving agency performance, strengthening accountability and increasing transparency across state agencies.

Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state has delivered on a seven-year agenda focused on fiscal discipline, economic growth, education reform, strengthening public safety, environmental restoration, and the protection of individual freedoms. Looking forward, the governor called for property tax relief, informed medical consent, and responsible artificial intelligence regulations.

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Management – Highlighted the expansion of the rainy day fund, accelerated debt repayment, low per-capita state spending, and a comparatively small state workforce.

Economic Growth and Tax Relief – Cited sustained economic expansion, strong job creation, record business formation, and a series of recent tax relief measures.

Education – Outlined the expansion of school choice, high graduation rates, increased teacher pay, restrictions on cell phone use in classrooms, enhanced civics education, and reforms to higher education.

Human Services – Discussed the Hope Florida initiative connecting families with faith-based and community partners.

Public Safety – Emphasized support for law enforcement, strong criminal penalties, and maintaining Florida’s position as a law-and-order state.

Environment and Natural Resources – Outlined progress on Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, coastal protection, and improvements in Florida’s response to natural disasters.

Future Priorities – Called for continued property tax relief, protections for informed medical consent, and oversight of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Georgia

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said the state of the state is stronger, more prosperous, and safer than when he took office, however, he noted there is more work to be done to make sure Georgia continues to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family. In his address, the governor emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, and sustained economic growth while highlighting tax relief, record reserves, workforce and education investments, public safety, and long-term infrastructure funding.

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability and Tax Relief – Emphasized continued relief from high costs of living through a proposed fourth one-time tax rebate, while also calling for an additional 20-basis-point reduction to the state’s personal and corporate income tax rate, lowering it to 4.99 percent, three years ahead of schedule.

Fiscal Management and Reserves – Highlighted record reserves and lower debt levels while emphasizing conservative budgeting and preparation for future economic downturns.

Economic Development – Discussed recent private sector investments and job growth while calling for continued support for both large-scale projects and small businesses, particularly in rural communities.

Education and Workforce – Highlighted full funding of K–12 education, increased teacher pay, additional school safety funding, major investments in higher education and workforce training, restoration of the HOPE Scholarship to 100 percent, and creation of the DREAMS Scholarship, the state’s first need-based aid program.

State Workforce – Proposed a one-time $2,000 pay supplement for state employees, including educators and public safety officers.

Public Safety – Noted expanded support for law enforcement, enhanced retirement benefits for state officers, and continued investments to combat gangs, human trafficking, and drug crimes.

Guam

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said the island is navigating a period of rapid change driven by federal defense investment, economic growth, and population pressures while working to strengthen local infrastructure and public services. In her address, the governor emphasized housing expansion, healthcare modernization, economic development tied to federal investment, infrastructure improvements, and efforts to address homelessness and support working families across the island.

Key Speech Highlights:

Economic Development and Federal Investment – Noted the scale of federal defense investment in Guam and emphasized the need to align military growth with civilian infrastructure, workforce development, and community investment.

Infrastructure – Discussed investments in roads, utilities, and other core infrastructure needed to support population growth and major federal construction projects on the island.

Housing – Called for expanding housing supply through rehabilitation of public housing units, support for first time homeownership, and policies to encourage multifamily and mixed-use development while lowering barriers to construction.

Homelessness and Poverty Prevention – Highlighted creation of a Division of Homelessness Assistance and Poverty Prevention focused on housing stability, behavioral health services, and improved coordination among social service providers.

Healthcare System Modernization – Emphasized investments in health infrastructure including planning for a modern hospital and improving health data systems, telehealth capacity, and coordination across providers.

Public Health and Social Services – Discussed improving integration of health and human services programs so residents can more easily access services such as Medicaid and nutrition assistance.

Workforce Development – Talked about the need to strengthen workforce pipelines in fields such as healthcare, construction, and skilled trades to support economic growth and new federal investments.

Hawaii

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that after three years of overcoming tremendous challenges together, the state of Hawaii remains strong and resilient. In his address, the governor highlighted priorities including cost-of-living relief, housing production, homelessness reduction, health care access, economic growth, environmental protection, and continued recovery from the Maui wildfires.

Key Speech Highlights:

Cost of Living – Proposed preserving existing tax cuts in 2026 while pausing planned future cuts to address federal-related revenue losses and redirect resources toward food security and childcare.

Housing – Discussed progress in addressing housing costs and called for continued efforts to bring more short-term rentals back into the housing market, funding of the Leasehold Program on Oahu, redeveloping of public housing, and expanding the use of state lands for workforce housing.

Homelessness – Highlighted a shift toward a housing-first approach and focus on healthcare, including expansion of kauhale villages and integration of supportive services. Called for expanding kauhale villages statewide, strengthening homelessness services, and integrating mental health care and addiction treatment into homelessness strategy.

Economic Growth and Workforce – Noted economic recovery and diversification, including low unemployment, rising incomes, and growth in visitor spending. Recommended expanding stackable film tax credits, supporting construction apprenticeships tied directly to affordable housing projects, and creating public-private workforce pathways in targeted industries.

Environment and Climate Resilience – Highlighted enactment of the nation’s first dedicated climate fee to fund environmental protection and climate resilience efforts. Called for expanding wildfire prevention and preparedness as well as partnering with schools and nonprofits to train the next generation of climate stewards.

Health Care – Highlighted efforts to expand access and affordability, while proposing covering the cost of enhanced ACA tax credits for anyone in Hawaii currently using them, expanding the HELP initiative to more providers, and implementing the state’s plan for the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Maui Wildfire Recovery – Emphasized continued commitment to long-term recovery following the 2023 wildfires, including temporary and permanent housing solutions, rental assistance, and infrastructure rebuilding. 

Idaho

Idaho Governor Brad Little said the state of the state is strong, and while Idaho does face challenges, it has a solid foundation for enduring, long-term prosperity. In his address the governor emphasized preserving Idaho as a place where opportunity thrives and maintaining a fiscally responsible budget. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Budget – Introduced his Enduring Idaho plan framed around balancing the state’s budget, maintaining fiscal discipline amid declining revenues, and right-sizing government spending without raising taxes.

