Michigan families are facing high costs, job insecurity, and an uncertain economic future. The question remains: how much of the policy talk translates into tangible change for Black communities? Governor Gretchen Whitmer took the stage at the 2025 State of the State Address, delivering her seventh speech, she covered housing, jobs, and economic relief. But what does that mean for Black Detroiters, who have historically been left out of economic booms and disproportionately impacted by downturns?
“Right now, families and businesses are facing high costs and uncertainty from tariffs and our national politics are divided. Michiganders are tired of the games and want strong, bipartisan leadership. Let’s lead by example and show the rest of the country how to get things done,” Whitmer stated. For Detroiters, where job opportunities remain uneven and the rising cost of living continues to push families out of stable housing, what bipartisan solutions will shift the economic landscape?
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II spoke about the importance of inclusive economic growth. “Governor Whitmer and I are committed to building a Michigan where every person can be their best selves and access health and wealth. When we took our oaths, we promised a responsive government that would listen to every Michigander.” The impact of those commitments must be measured in Black communities where economic disparities have persisted for generations.
Housing affordability is a pressing issue. Since taking office, the Whitmer administration has supported housing initiatives, but for Detroiters facing gentrification and displacement, the concern isn’t just about building more homes—it’s about who can afford them. “This year, let’s invest $2 billion to build, buy, or fix nearly 11,000 homes…the largest housing investment in Michigan history,” Whitmer said. Will these homes be affordable for Black families who continue to face discriminatory lending practices and rising property taxes?
“Governor Whitmer’s State of the State speech addressed critical issues, but it fell short of the bold action needed to tackle the deepening housing crisis, rising economic inequality, and ongoing attacks on the working class,” said Scott Holiday, Executive Director of Detroit Action. “We applaud Whitmer’s efforts to relieve our communities of medical debt and her push to strengthen our schools so all children receive a quality education. However, while Whitmer touts Michigan’s economic momentum, the reality is stark: Black, Brown and low-income communities have been left behind, and lifelong residents face growing displacement. With federal cuts looming, the state must step up. Whitmer must make historic, people-centered investments to keep Michigan strong—but that means prioritizing working families over corporate profits.”
Medical debt is another financial crisis disproportionately impacting Black households. Nearly 700,000 Michiganders carry medical debt. “This year, let’s work across the aisle to reduce medical debt so being sick or getting hurt doesn’t also mean being broke for the rest of your life.” Wayne County Executive Warren Evans highlighted the success of local programs in addressing this issue. “Easing debt ensures that people can keep more money in their pockets, which helps keep the lights on and put food on the table.” If these relief efforts expand, they could provide critical financial stability for families trapped in cycles of medical debt.
Energy costs are also a major burden. Detroiters already pay some of the highest utility rates in the state, with many Black households facing shut-offs during the coldest months. Whitmer’s expansion of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program could help. “Everyone’s eyebrows raise when that first winter utility bill hits…Republicans and Democrats came together to do something about it…I was proud to sign this expansion, which could save 335,000 more Michigan families hundreds on their energy bills.” How soon will this assistance reach families before they experience shut-offs?
Jobs and education are critical to economic stability, yet young Black men continue to lag in access to skilled job opportunities. Whitmer addressed this, announcing an executive directive to boost their enrollment in tuition-free education and technical training programs. “No matter who you are, we want to help you learn more and earn more. So, look at an apprenticeship, find a scholarship, or sign up for Reconnect.” Beyond program availability, systemic barriers such as dropout rates, transportation, and lack of resources must be tackled.
“Meanwhile, DTE and Consumers Energy continue to gouge residents, raising rates while delivering unreliable and even dangerous service,” said Holiday. “Blackouts leave families in the dark for days, threatening lives—especially in extreme temperatures and for those who rely on powered medical equipment. It’s time for real corporate accountability, transparency, and a cap on exorbitant utility costs.
