Launch Michigan statement on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State address

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 2025 State of the State address.

“Launch Michigan shares Governor Whitmer’s perspective that what most Michiganders want is simple. Our children should receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success, our businesses should thrive with a strong workforce, and our state must be a leader in opportunity and prosperity.

“Michigan has a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change for students through a bold, bipartisan effort to reinvent our education system. This requires ensuring that a high school diploma holds value in higher education and the workforce. Every stakeholder is accountable for making that a reality, and this mission is at the heart of Launch Michigan’s work. The challenges Michigan faces will not be solved through partisan politics but through focused, practical efforts to secure a brighter future for Michigan students.”

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.