Tax Reform – Said Idaho’s tax system will conform to recent federal tax cuts and that tax relief will put more money in the pockets of seniors and working families and help Idaho compete for jobs and investment.

Elementary and Secondary Education – Committed to protecting K-12 public school funding even in lean fiscal years. Highlighted recent efforts to increase state support for public schools, increase teacher pay, invest in literacy, and expand discretionary funding for local needs.

Government Reform – Described an ongoing focus on cutting red tape and improving government efficiency while noting past efforts to reduce regulations and streamline state.

Workforce Development – Highlighted workforce development through Idaho LAUNCH and other strategies to prepare workers for in-demand jobs.

Rural Communities – Underscored the importance of rural vitality and maintaining water infrastructure investments, along with support for agriculture. Also said his plan includes measures to safeguard access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities.

Illinois

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, in his State of the State and Budget Address, highlighted Illinois’ fiscal progress in recent years, including credit rating upgrades, an eliminated bill backlog, improved pension funding, and growth in reserves. In his speech the governor outlined an affordability agenda focused on housing supply, energy costs, healthcare expenses, workforce development, and new consumer protections.

Key Speech Highlights:

Balanced Budget and Fiscal Stability – Presented a balanced budget proposal with discretionary spending growth limited to less than one half of one percent while noting recent fiscal progress in the state.

Housing – Announced the Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) Plan to reduce housing costs by lowering regulatory barriers, streamlining development processes, and expanding financing tools to increase housing supply.

Energy Supply and Affordability – Proposed actions to address rising electricity costs, including accelerating new energy generation and advancing clean nuclear development.

Medical Debt Relief – Called for continuing the state’s medical debt relief program, which has eliminated $1 billion in medical debt for more than 520,000 residents across all counties.

Education Investments and Workforce Development – Highlighted continued investments in K-12 education through Evidence Based Funding and teacher recruitment programs. Also proposed a new Vocational Training Grant Program to support career and technical education partnerships and workforce training initiatives aligned with employer demand.

Higher Education – Reported increased access to higher education, including expanded tuition free attendance at public universities and rising enrollment at community colleges while emphasizing continued investments to support college affordability and workforce preparation.

Children’s Online Safety – Proposed the Children’s Social Media Safety Act to strengthen protections for minors online and announced a social media platform fee intended to support K-12 education funding.

Consumer Protection Measures – Called for legislation requiring homeowners insurance companies to justify significant premium increases and supported new transparency requirements to eliminate hidden fees in consumer transactions.

Indiana

Indiana Governor Mike Braun said the state of the state is strong while highlighting rising wages, job creation, property tax relief, health care affordability, education outcomes, workforce development, and fiscal discipline. Much of his address was focused on affordability, which the governor said is the highest priority. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Energy – Discussed the need to hold the line on utility price hikes, ensure utilities provide services at a just and reasonable rate, and to make sure AI companies pay for the power they need.

Property Tax and Housing – Highlighted historic property tax reform while maintaining funding for local services. Called for reducing regulatory barriers to home construction to expand housing supply and improve homeownership affordability.

Health Care – Emphasized reducing health care costs through transparency and accountability as well as legislation aimed at protecting families from medical debt. Also discussed the need to ensure Medicaid is responsible and sustainable for those who need it the most, including through work requirements.

Education – Highlighted full funding of K–12 education, tuition freezes at public universities for two years, increased starting teacher pay, expanded school choice, improvements in literacy and graduation rates, and proposals to limit cellphone use in schools and strengthen parental involvement.

Childcare – Talked about the need to examine ways to make childcare more affordable and accessible during this legislative session.

Workforce and Economic Development – Highlighted strong private-sector investment and job creation across the state, including major manufacturing and logistics projects. Emphasized workforce training, apprenticeships, and upskilling programs to ensure Hoosiers can access higher-paying jobs.

Public Safety – Highlighted increased penalties for repeat violent offenders and drug traffickers, major drug seizures, a significant reduction in overdose deaths, and support for law enforcement, the Indiana National Guard, and initiatives to protect children and public safety statewide.

Iowa

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said the state of the state is strong, noting it is strong with Iowa’s families, communities, and those who serve. The governor discussed the need to work together to deliver results over the course of the coming year, while focusing on veterans’ services, property tax reform, government efficiency, improving healthcare, and increasing educational options.  

Key Speech Highlights:

Veterans Services – Proposed modernizing the state’s veterans’ benefits delivery system and establishing a performance-based grant program to increase the share of eligible veterans receiving earned benefits.

Property Taxes – Outlined a new proposal to address rising property taxes by capping local government revenue growth, adjusting assessment cycles, freezing property tax bills for qualifying seniors, and creating a tax-deductible savings account for first-time homebuyers.

Government Reform and Efficiency – Highlighted continued efforts to streamline state government, including agency alignment, regulatory reduction, increased transparency in local government spending, and partnerships with private sector technology providers to modernize state systems and improve service delivery.

Health Care – Highlighted expanded investments in cancer prevention and treatment, development of regional cancer care hubs, efforts to strengthen rural health care access and chronic disease management, reforms to federal nutrition assistance programs to prioritize healthy foods, and proposals to remove artificial food dyes from school meals.

Education – Emphasized evidence-based literacy and math instruction, expanded educational choice through universal Education Savings Accounts, increased teacher pay, improved student outcomes, and proposals to ensure per-pupil funding follows students across public schools and that public charter school students have access to concurrent enrollment classes and extracurricular activities.

Kansas

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly began her address reflecting on the major challenges the state faced when she was first elected including the condition of the budget, the need to improve the quality of life for all Kansans, and the importance of changing people’s perception of Kansas. She noted that since that time the state has seen many successes, the state of the state has never been stronger, and the future has never been brighter. Moving forward, the governor called for a continued focus on civility while prioritizing fiscal discipline, strengthening education, investing in mental health, and protecting water resources. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Economic Development and Fiscal Stability – Highlighted recent private sector investments and jobs created while noting successes in balancing the budget, paying down debt, maintaining a strong credit rating, having a large rainy day fund, and providing tax relief.

Education – Reaffirmed her commitment to fully funding public schools while proposing increased investments in special education funding, expanded access to free and reduced-price school meals, and legislation to limit cell phone use during the school day.

Mental Health – Talked about the need to continue to make mental health a priority including more treatment beds, professionals, and crisis response.