“As housing costs skyrocket and inflation squeezes working families, we need solutions. To put it plainly—the rent is too damn high. That’s why we must lift the statewide ban on rent control and guarantee fully-funded right to counsel for tenants facing unscrupulous landlords. The state must also dedicate $5 billion to social housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. A housing-first approach will not only fill the gap left by HUD’s defunding, but also provide real housing security for low-income families.”
The military presence at Selfridge Air National Guard Base was another focal point. Whitmer pushed for investments to secure its future. “On Saturday, in DC, I spoke with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about supporting a fighter mission at Selfridge.” With thousands of jobs tied to the base, its stability is critical. Are these defense jobs accessible to Black Michiganders, or will investment in the base benefit a select few while Detroit remains underrepresented in high-paying government contracts?
Whitmer also emphasized the need for permitting and licensing reform to spur business growth. “There’s a huge opportunity here for bipartisanship because we all agree that things shouldn’t take so damn long…This year, let’s simplify permitting to get things built on time and on budget.” For Black entrepreneurs in Detroit who struggle to navigate bureaucratic red tape to start businesses, these reforms could be transformative—if they’re designed equitably.
Education reform was another major topic, with Whitmer recognizing the need for academic improvement. “We spend more and we get less. It’s not acceptable. For our kids, let’s do better…This year, let’s pass a SMART education budget and get our kids on track for the bright futures they all deserve.” Black students in Michigan’s public schools face systemic inequities, from underfunded schools to disproportionate disciplinary actions. Budget investments need to be structured to address these disparities.
Whitmer also called for restrictions on cell phone use in classrooms, linking them to academic performance and mental health. “We’ve seen encouraging data about how commonsense restrictions on phone use during class lead to more learning and less bullying.”
There was a time when cellphones had no place in classrooms. During the millennial era, teachers did not allow students to have phones out during instruction. If a phone was seen, it was confiscated. Schools prioritized engagement and discipline, ensuring that students were focused on their studies without digital distractions. Now, the issue has reached the point where it requires government intervention. The normalization of constant phone access has eroded classroom discipline, and educators are left navigating a landscape where social media and text messages are competing for students’ attention. The fact that this debate has reached the governor’s desk reflects how drastically norms have shifted. For Black students, who already face systemic barriers to success, will this policy be implemented in a way that supports their learning experience, or will it lead to another layer of disciplinary action?
“In schools, these devices are used for bullying purposes. They’re used for taunting. They’re used for recording embarrassing events that are planned and carried out. Instead of coming to a fellow student’s aid, too many students are there to record it on their cellphones,” said Rep. Mark Tisdel. “In the places where restrictions and time prohibitions have been put in place, you’ve seen counselor visits go down, school psychologist visits go down, fighting go down, bullying go down. Grades have come up. Concentration has increased. It’s just been a win everywhere it’s been tried.”
Vaping regulations were also discussed. Nearly 14% of high schoolers use vapes, and Whitmer proposed closing a longstanding loophole and taxing vapes at the same rate as cigarettes. “32 states—red and blue—already do the same, including all of our neighbors.” Public health policies often carry racial disparities in enforcement. Will this regulation disproportionately impact Black youth, as has historically been the case with other substance-related policies?
“One of these pressing challenges we must address is medical debt, which burdens too many Michigan families,” said Senator Sarah Anthony. “As Senate Appropriations Chair, I’ve taken action to address this issue by securing $4.5 million in the 2024 budget to provide much-needed relief to people across our communities. While that was a critical step toward ensuring financial stability, I agree with the governor: we need to do more.
Economic and policy decisions must be measured by their actual impact on marginalized communities. Housing investments, energy assistance, education initiatives, and job training programs hold potential, but they must align with the realities Black Detroiters face daily. The speech covered many issues, but will these policies truly create equitable change for Black families, or will systemic inequities persist? The work ahead requires action that delivers measurable improvements for Black communities in Detroit and beyond.
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