Launch Michigan statement on Gov. Whitmer’s 2026 state budget recommendation

Venessa Keesler, president and CEO of Launch Michigan, a cross-partisan, nonprofit organization that includes education, business, labor and philanthropic leaders working together to reimagine Michigan’s system of public education to prepare every child for success, released the following statement in response to Gov. Whitmer’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026:

“Launch Michigan applauds Governor Whitmer’s state budget recommendation which includes historic investments in early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education, additional funding for efficiencies and consolidation efforts, and increased transparency measures – holding the state accountable for better preparing our children for life beyond high school. But we have more work to do. 

“Despite historic education funding, Michigan students are falling behind those in other states and we need a bipartisan commitment to bold, systemic change to reverse the slide. The proposed investments are a step toward reinventing Michigan’s education system and giving every student, in every corner of the state, the tools to succeed. We need our state policy leaders to take resolute action toward the fundamental system changes that are needed to make statewide impact. 

“We’re looking forward to working side by side with the governor, legislature, and education stakeholders to get these important initiatives across the finish line to uplift Michigan students and the future of our state.” 

The Launch Michigan framework for reimagining Michigan’s public education system is built around three pillars: Responsibility, Reinvention and Resources. The Launch Michigan framework can be found here.