Water Supply – Urged the Legislature to act on recommendations from the Water Task Force to develop a comprehensive, long-term water strategy and identify a dedicated funding source to protect Kansas’ water supply for future generations.

Bipartisanship and Civility – Emphasized that major accomplishments during her administration were achieved through bipartisan cooperation, compromise, and respect. Called on legislators to continue governing with civility and focus on long-term outcomes.

Kentucky

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the state of the commonwealth remains strong; however he noted the commonwealth and the country are facing serious new challenges. In his address, the governor emphasized unity, economic strength, and the need to renew the American Dream through sustained investment in people and communities. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Economic Development – Highlighted new private-sector investment and additional jobs created. Proposed additional funding for site development, large-scale projects, and a new rural economic development fund to ensure job growth reaches all regions of the state.

Housing – Outlined major investments in affordable housing, including disaster recovery housing in Western and Eastern Kentucky, and proposed a new investment in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to significantly expand housing supply statewide.

Healthcare – Discussed recent investments in healthcare including opening new hospitals and clinics; expanding Medicaid to dental, vision, and hearing; supporting substance abuse treatments; and doubling the number of mental health professionals. Also called for additional funding to lower the cost of healthcare coverage, increase the number of slots for families of children with special needs, nursing student loan forgiveness, and creating a rural hospital fund.

Public Safety – Emphasized efforts to strengthen law enforcement staffing and pay, expand training capacity, reduce recidivism through rehabilitation and reentry programs, and maintain strong emergency response and disaster preparedness capabilities.

Education and Child Care – Proposed pay increases for educators, increased per-pupil funding, additional support for teacher retirement systems, and called for funding universal pre-kindergarten to help improve student readiness.

Human Services – Recommended additional funding to support food banks and creating a new fund to help at-risk Kentuckians pay their utility bills. 

Maine

Maine Governor Janet Mills said that despite challenges, the state of the state is strong. In her address, the governor emphasized cost-of-living relief, housing expansion, education funding, energy diversification, and health care access, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and democratic governance.

Key Speech Highlights:

Economic Growth and Fiscal Stability – Highlighted stronger economic growth, new jobs created, a low unemployment rate, credit rating upgrades, and a strong rainy day fund.

Affordability Relief – Proposed sending $300 Affordability Relief checks to residents, capped at $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, funded from the rainy day fund.

Housing Expansion – Announced an “American Dream” housing proposal to build 825 new homes statewide. Proposed pilot programs to construct 530 new middle-income homes and expanding existing housing programs, leveraging federal matching funds.

Education Initiatives – Highlighted free school meals statewide, expanded pre-kindergarten, higher minimum teacher salaries, upgraded career and technical education equipment, expanded early college programs, and implementation of Reading and Math Action Plans. Proposed a statewide ban on cellphone use during the school day from bell to bell and making free community college permanent.

Energy and Electricity – Emphasized diversifying energy sources to reduce reliance on natural gas and heating oil. Noted investments in wind, solar, hydro imports, energy storage, and efficiency rebates for heat pumps, water heaters, and weatherization.

Health Care Access – Highlighted successes from Medicaid expansion including reduced uncompensated hospital care. Warned of projected federal health care funding losses and potential coverage reductions.

Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore outlined his agenda to protect Marylanders from federal policy impacts, deliver economic opportunity and affordability, and lead in innovation and growth. The governor emphasized balanced budgeting, public safety improvements, energy affordability, education investment, housing expansion, and economic diversification.

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Responsibility and Balanced Budget – Highlighted a balanced budget with general fund spending smaller than the prior year, no new taxes or fees on the people of the state, increased Medicaid support, and funding to backfill federal SNAP reductions.

Public Safety and Violence Reduction – Reported homicides down nearly 50 percent statewide since taking office and highlighted continued implementation of the ENOUGH Initiative to address community-level poverty and violence drivers. Noted reduced overdose deaths and roadway fatalities.

Energy Affordability and Reform – Called for capping certain energy prices, incentivizing new generation, expanding solar and energy storage, requiring new data centers to cover their power costs and hire locally, and additional direct energy rebates.

Artificial Intelligence Strategy – Announced funding to provide workforce training for AI-related skills. Outlined plans to use AI to streamline access to SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and child care programs and to support small business growth.

Education Investment – Proposed historic support for public schools, including a new Academic Excellence Program and expanded academic coaching. Reported teacher vacancy rates cut in half, higher graduation rates, and improved reading and math performance statewide.

Housing and Transit – Highlighted funding for new rental housing units and proposed the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act of 2026 to increase housing near transit and expand transportation connections.
Infrastructure and Transportation – Discussed major projects including the rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, American Legion Bridge, Baltimore Light Rail modernization, and safety improvements on major highways.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey outlined an agenda centered on affordability, economic growth, and protecting the Commonwealth’s values while responding to rising costs and federal policy changes. In her address, the governor emphasized lowering costs for families, expanding housing supply, stabilizing energy prices, improving transportation, strengthening health care affordability, investing in education and workforce development, and maintaining public safety.

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability and Cost of Living – Identified lowering costs as a top priority, citing rising prices for housing, energy, food, and health care. Highlighted actions to cut taxes for middle-class families, expand free school meals, and provide targeted financial relief to renters, homeowners, seniors, and first-time homebuyers.

Housing – Emphasized accelerating housing production through faster permitting, reuse of underutilized state property, office-to-residential conversions, expanded accessory dwelling units, and programs to assist with down payments and mortgage affordability.

Energy and Utilities – Outlined an all-of-the-above energy strategy to lower utility bills, oppose large rate hikes, expand renewable generation and transmission, invest in energy storage, and remove unnecessary fees from utility bills. Announced temporary reductions to electric and gas bills during peak winter months.

Health Care Affordability – Highlighted actions to cap deductibles and copays, preserve coverage for residents, eliminate prior authorization requirements for necessary care, prohibit medical debt from being reported to credit agencies, and establish a Health Care Affordability Working Group to address systemic cost drivers.

Transportation – Discussed progress stabilizing the MBTA, expanding transit service, making regional buses free, and advancing a plan to repair roads, bridges, and transit infrastructure statewide.

