LANSING — Senator Joseph Bellino, R-Monroe, criticized Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2026 State of the State address, saying Michigan is falling behind under Democratic leadership.
Bellino issued a written statement after the governor’s speech Wednesday night, arguing that Ohio and Indiana are outperforming Michigan because of what he described as limited and effective Republican governance. He said Democrats in Lansing rely too heavily on government expansion, regulations, taxes and spending.
Bellino called for reducing red tape and cutting unnecessary spending, saying those steps would allow residents to keep more of their income and encourage long-term economic growth.
He also addressed education policy, saying student success is not about spending more money but about improving accountability and flexibility in schools.
Whitmer’s address focused heavily on literacy reform, economic competitiveness and a final bipartisan budget agreement by June 30.