Missouri

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s address focused on creating a foundation for growth so that Missouri’s children can inherit a state that is safer, stronger, and full of opportunity. In his address, the governor outlined an agenda centered on restoring balance to state finances, improving public safety, strengthening workforce development, creating new educational opportunities, and supporting agriculture. 

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.

Nebraska 

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said the state of the state is as strong as ever, noting recent economic gains, efforts to make state government more efficient, and partnerships with the federal government. In his address, the governor highlighted priorities including tax reform, workforce growth, energy development, health care access, education policy, public safety, and strengthening Nebraska’s long-term fiscal position.

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Management and Tax Policy – Emphasized reducing the tax burden on Nebraskans while restoring long-term budget stability. Highlighted a proposed budget that cuts state spending, delivers additional property tax relief, and maintains strong reserves while avoiding future budget shortfalls.

Economic Growth and Workforce – Emphasized keeping Nebraska open for business through tort reform, regulatory reform, and attracting high-paying jobs.

Energy Development – Highlighted the importance of reliable, affordable electricity to support economic growth, particularly for energy-intensive industries. Called for removing regulatory barriers to allow large power users to build generation capacity.

Public Safety and Corrections – Reaffirmed public safety as a core responsibility of state government, citing investments in law enforcement, corrections alignment, and cooperation with federal partners.

Education – Highlighted efforts to strengthen education outcomes, including reforms to improve classroom discipline, expand education choice, support teachers, and ensure higher education institutions remain focused on academic rigor and workforce preparation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources – Highlighted policies to protect agricultural producers, including strengthening ag data privacy, and supporting ethanol and bioeconomy development.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte said the state of the state is strong, prospects for tomorrow are bright, and that the state is becoming stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before. In her address, the governor emphasized maintaining New Hampshire’s low-tax structure, expanding housing supply, strengthening workforce and childcare systems, investing in education and rural healthcare, and keeping the state the safest in the nation.

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Discipline – Emphasized that the state balanced its budget without raising taxes and reaffirmed opposition to an income tax, sales tax, or other new broad-based taxes. Highlighted the state’s low overall tax burden and commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Housing Supply and Permitting Reform – Discussed passage of more than a dozen housing-related laws, including streamlined 60-day state permitting, expanded accessory dwelling unit opportunities, office-to-housing conversions, and financing reforms for energy-efficient housing.

Workforce and Childcare – Noted full funding of childcare scholarships, efforts to reduce administrative burden, expansion of nonprofit childcare providers, and proposed a tax credit for companies investing in childcare for their workforce.

Public Safety and Criminal Justice – Highlighted repeal of prior bail reform changes, increased penalties for human trafficking, strengthened cold case investigations, creation of a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, and proposals to double administrative license suspensions for drivers refusing breath alcohol tests.

Energy Policy and Electric Rates – Raised concerns about regional electric rates and called for greater transparency from the Public Utilities Commission. Directed the Department of Energy to develop pathways to advance next-generation nuclear power development in the state.

Education – Emphasized expansion of universal education freedom, historic investments in special education, and implementation of a classroom cellphone ban. Directed the Department of Education to undertake a statewide reading initiative to improve grade-level reading outcomes.

Healthcare and Medicaid – Talked about full funding of Medicaid eligibility levels, elimination of the developmental disability waitlist, funding for 988 crisis services, support for mental health centers, continued investment in addiction recovery programs, and efforts to expand rural healthcare access.

Conservation and Natural Resources – Discussed an agreement protecting the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Forest, renewed call for a moratorium on new landfills, and spoke about the importance of preserving the state’s natural landscape and recreation economy.

New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill used her inaugural address to frame the start of her administration around affordability, opportunity, and accountable government. In her address, the governor emphasized lowering costs for families and strengthening public services.

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability and Cost of Living – Identified affordability as the central challenge facing New Jersey families, highlighting rising housing, childcare, health care, and utility costs.

Energy and Utilities – Announced immediate executive action to declare a State of Emergency on utility costs, freezing new rate increase requests and directing regulators to expand power generation to reduce long-term energy prices. Discussed stabilizing and lowering energy costs by modernizing gas and nuclear generation, expanding solar and storage capacity, and increasing in-state power generation.

Housing and Economic Opportunity – Highlighted the need to expand affordable housing, reduce barriers for small businesses, and cut red tape.

Children and Families – Emphasized supporting children and families through access to affordable childcare, safe schools, mental health supports, and food security. Highlighted concerns about bullying, social media, and economic pressures facing households.

Government Accountability and Transparency – Called for restoring trust in government through transparency and judging agencies by results. 

New Mexico

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted successes over the past seven years including tax relief, affordability measures, free childcare, free college, historic family income growth, expanded healthcare access, and a clean energy economy. However, the governor noted there is still more work to do including getting crime under control, more housing, better schools, and a healthcare system that works.

Key Speech Highlights:

Early Childhood and Childcare – Emphasized universal free childcare as a cornerstone of the state’s economic and social strategy. Highlighted expanded access statewide, increased provider capacity and wages, and called for a recurring increase to fully fund universal childcare on a permanent basis.

Education – Discussed improved literacy and graduation outcomes and called for continued reforms to strengthen reading and math instruction, ban cell phones during instructional time, support special education services, and advance evidence-based accountability. Emphasized expanding summer learning, improving school safety, and maintaining a 180-day school year.

Economic Growth and Workforce – Talked about strong job growth, rising family incomes, and major private-sector investments in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and national security industries. Called for approving tax credits to support next-generation technologies, including quantum computing and fusion.

Infrastructure and Housing – Proposed a road bonding package, additional housing investments, zoning reforms to accelerate housing production, and an interest-rate buydown program to improve housing affordability.

Climate and Energy – Highlighted clean energy leadership and called for codifying the Climate Action Plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Emphasized expanding renewable generation, modernizing the grid, reducing industry emissions, and protecting consumers from rising utility costs.

Public Safety – Discussed the need to strengthen accountability for violent offenders, amend the juvenile code to address teen violence, expand pretrial detention for serious crimes, reform criminal competency laws, and advance gun safety measures.

Health Care – Highlighted expansion of Medicaid coverage, investments in rural health delivery, elimination of medical debt, protection of reproductive health access, and proposals to expand the UNM School of Medicine, approve interstate medical compacts, eliminate gross receipts tax on medical services, and enact medical malpractice reform.

New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state of the state is strong, and New York is just getting started. The governor’s 2026 agenda is focused on continuing to make life more affordable, keeping people safe, and expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers. In her address, the governor highlighted recent progress in reducing crime, expanding housing, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening the state’s economy, while outlining priorities to lower costs for families, expand childcare, improve housing affordability, modernize transportation, and ensure government works more efficiently.

Key Speech Highlights:

Childcare and Support for Families – Called for placing New York on a path to universal childcare, expanding childcare assistance, and funding universal pre-K for four-year-olds by 2028.

Public Safety –Talked about measures to strengthen responses to various crimes, enhance subway safety, expand mental health crisis response teams, and address emerging threats such as ghost guns.

Housing – Emphasized investments to preserve existing housing, unlock new development, and expand manufactured housing.

Transportation and Infrastructure – Highlighted major capital investments, including advancing the Second Avenue Subway and expanding green space access.

Energy and Environment – Discussed expanded clean energy generation including nuclear power, protections for ratepayers from large energy users, and investments to improve climate resilience.

Other – Noted measures to eliminate state income taxes on tips, freeze college tuition, invest in workforce development, protect children online, defend New Yorkers from federal overreach, and modernize government operations. 

North Dakota

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong focused his address on a singular priority, implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program, while emphasizing fiscal responsibility, rural community stability, and long-term improvements to health outcomes. The governor outlined how the state plans to deploy a historic infusion of federal funding to strengthen rural health care delivery and position North Dakota as the healthiest state in the nation.

Key Speech Highlights:

Rural Health Transformation Program – Centered the address on federal funds awarded for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. Outlined a four-pillar strategy focused on promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles, stabilizing the rural health care workforce, expanding access to care through telehealth and mobile services, and using data and technology to improve care delivery.

Health Care Workforce – Emphasized retaining and supporting health care workers in rural communities through training, support, and retention grants. Highlighted collaboration with providers, tribal partners, and community leaders to address long-standing primary care shortages affecting most rural counties.

Access to Care – Highlighted plans to bring health services closer to home by expanding telehealth, transportation options, virtual medical rooms, and mobile clinics to serve hard-to-reach populations and underserved areas.

Technology and Data – Called for building a smarter, more responsive health care system by connecting technology and data across providers to improve coordination, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Fiscal Stewardship – Emphasized responsible use of federal funds, noting the state will not construct new buildings, create unsustainable programs, or add permanent staffing obligations. 

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said the state of the state is stronger than ever and called for uniting around the principles of reducing regulations, protecting the vulnerable, and securing the state’s future. In his address, the governor reflected on seven years of economic growth and fiscal reform while outlining priorities centered on limited government, tax relief, education reform, and public safety. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Discipline – Highlighted building state reserves to record high levels. Called for placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to cap recurring spending growth at 3 percent annually and to preserve the Path to Zero income tax framework enacted last year.
Taxpayer Endowment Fund – Proposed creating a Taxpayer Endowment Fund seeded from existing savings to generate long-term investment earnings for the state. 
Property Tax Relief – Called for a statewide ballot measure to freeze property tax growth in response to rising home values and tax burdens on veterans, seniors, and families.

Medicaid and SNAP Reform – Announced executive action to increase work requirements and eligibility vetting for Medicaid and SNAP and called for a ballot question to allow adjustments to Medicaid expansion.
Education Reform– Emphasized expanding open transfer, strengthening statewide charter authorization, removing caps on the Parental Choice Tax Credit, and allowing the governor to appoint the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Public Safety and Marijuana Policy – Identified the medical marijuana industry as a public safety concern and called for sending the issue back to voters to reconsider legalization. Highlighted efforts to address illegal activity associated with the industry.

State Sovereignty – Reaffirmed commitment to “One Oklahoma” in response to the 2020 McGirt decision. Called for equal application of state laws, consistent prosecution authority, and unified tax treatment across residents.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his budget address outlining a plan focused on affordability, public safety, education investment, workforce growth, energy reform, and housing expansion. In his address, the governor highlighted revenue performance above projections, bond rating upgrades, and continued economic growth while proposing targeted investments and regulatory reforms without broad-based tax increases.

Key Speech Highlights:

Economic Growth and Fiscal Performance – Noted unemployment below the national rate, increased private sector investment, revenue collections above estimate in the first seven months of the fiscal year, two bond rating upgrades, and continued balanced budgeting.

Public Safety – Highlighted funding for additional law enforcement officers and a reduction in violent crime and gun violence, while proposing a Federal Response Fund to mitigate potential federal funding disruptions, competitive grants for fire companies, and continued investment in State Police trooper classes and violence prevention initiatives.

Education – Called for additional funding through the adequacy formula, increased basic and special education funding, expanded mental health services in schools, additional CTE funding, support for student-teacher stipends, banning cell phones during the school day, and expanding recess access.

Workforce – Recommended raising the minimum wage, funding to reduce adult education waitlists, expanded childcare recruitment and retention grants, additional funding for early childhood educators, and continued efforts to streamline occupational licensing and remove degree requirements for state jobs.

Health and Human Services – Proposed dedicated state funding for the 988 crisis line, expanded county mental health services, child welfare system reforms, updates to the Older Adults Protective Services Act to address financial exploitation, and passage of a state False Claims Act to combat fraud.

Energy Policy and Utility Reform – Discussed the Lightning Plan to expand energy generation, diversify renewables, and reform permitting. Also called for greater oversight of utility profits, elimination of certain utility fees, and increased transparency.

Housing and Infrastructure – Proposed a Critical Infrastructure Fund to support housing and infrastructure through bonding, zoning reforms to facilitate development, standards for accessory dwelling units, caps on rental application fees, and protections limiting annual lot rent increases in manufactured home communities.

Tax Policy and Revenue – Noted that the budget does not include a broad-based tax increase and continues prior tax cuts, including the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. Called for regulation and taxation of skill games and comprehensive cannabis reform.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee said that regarding the state of the state, Rhode Island is strong, steady, and working together is building a future worth fighting for. The governor added in the years ahead, the state will keep fighting for the future Rhode Island deserves, keep building, maintain a growing economy, help children reach their full potential, put more money back in families’ pockets and raise incomes, and will work together to oppose harmful federal policies. In his address, the governor highlighted an Affordability for All agenda, while also discussing the need to invest in education, infrastructure, and healthcare. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Reform – As part of his Affordability for All agenda, called for eliminating the state tax on Social Security, creating the state’s first permanent Child Tax Credit, and rolling back last year’s gas tax increase.

Energy and Utility Costs – Highlighted steps to cut energy bills including reforming and reducing the 25 percent of energy bills that comes from state programs and taxes.

Health Care – Recommended holding private health insurers accountable by setting enforceable caps on costs, creating the state’s first Marketplace Affordability program, directing additional funds to boost support to hospitals, investing dollars to ensure the state complies with new federal rules and help Medicaid recipients stay insured, and using federal funding to expand primary care, behavioral health, and drug treatment programs.

Higher Education – Proposed making the Hope Scholarship permanent for every student, no matter their income.

Infrastructure – Said his budget proposal will include bonding to keep Rhode Island building including an economic development bond to expand maritime and defense infrastructure, a higher education bond to support new or upgraded facilities, a career and technical education (CTE) bond to build and upgrade CTE facilities, and a housing bond to boost supply and drive down costs. The governor also discussed other steps to increase housing production as well as efforts to stabilize public transit.

Human Services – Called for doubling the state grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and adding funding to Planned Parenthood.

South Carolina

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said the state of the state is outstanding, highlighting recent economic growth and improved fiscal conditions. The governor also noted the importance of keeping the state on a course that will provide for prosperity, success, and happiness for generations. In his address, the governor emphasized fiscal discipline, infrastructure investment, education outcomes, energy capacity, public safety, health system reform, conservation, and tax relief.

Key Speech Highlights:

Tax Reform – Called for further reductions to the personal income tax rate and expressed support for eliminating it entirely if fiscally feasible.

Infrastructure – Proposed investing surplus funds to keep road, bridge, and highway projects on schedule amid rising construction costs.

Education – Discussed sustained investments across early childhood, K–12, and higher education. Noted that the minimum starting teacher salary will increase to $50,500 in 2026, a 68 percent increase since 2017, and called for universal full-day four-year-old kindergarten.
Workforce Development and Higher Education – Highlighted tuition freezes for in-state college students, expanded need-based financial aid, and technical college scholarships awarded to support industry-aligned credentials and workforce readiness.

Energy Capacity – Spoke about the need to expand electric generation and transmission capacity to support population growth, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Highlighted South Carolina’s leadership in nuclear energy and plans to restart construction of reactors.

Health and Human Services Reform – Talked about major restructuring of state health agencies to improve coordination, accountability, and service delivery, including creation of new cabinet agencies overseeing public health, environmental services, and behavioral health.

Public Safety – Emphasized funding law enforcement, school resource officers, corrections staffing, and emergency preparedness. Highlighted reduced recidivism, strengthened sentencing laws, and continued support for first responders.

Natural Resources and Environment – Discussed land preservation, completion of the State Water Plan, and continued investments in flood mitigation, environmental protection, and historic preservation.

South Dakota

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden outlined an Opportunity Agenda centered on keeping the state strong, safe, and free, while emphasizing fiscal discipline, economic growth, public safety, educational investments, and rural healthcare access. In his address, the governor stressed the need to recommit to civility, work together, and focus on small-government, commonsense conservative principles. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Property Tax Relief – Proposed a new option allowing counties to replace their share of owner-occupied property taxes with a half-cent sales tax. Announced plans to host property tax town halls across the state.

Economic Development and Workforce – Highlighted South Dakota’s strong economic performance and proposed establishing a State Apprenticeship Agency to expand workforce training opportunities and better align apprenticeships with business needs. Also said national security will be the next major focus of economic development efforts.

Rural Health Care – Discussed the state’s Rural Health Transformation Plan designed to bring more services to rural and remote areas. Outlined investments to expand behavioral health services, integrate care delivery, bolster the health care workforce, and support rural hospitals and emergency medical services.
Agriculture and Rural Communities – Emphasized the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and announced continued support for the Keep Farmers Farming initiative to help farm and ranch families with estate and transition planning to preserve family operations across generations.

Infrastructure and Cybersecurity – Highlighted the work of the GRIT task force and proposed expanding the SecureSD program to provide cybersecurity support to local governments and nonprofit utilities. Emphasized infrastructure investments to strengthen economic resilience and disaster preparedness.

Public Safety – Highlighted Operation Prairie Thunder, including expanded Highway Patrol saturation patrol and support for ICE, investments in law enforcement staffing, and efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime. Proposed additional protections for law enforcement officers and continued reforms to improve the correctional system.

Education and Workforce Preparation – Emphasized improvements in reading and math outcomes, teacher apprenticeship pathways, and career and technical education investments. Highlighted support for school choice and expanded options for students and families.

Tennessee

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee reflected on seven years of economic growth and fiscal discipline while outlining priorities for the final year of his administration. The governor emphasized education outcomes and school choice expansion, public safety, rural health reform, economic development, nuclear energy leadership, and continued responsible budgeting to sustain Tennessee’s long-term growth.

Key Speech Highlights:

Education and School Choice – Highlighted new public school investments since 2019 and proposed additional support in the upcoming budget. Noted improved math and reading gains and called for expanding the Education Freedom Scholarship program, proposing to at least double available scholarships.

Public Safety – Discussed a reduction in crime in Shelby County through the Memphis Safe Task Force, new grants to sustain progress in Memphis, and increasing the number of state troopers statewide.

Rural Health Reform – Called for legislative action to reduce regulatory barriers, expand scope of practice for medical providers, and reform Certificate of Need laws to increase investment and access to care in rural communities.

Economic Development and Workforce – Highlighted new investment and continued growth across urban and rural counties, while recommending continued support for workforce development including technical training to support business recruitment and job creation.

Fiscal Stewardship and Reserves – Discussed an increase in state revenues over eight years while reducing the size of state government, maintaining balanced budgets, growing savings, earning a triple-AAA bond rating, and cutting taxes while avoiding unsustainable spending growth.

Energy and Innovation – Highlighted Tennessee’s leadership in nuclear energy development while also announcing the launch of the Tennessee Quantum Initiative to position the state as a national leader in quantum research, infrastructure, and workforce development.

Utah

Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted successes in the state while also highlighting the importance of character, civic virtues and responsible leadership. In his address, the governor focused on educational outcomes, housing affordability, homelessness and addiction, and technology’s impacts on children.

Key Speech Highlights:

Education and Literacy – Called for sustained investment in instruction, early intervention, and accountability to ensure students are prepared for long-term success.

Housing Affordability – Emphasized expanding housing supply to ensure homeownership remains attainable. Called for zoning reform, streamlined permitting, infrastructure support, and innovation to accelerate housing production statewide and reduce regulatory barriers to development.

Homelessness and Addiction – Highlighted a systemic approach focused on accountability, treatment, and recovery. Emphasized cracking down on fentanyl trafficking while expanding mental health treatment, substance use recovery, and pathways back to stability for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

Children and Social Media – Highlighted concerns about the impact of social media and smartphone use on children’s mental health and development. Called for a bell-to-bell ban on cell phone use in schools and commonsense guardrails to hold social media companies accountable.

Legislative Restraint and Government Efficiency – Urged lawmakers to limit unnecessary legislation and allow time for implementation of recently enacted laws while emphasizing administrative solutions and streamlined government.

Vermont

Vermont Governor Phil Scott urged legislators to follow through on education transformation passed last year, saying the state has an obligation to fix a system that is driving up costs, widening inequities, and falling short for students and teachers. The governor emphasized that education reform is essential to affordability and Vermont’s economic future, warning that rising education spending is crowding out other priorities and making it harder for families, workers, and retirees to stay in the state. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Education Reform – Said Act 73 passed last year is a comprehensive reform that must be fully implemented this session, including expanding pre-K, increasing equity in course offerings, expanding career and technical education, and addressing disparities in teacher pay.

Teacher Support & Workforce – Stressed that reform is meant to support teachers who are often underpaid, overworked, and stretched across multiple roles while also pointing to a large pay gap in average teacher pay. 

Education Costs & Property Taxes – Noted pre-K through 12 education spending has substantially grown in recent years and is projected to grow further, leading to another double-digit property tax increase. Said inefficiencies in the system are consuming resources that could otherwise be used for housing, childcare, roads, public safety, and tax relief.

Governance & District Structure – Called for fewer school districts serving more students to reduce duplication, improve accountability, and deliver more consistent opportunities statewide. 

Affordability & Budget Outlook – Said families are struggling with the cost of living and rising property taxes while one-time federal pandemic recovery funds are gone and future federal support is uncertain. Stated his upcoming budget will be funded without new taxes and will require difficult choices.

Virginia

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger used her address to the General Assembly to mark the beginning of a new administration focused on affordability, opportunity, and increasing trust in government. The governor emphasized lowering costs for families, strengthening public education, expanding access to health care, supporting economic growth across all regions, and improving public safety.

Key Speech Highlights:

Affordability and Cost of Living – Identified rising costs as a central concern for Virginia families, citing housing, energy, health care, childcare, and food expenses. Called for cutting red tape to increase housing supply, producing more energy to lower utility costs, and ensuring large energy users pay their fair share.

Housing – Called for zoning reform, streamlined permitting, and support for communities to keep housing affordable for renters, homeowners, and seniors.

Health Care – Discussed protecting access to care, supporting rural hospitals, cracking down on middlemen driving up prescription drug prices, and preventing families from falling into medical debt.

Education – Called for making Virginia’s public schools the best in the nation by strengthening reading and math instruction, investing in educators, and preparing students for future careers.

Economic Growth and Workforce – Emphasized growing Virginia’s economy in every region through capital investment, expanded apprenticeships and job training, support for workers including the federal workforce, and expanded opportunities for agriculture and rural communities.

Public Safety and Community Well-Being – Talked about preventing gun violence, addressing addiction and mental health challenges, and ensuring the safety and security of all communities.

Government Accountability and Civic Unity – Discussed governing with transparency, ethical leadership, and working together to strengthen democracy.

US Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said the state of the territory is anchored in progress. The governor highlighted progress in strengthening government finances, rebuilding infrastructure, improving public services, and expanding economic opportunity, while outlining priorities focused on affordability, energy reliability, housing, public safety, and workforce development.

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Management and Financial Stability – Highlighted continued progress stabilizing the territory’s finances, including improved cash flow, strengthened reserves, and sustained on-time payroll and vendor payments. Emphasized disciplined budgeting practices and reforms to restore credibility and long-term fiscal health.

Economic Development and Recovery – Discussed ongoing economic recovery driven by tourism growth, private investment, and business development. Noted efforts to diversify the economy, support small businesses, and expand opportunities beyond tourism to strengthen long-term economic resilience.

Energy and Utilities – Identified energy reliability and affordability as critical challenges. Highlighted investments to modernize the Water and Power Authority, expand renewable energy generation, reduce outages, and lower fuel-related costs to residents and businesses.

Housing and Infrastructure – Highlighted continued rebuilding and infrastructure investment from major storms with support of federal funds, including road repairs, port improvements, and public facility upgrades. Emphasized expanding housing availability and accelerating repairs to government-owned housing stock.

Public Safety – Noted investments in law enforcement staffing, equipment, and technology.

Health Care and Social Services – Spoke about strengthening access to health care and social services, including support for hospitals, behavioral health services, and programs serving seniors, children, and vulnerable populations.

Workforce Development and Government Capacity – Highlighted workforce recruitment and retention initiatives across government agencies, investments in training and education, and efforts to modernize government systems to improve service delivery and accountability.

Washington

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said that in spite of recent events such as historic flooding, the state of the state remains strong. The governor highlighted the state’s triple-A bond rating, economic growth, and the number of people moving to the state as signs of its strength. To keep the state’s growth going, the governor said the state needs to invest in infrastructure, make the tax system fairer, and continue progress on addressing the housing crisis. 

Key Speech Highlights:

Infrastructure – Proposed historic investments in infrastructure without raising taxes, including for bridge preservation, road paving, and significant new funding to modernize and expand the state ferry fleet.

Housing – Recommended a supplemental investment, the largest housing investment in state history, to build and preserve affordable housing, support first-time homebuyers, and accelerate housing.

Tax Reform – Called for a millionaires’ tax on annual income above $1 million, expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit, reduced taxes for small businesses, and direct utility bill relief for qualifying households.

Other – Discussed the creation of the West Coast Health Alliance, expanding the State Home Energy Assistance Program, utilizing a donation to invest in free early learning programs, cutting down permit and license processing times, and increasing the number of students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

West Virginia

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said the state of the state is getting stronger and the state is more prepared, determined and is focused on building a future where families can thrive, workers can succeed, businesses can grow, and children can achieve their dreams. In his address, the governor highlighted priorities including energy development, workforce growth, infrastructure investment, health care access, tax relief, government efficiency, and improving health outcomes for West Virginians.

Key Speech Highlights:

Economic Development – Highlighted new private-sector investment and projected job creation, supported by site readiness, infrastructure improvements, and a new microgrids law designed to attract large-scale industrial and energy projects.

Energy Development – Emphasized West Virginia’s role as America’s energy state and outlined the “50 by 50” plan to more than triple power generation capacity by 2050. Discussed progress securing new energy investments, prioritizing coal, natural gas, nuclear, and other reliable baseload sources.

Workforce and Education – Highlighted workforce readiness initiatives including micro-credentialing, portable benefits, expanded licensing reciprocity, and investments in higher education and technical training. Called for continued focus on literacy, digital skills, vocational education, and workforce preparation.

Infrastructure and Broadband – Talked about investments in roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, and transportation infrastructure, including a proposed supplement for road and bridge repairs. Emphasized securing federal broadband funding to expand high-speed internet access statewide.

Health Care and Rural Health – Discussed the state’s Rural Health Transformation award while emphasizing prevention, wellness, workforce stabilization, and expanded access to care in rural communities.
Fiscal Management– Highlighted fiscal restraint, agency consolidation, and budget reforms, including limiting PEIA premium increases to three percent.

Tax Relief – Called for a 10 percent personal income tax cut and conformity with federal tax changes.
Public Safety and Emergency Management – Highlighted efforts to reduce drug overdoses, strengthen border and drug enforcement partnerships, support law enforcement and the National Guard, and invest in flood preparedness and emergency response systems.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers highlighted seven years of bipartisan legislative accomplishments while outlining priorities for his final year in office. The governor emphasized fiscal stability, tax relief, education investment, workforce development, housing expansion, infrastructure improvements, clean energy leadership, public safety reforms, and protections against potential federal policy impacts.

Key Speech Highlights:

Fiscal Management and Tax Relief – Discussed paying off state debt, ending each full fiscal year with a positive balance, and annual tax relief, including an income tax cut for middle-class families and elimination of the sales tax on household utility bills.

Workforce Development and Economic Growth – Reported record employment levels, low unemployment, increased skills training and apprenticeship enrollment, new workforce housing investments, and the expansion of broadband.

Infrastructure and Local Government Support – Highlighted the largest investment in local road construction and maintenance in state history and a new agricultural roads program.

Education and the Year of the Kid – Highlighted increased funding for childcare providers, the launch of the Get Kids Ready program projected to serve up to 24,000 four-year-olds, support for food security, aid for school mental health efforts, the largest increase to the special education reimbursement rate in state history, additional funding for K-12 schools, and support for University of Wisconsin projects.

Public Safety and Justice Reform – Called for codifying the Office of Violence Prevention, funding for Victims of Crime Act programs, comprehensive corrections reform to close Green Bay Correctional Institution by 2029, and expanded judicial diversity and clemency efforts.

Clean Energy and Environmental Protection – Highlighted Wisconsin’s first Clean Energy Plan, announced a partnership with UW-Madison to study nuclear energy opportunities, and called for bipartisan PFAS legislation.
Innovation and Workforce for Emerging Industries – Discussed advanced manufacturing and AI workforce training, launch of Ignite Wisconsin to support startups, and investment in the Wisconsin Fusion Energy Coalition.

Federal Policy Impacts – Raised concerns about federal tariff policies, FoodShare penalty risks requiring increased state investment, and potential loss of healthcare coverage for some residents.

2026 Year of the Neighbor – Declared 2026 the “Year of the Neighbor,” emphasizing community, civic engagement, and Wisconsin values of kindness, empathy, and respect.

Wyoming

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon focused on his budget proposal centered on the essentials of government. The governor emphasized fiscal discipline and savings, energy and mineral development, agriculture and trade, water protection, rural healthcare access, veterans services, government efficiency, education innovation, and long-term stewardship of Wyoming’s natural resources and constitutional principles.

Key Speech Highlights:

Savings and Permanent Funds – Called for placing surplus funds into permanent savings and noted the success of directing a portion of revenues into a trust. 

Energy and Mineral Development – Highlighted efforts to expand coal, oil, gas, rare earth, and uranium production.

Digital Assets and Financial Innovation – Reported launch of the nation’s first fully reserved, state-backed stable token and positioned Wyoming as a national leader in digital asset regulation and innovation.

Agriculture and Trade – Discussed efforts to expand export markets and highlighted the Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative to strengthen family operations. Requested restoration of funding for the Summer Feeding Program.

Water Resources and Natural Resource Defense – Recommended additional funding for the State Engineer’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office to protect Wyoming’s water rights in interstate basins and to defend state-friendly resource policies.

Healthcare and Rural Access – Recommended increased Medicaid funding for obstetrics services, behavioral health, and in-home care providers to stabilize rural healthcare access. Highlighted participation in federal rural health transformation initiatives and efforts to sustain emergency medical services across the state.

Veterans Services – Recommended the state front costs to expedite completion of a Wyoming Veterans Home, with reimbursement anticipated from the federal government.

Government Efficiency and Technology – Highlighted low SNAP and Medicaid error rates and requested reinstatement of funding to upgrade the Department of Family Services’ data enterprise system to maintain service levels and avoid federal penalties.

Education and Workforce Alignment – Highlighted the Wyoming Innovation Partnership linking the University of Wyoming, community colleges, and private businesses; the Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education initiative; and expanded career and technical education pathways aligned with employer demand.

The development of this content was assisted by AI tools.